CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) will conduct regional community meetings on Wyoming’s Mathematics Content and Performance Standards. These meetings will inform the public of the standards review process and gather public input to be shared with the Math Standards Review Committee for their consideration prior to their work.
A presentation will cover the design criteria, goals, objectives, definitions of the standards, and answer questions pertaining to the review process. Participants will be asked to respond to two questions:
Why are Math Standards important for students, teachers, and parents?
What do you want the Math Standards Review Committee to know as they start the review process?
Meetings will take place in Powell, Casper, Rock Springs, and Cheyenne from 6-8 p.m.
May 2, Powell High School, Library, 1150 East 7th Street, Powell
May 3, Natrona #1 Central Services Facility, Jefferson Room, 970 North Glenn Road, Casper
May 4, Rock Springs High School, Board Room, 3550 Foothill Boulevard, Rock Springs
May 9, Laramie #1 Administrative Building, Room #130, 2811 House Avenue, Cheyenne
Those unable to attend can respond to the same two questions online.
The WDE and State Board of Education are still taking public input on Wyoming’s current math standards for the review committee to consider as they begin the standards review process. Specific input on the standards can be given online through May.
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Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) today announced the release of Wyoming’s draft Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) State Plan for a 45-day public comment period. The draft plan is available on the WDE’s website.
“This plan builds off of the strengths in Wyoming’s education system and our ongoing commitment to excellence. The goals for our schools are based on our state’s priorities instead of the federal government’s,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “From standards to accountability to best use of federal funds, ESSA places the responsibility to provide a well-rounded education to every student squarely on our shoulders. A public review of this plan by educators, parents, the employer community, and other citizens is essential. We need to make sure Wyoming kids are put first.”
Superintendent Balow lists the post-secondary readiness indicator and supports for schools and educators as highlights of the draft plan, “We want our students to be ready for their next step after high school, and we’re excited to begin looking at both college and career readiness measures for the first time as a state. We also know from our state accountability model that the way to help schools improve is to make sure they have the right kinds of support and that educators have what they need to do their jobs. Our ESSA state plan will allow us to apply this same strategy with federal funds. We are not here to punish schools and students, we are here to help them do better.”
During this public comment period, the Wyoming Department of Education will convene the Advisory Committee and work with the State Board of Education to convene the Professional Judgment Panel to refine the indicators that will meet the requirements for both accountability models to ensure Wyoming schools operate under a single, coherent system.
Comments can be submitted to the WDE through June 8, 2017 through an online survey, public meetings, or by mail. An online public meeting will take place on May 4 at 6:30 p.m. Anyone wishing to participate can register online. Additional public meetings are tentatively planned to take place on May 11 in Powell, May 18 in Riverton, and June 7 in Laramie.
Comments can be mailed to:
Wyoming Department of Education
Attn: Kari Eakins
2300 Capitol Avenue
Hathaway Building, 2nd Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002
ESSA reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the principal federal law affecting K-12 education, and replaces No Child Left Behind.
It was a privilege to conduct a formal government to government conversation with the Northern Arapaho Business Council this week. The conversation was in fulfillment of the requirement for meaningful consultation with tribes on the Every Student Succeeds (ESSA) State Plan. Beyond the requirement, however, the visit was a wonderful opportunity to talk about education opportunities and challenges for Native American learners. We also discussed the Indian Education for All legislation that passed in the Wyoming Legislature this year. Later this month, I will meet with the Eastern Shoshone Business Council to begin the same dialogue.
Members of the Arapaho Business Council
I also had an opportunity to attend Wyoming’s National History Day competition this week. Congratulations to all of the students, teachers, and schools who participated! One of the award presenters from the Wyoming Bar Association asked me if teachers are paid extra to work with students on their projects. It was another chance to tell about the great work and tremendous dedication of teachers across our state. Thank you for creating opportunities for students to keep Wyoming strong.
I’ll draw your attention to the memo this week about the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute. The Institute would like to pay for fifteen Wyoming educators to attend (all costs covered) this American history training. There are seven slots still available.
Wheatland Middle School History Day Winners with Mrs. Birt
WDE is pleased to announce a competition to name the new statewide assessment system that will replace PAWS and be administered next school year. All Wyoming students are invited to submit their name suggestions by following the link below. Entries may be submitted by individual students or classes of students through May 12th. The competition is limited to one submission per email address.
The winning name will be announced by May 26th. The school district of the winning name will receive a box of books and goods, and the student or classroom will also receive a prize.
We are inching closer to completion of the ESSA State Plan. The first draft is slated to go out for public comment in the coming weeks. While quite a lot of discussion in Wyoming has been centered on accountability, assessment, and standards, there are other essential components of ESSA. I’ll shine a light on school improvement in advance of the release of the draft plan.
We remain committed to providing opportunities and improving outcomes for each and every student in each and every school. Continuous improvement is cultivated in every school and community. There is a special urgency to drive dramatic improvement for students in our lowest-performing schools and those with the most significant achievement gaps.
Under NCLB, the approach to school improvement was “top-down” with waivers, AYP, and constraints that did not work particularly well. In the draft plan, we have incorporated ESSA criteria into the existing school improvement and support framework.
ESSA Identification criteria for school improvement:
Comprehensive Support
Lowest-performing 5 percent of Title I schools on state accountability index
High schools with graduation rates less than 67 percent
Schools with underperforming subgroups that do not improve after a state-determined number of years
Targeted Support
Schools with consistently underperforming subgroups, as defined by the state
Of course, there is a strong connection between schools and the communities and, thus, ESSA requires schools to engage community and education partners in the development of improvement plans with the ultimate goal of equitable access to high-quality instruction for all students.
Additionally, ESSA requires the state to carry out the following key activities:
Flexibility with and Distribution of Title I school improvement funds: Continues to be a major leverage point for states.
Approval and monitoring of improvement plans: The hard work of school improvement is going to happen at the district and school levels.
Coordination: Strategies for supporting the lowest-performing schools and the use of Title I school improvement funds must be aligned with the other initiatives that support these same students and schools.
Differentiated assistance: States must identify how they intend to deliver support to identified schools and districts, including how comprehensive support differs from targeted support.
As State Superintendent, I sit on a number of boards and commissions with the other statewide elected officials. One group is the State Loans and Investments Board (SLIB). The SLIB met this week and loaned/granted money for a number of projects meant to spur economic diversity. Here is a link to a press release: http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/news/state-board-approves-five-business-/10512
We also made key decisions on asset allocations for various state funds, including the Common School Permanent Land Fund, the Hathaway Scholarship Endowment Fund, and the Higher Education Endowment Fund. In June we will continue to refine our work as a board with a focus on investment rule changes.
State Loan and Investment Board with statewide elected officials
Recalibration Meeting
There was an orgainizational meeting for the legislative recalibration of school funding. Members agreed to move forward with an RFP for services related to the work. The role of WDE in the recalibration work is to provide information and data to the committee and have staff attend meetings.
Ribbon cutting at Meadowlark Elementary School in Cheyenne
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) and State Board of Education are taking public input on Wyoming’s current math standards. The Math Standards Review Committee will consider this input as they begin the standards review process. Input can be given online through May or at regional community meetings.
The regional community meetings will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the following locations:
May 2: Powell High School Library, 1151 E. 7th Street, Powell, WY
May 3: Natrona #1 Central Services Facility, Jefferson East Room, 970 N. Glenn Road, Casper, WY
May 4: Rock Springs High School, Board Room, 3550 Foothill Blvd, Rock Springs, WY
May 9: Laramie #1 Administrative Building, Room #130, 2811 House Ave, Cheyenne, WY
Each community meeting will start with a 30-minute presentation on the standards review process, the review timeline, and answering questions before a 90-minute time slot dedicated to public comment. The public may come and go throughout or feel free to stay to hear the comments of others.
WDE personnel will present the input to the members of the Math Standards Review Committee before they meet this summer. The committee will review the 2012 Mathematics Standards and make a recommendation to the State Board of Education. Standards are reviewed at least once every nine years based on a timeline approved by the State Board.
Those interested in serving on this committee should complete the Call for Participants Survey. The survey closes at 11:59 p.m. on April 11, 2017.
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Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053
This week was the annual legislative conference for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The conference is an unsurpassed opportunity to network with colleagues from other states, work for a day with state board counterparts attending the NASBE conference, and to receive updates from the USDE and others. Here are a few takeaways:
The “skinny budget” proposed by the Trump Administration has $9 billion in cuts to education.
The proposed budget outlines $9 billion in cuts including the elimination of several programs.
Congress determines the budget and the President’s plan is a first step. We will all monitor this closely, including Wyoming’s federal delegation, over the next months. There is no need to plan for cuts in the “skinny budget” at this time.
The USDE is not yet staffed at the deputy level, including in K-12 education.
States submitting their ESSA plans in April are nearing the finish line and their plans are out for comment. The states that are submitting plans this summer are going about the same pace as Wyoming.
The State Board tours Wheatland High School and learns how they used an Education Trust Fund grant
ESSA–Wyoming Accountability Survey
Aggregated results are summarized in the linked report that was shared with the State Board this week.
There were 550 surveys with superintendents representing 105 respondents. Superintendents were the second largest constituency, next to teachers. Survey results will help WDE in the development of the State ESSA plan.
Important Memos This Week
I encourage you to preview this week’s memos. There are memos about the implementation of legislation, the Wyoming Trust Fund grant, and a STEM survey for high school representatives. I’d like to highlight two pieces of information:
Last year the Wyoming Trust Fund grants were not fully expended. We are hoping to grant 100%+ grants this year. Please let us know if we should conduct a technical assistance webinar to share how the grants can be used or to assist with the application process. In the photo above, Wheatland High School teacher, Evan Bradley, shared how they used the grant to upgrade lighting and music technology in the auditorium.
We are working to set a meeting with the various state education partners, including WASA, to debrief about legislation passed this session. We will cover all education bills that were passed, discuss implementation, impacts, and challenges.
There are a number of pertinent memos this week. The WDE staff has worked diligently to interpret new state legislation and provide initial guidance for districts. Please know that our staff is available to answer questions, problem solve with you, and to work through challenges throughout implementation. In the coming weeks, we will hold a legislative session debrief, via webinar, to discuss legislative changes.
U.S. Department of Education Update
On March 16, the Trump Administration released a preliminary budget proposal, referred to as the “skinny” budget. We are still evaluating potential implications for Wyoming education. Philosophically, I support efforts to trim bureaucracy at the U.S. Department of Education but oppose efforts to cut back on money we currently receive for the operation of federal programs that benefit our students. Congress is ultimately responsible for writing and passing the budget and appropriations bills. Below is a memo summarizing the President’s proposal:
Secretary DeVos has worked congenially with the state superintendents. I look forward to working with all entities, including Congress, to help ensure that a final budget allows us to continue to serve all students equitably and make policy decisions that are best for our state and communities.
Wyoming Investments
For 2.5 days this week the State Loans and Investment Board (SLIB), comprised of the governor, auditor, treasurer, secretary of state, and myself, met to discuss investment policy changes for the state. The work session was prompted, in part, by the passage of Amendment A that allows Wyoming to better diversify its portfolio. I share this because the Common School Fund, Higher Education Endowment, and the Hathaway Scholarship Fund were all part of the discussion. Education was well represented by WDE staff and advocates for trust lands. Once policy changes are out for public comment, I will send the link to superintendents and business managers. In the meantime, please feel free to contact Jed Cicarelli, in my office, or me if you have questions or comments about this topic.
CHEYENNE – Wyoming’s Academic Bowl Team of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) high school students will advance to Gallaudet University 2017 National Academic Bowl competition in Washington, D.C., in April for the third consecutive year after a triumphant second place finish in the West Regionals.
“We finished second in the Championship Round against the first place team of the other pool,” said coach Jo Otterholt. “It was our only loss for the entire 2 days of the competition. We were the only team with 9-0 when we entered the championship match. This year’s team is super excited as they feel like they have a strong Academic Team.”
“I am so proud of these students,” said WDE Chief Policy Officer Lisa Weigel. “They work with their WDE coaches [and teachers in their local schools] all school year to prepare for this annual competition. Many say this two-day event is more difficult than taking the ACT test.”
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to support these students. It’s a compliment to the education they receive in Wyoming schools that they’re successful at this level of academic competition,” said Anne-Marie Williams, WDE Director of Individual Learning.
Gallaudet University is the only University for D/HH students in the world, and hosts 80 teams in four regional sites in United States. The Academic Bowl is unique, in that it fosters camaraderie among D/HH students.
The coaches traveled with four Wyoming team members to California School for the Deaf in Riverside, California, where Wyoming faced off against nearly 40 of their D/HH counterparts at the West Regionals. The questions stem from all areas of academics and more, including arts, sports, Deaf history, politics, and current news and events.
“It’s a learning and testing atmosphere for two days, all at the same time, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and well into the evening during the play-offs in tournaments,” said Otterholt. “Although they’re from 13 Western states, these kids form lasting friendships and stay in touch throughout the year. They support and cheer each other on.” Additional friendships are formed when they attend the National competitions.
Teammates Gabi Reimann (Natrona #1), Josh Graves (Sweetwater #2), Rachel Lebsack (Platte #1), and Josh Parsons (Campbell #1) will travel to the National Competition with coaches Jo Otterholt and Meghan Watt. Gallaudet University provides all-expense paid flights, meals and lodging for 25 competing teams for four days, April 1-4, 2017. The competition can be followed at the GU Youth Programs/Academic Bowl 2017 website.
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is seeking residents who are interested in serving on the Wyoming Math Standards Review Committee (MSRC). The committee begins work in the summer of 2017, with 2-6 days of meetings June through August. Additional meetings may occur throughout the next year. Math standards outline what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade level and by the time they graduate. Standards are concise written descriptions that describe educational objectives. They do not describe any particular teaching practice, curriculum, or assessment method.
Those interested in serving on this committee should complete the Call for Participants Survey. The survey closes at 11:59 p.m. on April 11, 2017.
Completing this survey expresses interest in participating, though it does not commit anyone to serving on the Review Committee. Standards committee members will be chosen from the list of those interested, and will be contacted directly through the e-mail address provided in the survey.
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Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053
There are memos this week worthy of your review and attention. First, an update on legislative action at the federal and state level:
Congressional Review Act (CRA)
As of yesterday, both the U.S. House and Senate voted to repeal ESSA accountability regulations. President Trump is expected to sign the repeal. I submitted comments during the rulemaking process and was mostly comfortable with the final regs that were repealed. I am equally comfortable without the regulations. ESSA provides a great deal of flexibility (authority) for states and the congressional intent of ESSA is clear. Wyoming will proceed with implementation of the law as planned. Here are a couple of related articles:
Governor Mead held the last formal bill-signing yesterday. He will continue to act on bills informally, including HB236. Among bills signed at the formal ceremony were SF35, Virtual Education and HB76, Indian Education for All. The room was packed for both bill signings. We look forward to working with schools, communities, and tribal members to implement the laws.
SF35 sets a framework for virtual education in Wyoming and is based on recommendations from a WDE-led task forceMembers of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes attend the signing of HB76Eugene Gagliano is a retired elementary teacher and Wyoming’s Poet Laureate. He recited poetry and helped present awards to students at the Poetry Out Loud competition this week.
There are a number of memos this week worthy of your review and time.
Title II-A and Hold Harmless
We have communicated with all district business managers about the calculation changes and we recognize the poor timing of these changes. In an effort to mitigate the impacts on some Wyoming schools, WDE inquired about an exception from the USDoE for our state–to no avail. Please review the allocation changes for your district.
Data Collections
As we implement ESSA, there will be changes to various data collections. One goal of the law is to reduce the federal reporting burden on states.
Stakeholder Opportunities
A follow-up set of meetings to streamline and align CTE in Wyoming is about to commence. During the last set of meetings, 22 districts, higher ed, and BOCES participated. Please consider requesting district personnel to participate, via webinar, in these follow-up meetings. As CTE becomes a more pronounced component a well-rounded education, we want to ensure rigor and quality across the state and can only do that through participation of stakeholders.
The MATH STANDARDS REVIEW/DEVELOPMENT/ADOPTION process is about to get underway. We are looking to fill out a review committee with quality teachers, administrators, parents, business/industry representatives, higher education faculty, and others. Please consider passing this week’s memo or the link below onto educators, board members, parents, and community members:
As with Science, I expect the standards work to culminate with a set of nationally recognized and Wyoming-specific math standards. In particular:
UW President Laurie Nichols, Community College Commission Executive Director Jim Rose, and I have been working together to ensure better articulation between high school and college math. Standards articulation and a “2+2+2” mindset are where this begins. Currently, over 40% of incoming freshmen who attend community college or UW have to take remedial courses–math has the largest proportion of students.
Crosscutting with STEM subjects and applied math should be more evident in new math standards. Crosscutting standards with multiple subjects began with science. The committee will work to determine how rigourous math standards set forth a framework success in CTE pathway classes and other STEM subjects. Some Wyoming schools have figured this out and we will be counting on their lessons learned and input.
Computational thinking, coding, and discrete math skills will likely play a larger role in the math standards as foundational skills for all students.
Extended (Special Education) math standards may be reviewed simultaneously or separately depending on the scope of work determined by the committee.
