By Amber Bass
With more than seven in ten (73%) West Virginia students unable to read proficiently at the end of third grade, which is five percent below the national average (68%), Clay County is showing promise. Clay has the highest percentage of proficient readers by the end of third grade at (63%). “I am thrilled that our students are excelling. We strive to surpass the standards. Annually, we improve, we are doing something right” says Superintendent Tanner. “Clay County School System has made a huge effort to place the very best teachers in our elementary classrooms. Our teachers are also placing a big emphasis on writing at all grade levels. Writing is often overlooked and good writers tend to read well” he added further.