CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today issued the following statement, praising members of the West Virginia Legislature for supporting and passing Senate Bill 359, which outlines the comprehensive plan to raise student achievement and improve the state's education system. The bill is now headed to the governor's desk for signature.

"I commend the members of the legislature for voting to raise student achievement with passage of S.B. 359. I'm confident this landmark legislation, along with my executive orders and coordination with the State Board of Education, will provide meaningful reforms ensuring our students receive the best education possible," Gov. Tomblin said. "I appreciate the collaborative effort between our legislators, especially Senate President Jeff Kessler and House Speaker Rick Thompson, AFT-WV and WVEA, business and labor leaders, education advocates, and many parents. We've spent months crafting this historic legislation. I believe our kids will be better prepared for future opportunities because of this bill."

S.B. 359 accomplishes the governor's five main goals for education reform:

* All children will read at grade level by the end of the 3rd grade.

* High school graduates will be ready to enter the workforce upon graduation or make a seamless transition into college or vocational school.

* All students will be taught by great teachers.

* Students will learn in a variety of ways.

* And public education will be delivered locally, not by Charleston.