Charleston, W.Va. - West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt will share the state's Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Science Framework with educators during professional development sessions at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, Monday through Wednesday, July 27-29, 2026. The Framework, the first of its kind in the country, outlines an approach for digital science and AI literacy education that equips students with the knowledge, skills and credentials to succeed in this rapidly evolving workforce. It also offers educators a way to increase efficiencies in their work and better personalize learning for students.

Earlier this year, Superintendent Blatt appeared before a U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee to share the state's strategy on addressing the use of AI while also protecting students, their data and educational integrity. The Framework is the result of years of planning, collaboration and development. Digital science encompasses the evolving fields of computer science, AI literacy, data reasoning, cybersecurity awareness, media literacy and the practical application of digital technologies. The framework equips educators to prepare students with the AI and digital science knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the workforce of the future.

The West Virginia AI and Digital Science Framework establishes a statewide structure for sustained success. From policy to educator development and student learning, it defines how the state will implement digital science and AI readiness at scale. It serves two priority goals:

• Respond to the rapidly changing technology landscape
• Establish best practices as a leader for rural models of AI readiness, workforce development and digital science education

With three statewide commitments, educators will be equipped with understanding and the tools to support implementation. These commitments are:

• Student Access - Every student will have access to AI literacy learning experiences and digital science instruction before graduation
• Educator Capacity - All counties will sustain local AI training capacity through a train-the-trainer model
• Workforce Alignment - Every approved pathway will connect to employer demand, postsecondary alignment, and portable or verified credentials

Next week, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) will launch the framework during three educator and staff development sessions. These sessions include unique opportunities for new county central office hires, the Support, Appreciate, Invest, and Learn (SAIL) Conference, and the West Virginia Middle Schools: Bridging the Future Initiative launch. Each session is designed to meet the needs of K-12 educators, professionals, paraprofessionals, service personnel and others who serve in the education community.

As part of the partnership, Prodigy Learning is providing West Virginia educators, at no additional cost, their in-person and virtual training on all products and the materials required for license renewal.