WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS — West Virginia’s business community must participate more in the state’s education plans if it wants the skilled workforce ready to handle the jobs of the 21st century, education officials told members of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Wednesday.

“Real-world solutions must have new mentors,” said Tom Jones, a member of the Governor’s 21st Century Jobs Cabinet and a member of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. “I urge the state’s business community to get more involved and support education in West Virginia.”

Chamber members were told of the many changes in policy, procedure and attitude regarding the state’s education system during an education and workforce development symposium at The Greenbrier. The symposium was part of the 72nd annual West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Meeting and 2008 West Virginia Business Summit.

“We are completely transforming our education system in West Virginia,” state schools Superintendent Steven Paine said.

Paine, along with other members of the discussion panel at the symposium, says the time for change and action is now.

“The globalization of our economy means our students not only compete with those from other states and regions, but also with other countries,” he said.

Paine said the U.S. has lost its top rank of having the highest percentage of high school degree attainment.

“Korea is now at the top, and since 1970, more and more countries as catching up and passing us,” he said.

State Senate Education Chairman Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, said in 1999 the state ranked near or at the bottom in adult basic literacy, knowledge of jobs, overall preparedness and innovative capital of its workforce when compared to other states.

“In 2000, the Legislature made the commitment to raise the standards for high school graduates,” he said.

In 2000, the PROMISE Scholarship was created, along with other innovative educational programs, he added.

“Now in 2008, we continue to make changes by passing legislation that established independent community and technical colleges,” he said. “We also passed Vision 20/20, which is a blueprint plan to prepare students to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”

The 21st Century Jobs Cabinet also helped the expansion of broadband and online access for students in the state, according to Jones.

However, Marshall University President Stephen Kopp said much more must be done. The state still ranks at the bottom of those with four-year college degrees when compared to other states.

“West Virginia would need over 100,000 people with a four-year degree to move into the state just to be at the national average,” he said.

“We must build a support system that encourages and helps students to achieve a college education. This state cannot thrive if education is looked at as an option.”

Kopp says education has always been, and will continue to be, “the great equalizer.”

“It’s the passport to greater opportunity,” he said. “We must create an environment in which West Virginia students seek higher attainment levels in education and believe that there are opportunities for them in this state.”

Kopp says the state has an advantage in this area.

“Most people born and raised in West Virginia want to remain in the state,” he said. “This is a big advantage in attempting to retain our best and brightest.”

Plymale said educators, the governor, the Legislature and the business community must work together to take advantage of the many opportunities in West Virginia’s future.

“As one report said, technical education could be the key to West Virginia’s future,” he said. “We have abundant energy sources and a reputation for doing the hard work, but we need a more skilled workforce. Now, for the first time in West Virginia, the governor, the Legislature and the business community are all working together to face the challenges and change the education system in the state for the better.”