Dear Superintendents,

Just four years ago, professional development opportunities provided by WDE were frequently canceled due to lack of participants. Because of the work we’ve done together, that is never the case today. Our model for delivering statewide professional development has quality, relevance, and input from Wyoming educators in the driver’s seat. I often reiterate that prophets need not come from a foreign land, nor do the best trainings need to take our educators out of the state. Included in this week’s memos are the results from a recent professional development survey. Results indicate that we are all on the same track and moving forward on a path that will help improve student outcomes.

We all know that no matter how dynamic a speaker or idea may be, change is unlikely without follow-up, accountability, and a school culture change that supports transformation. The survey results confirm this–districts value peer support, leadership development, and increased knowledge about new requirements. That is precisely what we aim to deliver using both Title II and general fund dollars.

Here is a snapshot of survey results (full results in memos) that summarize what 805 Wyoming educators indicated what Title II professional development should include:

  • Support high-quality instruction and instructional leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including computer science.
  • Integrate technology into curricula and instruction, which may include training to assist teachers in implementing blended learning projects.
  • Instructional strategies to integrate career and technical education (CTE) content into academic instructional practices.
  • Teacher and leader certification to expand options and expertise.
  • Include early educators in professional development to close crucial school readiness gaps.
  • Develop school and district leaders who are prepared to lead a culture that promotes improved student outcomes and excellent teachers.

STATEWIDE SYSTEM OF SUPPORT AND PLCs:

We are all very excited to kick off the next phase of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) this month. In preparation, I’ve had conversations with many of you and visited schools across the state. Without exception every school is inspired by and working towards strong PLCs–but every school is unique and in a different stage of growth. One key to success is for you to continue talking to us–when we are in your communities, on surveys, and during conversations, about the successes and challenges so we can learn from each other. Below is an important opportunity.

Wyoming Department of Education PLC Initiative Agenda; Professional Learning Communities at Work TM; Leading Collaborative Teams with Intention and Impact. This workshop will highlight the work of teams and how it can impact student achievement. Janel and Troy will discuss the essential duties of the team, principal, and district office, as they all have reciprocal responsibility. They will share practical tools that will foster both student and adult learning in schools and provide critical next steps for participants to take back to their schools to implement PLC at Work TM with fidelity. This workshop will motivate and inspire you to ask, "Why not us? Why not now?" Solution Tree authors and PLC at Work TM experts Janel Keating and Troy Gobble lead the work of high-performing teams in their districts each day. Both partner with educators across the US to help more students learn at higher levels through the PLC at Work TM process. Register here for the workshop. April 16 in Casper at Casper College, GW225 with speaker Janel Keating. April 17 in Cheyenne at Laramie County Community College Pathfinder Building with speaker Troy Gobble. April 26 in Riverton at Central Wyoming College Fremont Room with speaker Janel Keating. April 27 in Green River in Sweetwater County School District #2 Board Room with speaker Janel Keating. Janel Keating is a superintendent in White River School District. Troy Gobble is a Principal at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. Questions? Contact Shelly Andrews at shelly.andrews@wyo.gov, 307-777-3781 (office), or 307-214-4081 (cell). Solution Tree.

This week, we officially launched Boot Up Wyoming 2022, our Computer Science Initiative. Here is a link to the release:

https://edu.wyoming.gov/blog/2018/04/02/boot-up-wyoming-2022-aims-to-implement-computer-science/

Boot Up Wyoming banner

Six WDE staff sit around a conference table and work on their laptops to test the new online platform for Wyoming's statewide assessment.

WDE live tests WY-TOPP–Are your schools prepared for the new format?

Memos to be released Monday:

Jillian

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