CCSSO Legislative Conference

Wyoming Department of Education > Superintendent's Update > CCSSO Legislative Conference

Dear Superintendents,

It looks like the legislature is close to reaching a budget deal with a few education funding snags still being debated. As anticipated, it is not likely the legislature will adjourn within the 20-day session. Third readings, concurrence, and committee work continues. Bills that support children from military families as well as a significant Computer Science bill, Senate File 29, passed both houses.

I traveled to Washington DC this week for an annual legislative conference–It is always a privilege to represent Wyoming at the national level. I participated on a panel and shared how our accountability system, standards adoption process, and stakeholder input opportunities have all helped shape student-focused policy.

While in DC, state superintendents had several discussions about federal funding, ESSA, school safety, and other federal programs. To date there are still 17 states that do not have an approved ESSA plan. I am grateful Wyoming is focused on implementation versus approval of our plan. Federal education funding appears to be stable for the time being. And, the USED again stated they will refrain from providing additional guidance to states regarding supplement vs. supplant, report cards, and spending of title funds.

My office released an informational video about Career and Technical Education (CTE) recently. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqL6X_QSAGY&feature=youtu.be

Also, if you haven’t met Wyoming’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, Sara Reed, here she is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y7pXCJxcjA&feature=youtu.be

Rows of tables are filled with science project displays. A man sits and reads about the project titled "Whole Lotta Shakin Going On" which is next to a display titled "The Power of Ozone."
The Wyoming Science Fair was this week in Laramie
Superintendent Balow talks on a stage with the state chiefs from Florida and Illinois during a panel moderated by the Interim Director of CCSSO. A large sign hangs behind the stage that reads CCSSO Council of Chief State School Officers.
ESSA Implementation panel with state superintendents from IL and FL

Memos to be released on Monday, March 12:

Jillian