A recent study lauded West Virginia as a state making major gains in early childhood literacy ­–and pointed out Ohio County as one of the school districts that has led the charge.

Upswing Labs, a research organization that studies how states are improving literacy, listed West Virginia among four states ­– joining South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana –that have improved third-grade proficiency rates by 3-4% over the last three years.

Further into that study, the organization points out nine West Virginia counties that have seen the best gains among third-grade students meeting or exceeding standards. Ohio County is on that list with Cabell, Kanawha, Logan, Marion, Mercer, Monongalia, Putnam and Raleigh.

Ohio County actually carries the best percentage of third-graders in that category in 2024, at 65.2%, up from 48.7% in 2022 and 56.5% in 2023.

Ohio County Schools has made it a priority over the last few years to boost standardized test scores after COVID-19 helped cause them to plummet. Through summer workshops and discussions at all levels, teachers and administrators have found the formula to keep third-grade literacy moving forward.

High marks in early childhood literacy are crucial to a school district’s overall plan. Setting a great foundation will only help as these students get older. Congratulations to Ohio County Schools for the recognition. The numbers don’t lie. The district has earned the applause.