Pleasants County Schools Office of Academics and Personnel is sharing important information with families of current Second Grade Students about the retention part of a state law called the West Virginia Third Grade Success Act (TGSA) and what it means for students as they move from second grade into third grade.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, third-grade students in all West Virginia Schools may be recommended to repeat third grade if they are not yet demonstrating grade-level proficiency in reading, mathematics, or both by the end of third grade. According to the Third Grade Success Act, A student who scores “does not meet standard” (red) in reading or math on the West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WV-GSA) at the end of third grade will be recommended for retention unless they meet an exemption.
Exemptions: The TGSA includes several exemptions that may allow a student to be promoted to grade 4 at the recommendation of their teacher and the Student Assistance Team (SAT) even if they score in red on the GSA at the end of grade 3. These include:
Students with certain disabilities, students on learning plans (IEP, 504 plans, or intensive intervention plans), or students who were previously retained.
Students who are English learners with limited time in English instruction.
Students who retake the WVGSA and score above the required cut score on the second attempt.
Students who attend a summer learning program and demonstrate proficiency on a retest of the GSA.
A good cause exemption requested by a parent and approved by the superintendent or designee, when it is determined to be in the student’s best interest.
Supports: You may have noticed that, as part of the TGSA, families receive three written progress notifications each school year following the beginning, middle, and end-of-year assessments in grades K-3. These updates are designed to keep families informed of student progress, identify areas of growth early, and guide instructional supports. Students who show difficulty in reading or math on these assessments in kindergarten through third grade receive additional help right away. Additional supports may include small-group or one-on-one instruction, targeted reading or math interventions, progress monitoring throughout the year, extended day (tutoring) or summer learning opportunities, and many other interventions. Families are notified whenever a learning concern is identified, and parents are actively involved in planning supports well before any retention decision would ever be considered.
What does this mean for your second grader right now? Currently, no action is required from you. This letter is intended to keep families informed early so there are no surprises later. Our focus remains on support, growth, and strong partnerships with families. If your child ever needs additional support, we will communicate with you promptly and work together to help your child succeed.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the Third Grade Success Act (TGSA) further, please contact your child’s school. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Sincerely,
Mr. Eric Croasmun, Director
Curriculum & Instruction, Assessment, County Test Coordinator, Professional Learning, Certification, Personnel, Policy, and School Improvement.