Buckhannon, W.Va. | March 6, 2026
Upshur County Schools is proud to support more than 60 K–5 teachers and administrators as they complete LETRS® training by Lexia. This training helps teachers understand how children learn to read. It also gives them practical, research‑based strategies they can use in class.
This work is part of a statewide effort funded by the West Virginia Legislature and led by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). The state is offering this science‑of‑reading training at no cost to eligible K–5 teachers and administrators. It supports the Third Grade Success Act, which puts the science of reading into law and expands screening and help for students who need it.
Upshur County educators are learning in three groups (cohorts). Each group completes self‑paced lessons and virtual training sessions. Teachers can try new ideas right away and share what works across our schools.
“I’m excited that about 90% of our eligible K–5 teachers signed up for this year‑long, challenging LETRS training,” said Tristen Gray, Director of Curriculum. “Based on results in Mississippi, I’m confident this work will make a real difference in Upshur County. It may take up to three years after the training to see the full results. Our teachers are joining at a much higher rate than many counties in West Virginia. That shows how committed they are to our students’ growth.”
LETRS is based on decades of reading research. It builds teacher skills in key areas like sounds in words, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. WVDE launched statewide cohorts in 2025 and will continue through 2026 to align with the Third Grade Success Act.
“Upshur County’s educators are using proven methods,” Gray added. “When we invest in teacher learning, we help every student become a stronger, more confident reader.”
For more information about Upshur County Schools’ literacy work, please contact:
Tristen Gray, Director of Curriculum, 304‑472‑5480.