Dear Superintendents,

We had a fantastic virtual Wyoming Education Summit (WES) conference last week. Thank you for attending! Our keynote speakers were excellent and the breakout sessions were informative and relevant. Always, the most exciting part of WES is celebrating district teachers of the year and announcing the Wyoming Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to the 2022 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Brittney Montgomery of Green River! We are excited to welcome all of the district recipients and their principals into the Level Up! leadership program.

Several weeks ago I noted in this update that Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 – October 15. In Wyoming we celebrate in a number of ways and one opportunity is the Wyoming Latina Youth Conference. Participants can join virtually or in-person October 8-9. Here is a letter from me with more information about the conference. Please share with your networks.

toy

2022 WY Teacher of the Year, Brittney Montgomery with Superintendent Balow and 2021 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Alexis Barney

Here is a touching back-to-school letter from the 2021 national Teacher of the Year.

FEDERAL UPDATES

  • The U.S. Department of Education (USED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released two virtual “resource binders,” to assist schools and institutions — one for K-12 schools and the other for postsecondary institutions — contain fact sheets, Q&As, letters to educators and school leaders, and related materials about their responsibilities to provide educational environments free from discrimination under the federal civil rights laws enforced by OCR.
  • Through September 30, the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) is soliciting feedback on updating its framework for the 2028 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in science.
  • The USED Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) issued an “OSEP Fast Facts” on race and ethnicity of children with disabilities served under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a “Hand in Hand” supplemental tool that guides parents and stakeholders through the information.

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

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