This outlines the Cardinal Institute’s priorities for the coming session, including a One Door approach to better coordinate safety-net and workforce programs, social studies curriculum reform to strengthen civics, and expanded education options such as charter schools, the Hope Scholarship, microschools, and open enrollment.
One Door Policy
While assistance programs all serve the same broad purpose, they are rarely co-located, co-administered, or coordinated amongst – resulting in confusion, delays, and stress from dealing with the fragmented system. These inefficiencies are more troubling with the onset of new requirements for program administration passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill.
The Cardinal Institute supports integration of social safety net and workforce assistance programs under a single agency where the primary purpose is to provide services to reconnect people with work, and social services are a complement to that effort.
Social Studies Curriculum Reform
At a time when civic literacy is declining nationwide, the Cardinal Institute supports revitalization of civic education emphasizing foundational knowledge, constitutional principles, and the importance of cultivating informed citizens. West Virginia has a unique opportunity to lead the country through adoption of content-rich, ageappropriate curriculum that integrates civics, U.S. history, and government across all grade levels.
Educational Freedom
A strong education system is the foundation of a brighter future. The Cardinal Institute supports expanded eligibility and availability of existing options such as charter schools, the Hope Scholarship program, microschools, and open enrollment in the traditional public school system.
Article reposted from the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy. Photo credit: Cardinal Institute.
Reference: House Bill 4594 – WV Introduces Bill to Create an Integrated Department of Workforce Services