All posts by Kari Eakins

WDE Announces Wyoming Child and Adult Care Food Programs Sites

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education announced the participating Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) organizations in the State of Wyoming today. The CACFP provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served to eligible children in child care centers, family day care homes, as well as to eligible adults in adult care centers. The CACFP teaches good eating habits and assures that well-balanced, nourishing meals are served to children in these participating centers.

Organizations are reimbursed for children aged birth to 12 years of age. The same meals must be made available to all enrolled children at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, and there is no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

All children who are part of a SNAP or FDPIR household are eligible to receive free meal rate for the participating center. A foster child and a head start child are eligible to receive free meal rate for the participating center. TANF participants will be eligible to receive free or reduced meal benefits for the participating center depending on income. Income Eligibility Guidelines that determine what the reimbursement will be for each participating center.

cacfp

Program Participants by County

Albany

  • U.W. Early Care & Education Center
  • Developmental Preschool and Day Care
  • Laramie Child Development
  • Laramie Head Start
  • Kiddie Cottage Daycare
  • Basic Beginnings North
  • Basic Beginnings South/Aaron’s Place

Big Horn

  • Basin Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
  • Lovell Head Start Absaroka Head Start
  • Shooting Star Academy

Campbell

  • Boys and Girls Club of Campbell County
  • Campbell County Head Start, WY Child and Family Development

Carbon

  • Rawlins Head Start, Carbon County Child Development
  • Saratoga Head Start, Carbon County Child Development
  • Kids Campus

Converse

  • Douglas Child & Family Development, WY Child and Family Development
  • Glenrock Early Childhood Center, WY Child and Family Development
  • Glenrock Boys and Girls Club, Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming

Crook

  • Moorcroft Head Start, WY Child and Family Development

Fremont

  • Lander Child Development Services, Child Development Services of Fremont County
  • Riverton Child Development Services, Child Development Services of Fremont County
  • Ethete Head Start/Early Head Start, Eastern Shoshone & Northern Arapaho Birth to Five Head Start
  • Ft. Washakie Head Start, Eastern Shoshone & Northern Arapaho Birth to Five Head Start
  • Great Plains Head Start, Eastern Shoshone & Northern Arapaho Birth to Five Head Start
  • Smart-Start Quality Care
  • World Cares Inc./Small World Children’s Center
  • Donna’s Day Care
  • Tears, Laughs & Cuddles Child Care
  • Happy Kids Daycare
  • Lander Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
  • Riverton Head Start, Absaroka Head Start

Goshen

  • Lil’ Bits n Spurs Child Care
  • Torrington Learning Center, WY Child and Family Development
  • Lincoln Infant and Toddler Center, WY Child and Family Development

Hot Springs

  • Thermopolis Center, Absaroka Head Start

Johnson

  • Buffalo Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
  • Noah’s Ark Christian Daycare

Laramie

  • Tiny Taught Daycare, DBA I Am a Promise
  • F.E. Warren AFB Child Development Center
  • F.E. Warren Youth Center
  • Community Action of Laramie County/Head Start
  • IYAH Learning Center
  • Promise Patch Preschool and Daycare
  • Colleen’s Kiddy Care, Inc.
  • World of Wonder
  • Diamonds In the Rough
  • Triumph Early Learning Center
  • Little Learners
  • Christ Lutheran Church Akidemy
  • All About Me Child Care
  • Alphabet Academy
  • South High School – Supper
  • Afflerbach Elementary-Supper
  • Arp Elementary-Supper
  • Hebard Elementary-Supper
  • Kiddie Kollege
  • Silly Bear

Lincoln

  • Kemmerer Child Development Center, Lincoln Uinta Child Development Association (LUCDA)
  • Afton Child Development Center, LUCDA
  • Thayne Child Development Center, LUCDA
  • Alpine Child Development Center, LUCDA

Natrona

  • Natrona County School District #1, Bar Nunn, Cottonwood, Evansville , Grant, Mills, Mountain View, Pineview, University Park, Willard, Midwest
  • Angel Child Care
  • Casper College, Inga Thorson Early Childhood Learning Center
  • Mountain Ridge Akidemy
  • Bright Minds Child Care Learning Center
  • Helping Hands Early Education Center
  • Sunshine Corner Day Care
  • Learning Junction Children’s Center
  • Natrona County Head Start/Home Start, WY Child and Family Development
  • Natrona County Early Head Start, WY Child and Family Development
  • Lifesteps Early Head Start, WY Child and Family Development
  • Evansville Boys and Girls Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming
  • Mills Boys and Girls Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming
  • Paradise Valley Boys and Girls Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming
  • Verda James, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming
  • Busy Bumblebees Child Care Center
  • Quality Child Caring Center, Wyoming Nutrition Services
  • Neighborhood Child Caring Center
  • Neighborhood Child Learning Center

Niobrara

  • Lusk Early Childhood Center, WY Child and Family Development

Park

  • Northwest College Child Care Center
  • The Learning Garden
  • Winsor Castle Daycare & Preschool
  • Cody Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
  • Powell Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
  • A Little Paradise
  • The Crane Academy
  • Apple Academy

Platte

  • Platte County Day Care/Kid’s Kastle
  • Wheatland Early Childhood Center, Wyoming Child and Family Development
  • Guernsey Early Childhood Center, Wyoming Child and Family Development

Sheridan

  • Marion Day Care
  • Tongue River Child’s Place
  • Children’s Center
  • Sheridan Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
  • Brite Beginnings
  • Harmony Child Care Center
  • Great Foundations Preschool
  • First Light Children’s Center

Sublette

  • Children’s Discovery Center
  • The REAL Center/The Redstone Early Active Learning Center

Sweetwater

  • Green River Head Start, Sweetwater County Head Start
  • Rock Springs Head Start, Sweetwater County Head Start

Teton

  • EH/Headstart, Mercill Site, Rafter J Site, The Children’s Learning Center

Uinta

  • Evanston Child Development Center, Lincoln Uinta Child Development Association
  • Bridger Valley Child Development  Center, Mountain View, LUCDA
  • Mountain View Children’s Learning Foundation, Evanston Child Development Association
  • Evanston Child Development Center, Evanston Child Development Association

Washakie

  • Worland Head Start, Abasorka Head Start

Weston

  • Newcastle Child Development Center, Weston County Child Development Center
  • Upton Child Development Center, Weston County Child Development Center
  • Little One’s Family Child Care

– END –

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director
kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053

Science Standards Cross the Finish Line

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

There was a litany of education meetings across the state and nation this week. I wish I could have attended all of them and know that our agency was well-represented by WDE staff. Thank you for inviting us to be part of your important conversations!

Wyoming’s science standards made it over the finish line this week with the governor’s approval and signature. Here is the press release. For all of us, this is a big win! Former standards, adopted in 2003, received an “F” grade and were termed “worthless” by the Fordham Institute in 2012. Because of antiquated standards, we know that many schools have gone above and beyond the 2003 standards to ensure a quality science education for our students. We would love to hear about early implementation of the standards and work with you to set up a structure for sharing promising practices and resources. Several partners including Wyoming Ag in the Classroom and Wyoming PBS have already partnered with teachers to develop curricular materials aligned with the standards that are specific to Wyoming-specific science topics.

This week, the WDE was invited to participate in Stop, Drop, and Read. If you have celebrations in your school district that you would like us to participate in our share on social media, please send information and/or photos to gerry.minick@wyo.gov.

WDE staff sit in the hallway reading books.
WDE Staff celebrating Stop, Drop, and Read

Memos to be released on Monday, November 21:

Computer Science Education Week

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

Thanks to our veterans, active duty military members, and families for their service today and every day! I hope you took an opportunity to participate in community events on this Veterans Day.

We are celebrating ten years of the Hathaway Scholarship Program with Hathaway Day and other events this week and next. Last week, I highlighted a memo with information and resources on the Hathaway Scholarship. An award certificate for 6th graders was included. I encourage you to ensure all 6th graders are presented with the certificate during this school year. Again, the goal is to engage families and support all students on their paths to school and life success.

Superintendent Balow, WDE staff, and community college representatives stand around Governor Mead following the proclamation signing.
Hathaway Day proclamation signing

ESSA 

The ESSA listening sessions continued this week in Gillette.  Next week, the Joint Education Committee meets to discuss accountability in Wyoming which is a component of ESSA.  A priority of ESSA, and one that I am committed to carrying out in a comprehensive way throughout the planning process, is to ensure ongoing, broad, and meaningful stakeholder input.  All voices will be heard and reflected, to the most appropriate extent possible, in Wyoming’s ESSA state plan.  In the past, federal law set a framework for compliance.  Now, we are called upon to be diverse and innovative in our approach to education.  Yesterday, Wyoming EXCELS, a new education initiative, was announced at the Wyoming Business Alliance forum.  Here is an article about the initiative.  The voice of business and industry is paramount in helping drive education policy, including accountability, standards, and assessment.  ESSA input sessions, Wyoming Excels, stakeholder surveys, and other advocacy outlets give us an opportunity to consider voices in new ways.

Chief Academic Officer Brent Bacon and Chief Policy Officer Lisa Weigel sit at a table ready to present on the Every Student Succeeds Act.
ESSA meeting in Gillette

Coding and Computer Science

There is a memo this week about participating in an “Hour of Code” and Computer Science Education Week, December 5-11.  We are excited to highlight both the week and an “Hour of Code.”  I, personally, will join an “Hour of Code” at a Wyoming school (TBD) and I’m looking forward to it!  Growing the technology sector to diversify Wyoming’s economy is a priority of many including Governor Mead, the Wyoming Career Readiness Council, business leaders, and many communities across our state.  Enhanced computer science education and coding in schools is a major step forward that we have not yet taken.

Transitions at the National Level and USDOE

The transition of power to the new U.S. President is underway.  As a state chief and new member of the CCSSO Board of Directors, I look forward to potential opportunities to support the Trump administration as they determine priorities, staff the Department, and begin work.  A priority of the state chiefs is to ensure that implementation of ESSA remains with the states, not the USDOE.  As always, I hope to bring Wyoming and rural education considerations into the discussion at every opportunity.

Memos to be released on Monday, November 14:

Jillian

New Wyoming Science Standards Finalized

News Releases, , , ,

CHEYENNE – Governor Matt Mead has signed and approved the new Wyoming Science Content and Performance Standards, marking the first update to the science standards since 2003.

“I made a commitment to the voters of Wyoming to include all voices in the standards review, development, and adoption process, and this week marks the conclusion of a nearly two year effort to deliver on that pledge.” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “Today, thanks to an inclusive process and a notable effort by Wyoming Department of Education staff and the standards review committee, we have world class standards that prepare our students for the next steps in life, teach them about science topics in Wyoming’s back yard, and foster a love for science.”

A review committee convened in the Spring of 2015, and recommended a draft set of standards which were approved by the State Board of Education (SBE) on September 23, 2016. During the review process WDE staff conducted numerous town halls around the state, facilitated standards review committee meetings, presented at SBE meetings, and participated in specific input sessions with key stakeholders such as parents, the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, and Wyoming Ag in the Classroom. This new Wyoming process has received national recognition as a best practice for state standards review.

Superintendent Balow added: “It was only by taking the measured and collaborative approach to this process that we were truly able to arrive at uniquely Wyoming and nationally rigorous standards.”

Several features of the new science standards are unique. A bucking horse symbol denotes standards where Wyoming examples are given or can be considered to help support the teaching of Wyoming-specific science. Also, the standards include “cross-cutting” where science concepts are connected to the application of other science topics, engineering, technology, or mathematics.

“We are grateful to our dedicated team of Wyoming educators, parents,  and business leaders for their hard work in developing these new science standards, and Laurie Hernandez and her team at the Department of Education for helping to make them a reality,” said Pete Gosar, chairman of the SBE. “Wyoming’s State Board of Education is committed to ensuring Wyoming kids have access to the best education available. These new science standards will better prepare them for college, career and entrepreneurship in Wyoming and beyond.”

School districts will have until the start of the 2020-21 school year to fully implement the new standards in their curriculum, instruction, and assessment system.

Other videos, created by the Science Standards Review Committee, will soon be available, including Resources, Instructional Shifts, Integrated Approach for Middle School, and Bundles for grades K-5.

For more details on Wyoming’s Science Content and Performance Standards standards and the review process, go to https://edu.wyoming.gov/educators/standards/science/.

– END –

Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director
kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053

Hathaway Day

Superintendent's Update, ,

Dear Superintendents,

We are excited to celebrate Hathaway Day on November 16. Governor Mead will sign a proclamation commemorating the tenth year of the Hathaway Scholarship Program on November 9in Cheyenne. The ceremony is open to the public an we would love to see you there!

Hathaway Day gives us the ideal opportunity to unveil a makeover to the look and feel of the program. An ongoing goal of our Hathaway staff at WDE has been to educate students and families about the Hathaway Scholarship opportunity before students are in high school. We think we’ve hit on some pretty exciting ways to do this!

Most notably, 6th graders can receive the Hathaway Scholarship Certificate. This simple change has great potential. In particular, we are interested in reframing the Hathaway conversation from, “You can only earn the Hathaway Scholarship by doing x, y, and z…” to “All students are awarded the scholarship today (6th grade). By continuing to do your best, when you graduate from a Wyoming high school and complete the success curriculum, this certificate turns into actual dollars that can be used at any Wyoming college or the University. We want to support you in your journey to turn this certificate into money for college.”

In addition to the 6th grade certificate template, we also included posters, worksheets, and other resources. All are attached to the memo below. We intend for Hathaway Day to be an annual event that grows each year!

Over the past year, the WDE has engaged stakeholders in discussions about how to improve the Hathaway Scholarship program requirements. Suggestions were presented recently to the Joint Education Committee and ranged from improved access to the scholarship by CTE students to a new, advanced tier. No decisions were made at the meeting. I’ll continue to advocate for changes that accommodate our CTE concentrators and trades-bound students better.

HS-StdLogo_Pos

This week, a team from Wyoming and out-of-state visitors traveled to several schools and communities to see CTE programs and career pathways. It was an absolute thrill to have Wyoming schools showcase their programs, partnerships, teachers, and students. Thank you for welcoming us into your schools! A few takeaways:

  • The most renowned schools of innovation in the U.S. have nothing on us in Wyoming.  
  • The “right people on the bus going the same direction” is key.
  • Challenges are overcome with persistence and a stubborn aversion to the word, “no.”
  • Scaling career pathways across the state, especially in remote areas, is still a challenge.
  • Schools are taking advantage of Perkins dollars and state demo grants.
  • The WDE can support this type innovation even better (percolating).
  • We didn’t see any coding or computer science pathways and I’d like to see more.
  • Great physical space is, well, great, but not necessary to creating pathway programs for students.

I anticipate our out-of-state visitors will be talking about Wyoming for months. I look forward to the follow-up conversations. Thank you again for the great week!

Students from Rawlins High School stand in a home they are constructing and describe the project to State Superintendent Jillian Balow and CCSSO Executive Director Chris Minnich.
Home construction site in Rawlins–students explaining their work and progress

Memos to be released Monday, November 7:

Jillian

School Celebrations!

Superintendent's Update,

Dear Superintendents,

This was a week of education celebrations in Wyoming.  It was a pleasure to attend several of the events.

Congratulations to the Blue Ribbon Schools:

  • Southside Elementary School in Worland
  • Fort Caspar Academy in Casper
  • Wilson Elementary School in Wilson

Also, Lingle-Fort Laramie Elementary School cut the ribbon to open their new school.

Finally, the prevention and safety app, Safe2Tell, rolled out in Casper (pilot district). The app replaces the WeTip program and will be available in all schools within six months.

State Superintendent Jillian Balow addresses a gym full of elementary students and staff at Fort Caspar Academy.
Ft. Caspar Academy celebrates earning the Blue Ribbon award
JAC Chairman Harshman and OHS Director Guy Cameron discuss the hard work and collaboration in passing and implementing Safe2Tell in Wyoming
JAC Chairman Harshman and OHS Director Guy Cameron discuss the hard work and collaboration in passing and implementing Safe2Tell in Wyoming
State Superintendent Jillian Balow cuts the ribbon on the new Lingle-Ft. Laramie Elementary School with their school principle, district superintendent, and other officials in front of the school as students watch.
Ribbon cutting at the new Lingle-Ft. Laramie Elementary School

ESSA ROUNDTABLE

Thank you for the great attendance at the ESSA Roundtable held in Casper. Recall that Wyoming was one of several states to host a listening session attended by the US Department of Education. The topic was implementation of the new law in our state. We were very pleased with the content, depth, and variety of questions and comments. The meeting was streamed and will be available on our website shortly. The Powerpoint will also be available. A new set of listening sessions begins next week. The meetings will primarily be held at community colleges. This is one more opportunity to provide input on how ESSA should be implemented at the local level. All are invited to attend these listening sessions. The WDE will reach out to personally invite higher education, business and industry, and local government officials. Thank you, in advance, for helping spread the word.  Here is a link to the dates and the media release.

NAEP SCORES were released this week. To see how Wyoming and the nation did, follow this link.

There are no memos this week.

Jillian

2015 Wyoming NAEP Science Scores Released

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) today announced the state’s science results on the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card. Overall, Wyoming’s fourth and eighth-grade students in 2015 continue to outperform national average test scores in science.

“Overall results are favorable for Wyoming and that is a credit to our schools, students, and communities,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “As we look toward the implementation of new science standards, we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to make more progress and close achievement gaps.”

2015-naep

Wyoming’s average science scores have increased in 2015 for both grades four and eight since 2009. Wyoming’s average scores in eighth grade science, however, were unchanged in 2015 from results posted during 2011.

2015-naep-4th-grade-map-1

To compare Wyoming with other states in 2015, two states performed higher in fourth grade science, 35 performed lower, and nine were not reliably different. In eighth grade science, four states performed higher, 29 performed lower, and 13 were not reliably different from Wyoming.

NAEP provides an external reference or point-of-comparison to audit, review, and compare each state’s educational program. Additionally, it provides a stable trend line for tracking student achievement.

Results increased nation-wide in both fourth and eighth grades between 2009 and 2015. National results for 12th grade, however, were statistically flat or unchanged for the same six-year period. Wyoming has surpassed national NAEP science results for each testing cycle since introduction of the new assessment frameworks in 2009.

NAEP testing is administered every two years in reading and mathematics to Wyoming’s fourth and eighth grade students. Typically, NAEP science is assessed once every fourth year. All fifty states, plus the District of Columbia and Department of Defense (DoD) schools, participate in the reading and mathematics assessments. It is administered to a statistical sampling of Wyoming students and does not render test results for individual students or their schools. NAEP data therefore represents a sampling of Wyoming students and their responses.

International testing results from 2015 for U.S. schools in science and mathematics, as measured by TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), are scheduled for public release in late-November and early December respectively. Additionally a report to be released in 2017 will statistically link Wyoming’s 2015 NAEP results in mathematics and science for grades four and eight to the TIMSS reporting scale, thus allowing valid comparisons of Wyoming students’ performance with their peers globally.

For more details on Wyoming’s 2015 NAEP science results, go to edu.wyoming.gov/educators/assessment/naep/ and click the “2015 NAEP” button, or click on the links below:

Science Report

Fourth Grade Science

Eighth Grade Science

-END-

Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director
kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053

Superintendent Balow Honored with Patrick Henry Award

News Releases,
(L-R) Governor Matt Mead, State Superintendent Jillian Balow, Big. Gen. retired, Harold Reed, and Wyoming adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner at the Governor's Reception.
(L-R) Governor Matt Mead, State Superintendent Jillian Balow, Brig. Gen. retired, Harold Reed, and Wyoming adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner at the Governor’s Reception.

CHEYENNE – State Superintendent Jillian Balow has been recognized with the Patrick Henry Award for her contributions to the Wyoming Military Department. Major General Luke Reiner, Wyoming’s Adjutant General, presented her with the award on Saturday at the Wyoming Military Department’s annual Governor’s Reception.

“I am beyond honored to receive this award,” said Superintendent Balow. “I hold members of the military in the highest regard, and firmly believe that they set the example for all of us. Our students can learn much from them about hard work, leadership, service, and citizenry.”

The Patrick Henry Award is the civilian counterpart to the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Distinguished Service Medal. Created in 1989, it is designed to provide recognition to local officials and civic leaders, who in a position of great responsibility distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard or NGAUS.

“The superintendent’s quest to expand the definition of success for Wyoming’s high school students to including being military ready is greatly appreciated and will have a long-lasting positive impact on Wyoming,” Reiner said.

During her time as Superintendent of Public Instruction, Superintendent Balow has been an ardent supporter and promoter of the military. Under her leadership, the Wyoming Department of Education has adopted a vision to significantly increase the percent of Wyoming students that are college, career, and military ready. She meets regularly with Wyoming’s Adjutant General, and works with his senior enlisted advisor, Chief Master Sgt. William Whipple, to offer support to the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy. Superintendent Balow also attended the 2016 Army Educator Tour at Fort Hood, Texas in May, and worked with the Wyoming Military Department and the Governor’s Office to promote September as Military Readiness Month.

– END –

Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director
kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053

ESSA Implementation Timeline

Superintendent's Update,

Dear Superintendents,

The roundtable discussion with the United States Department of Education is next week in Casper. This is an important opportunity for Wyoming and I encourage you to attend and bring parents, board members, educators, community partners, and even students to the event.  Here is a link to the press release with additional information.

Planning for the implementation of ESSA in Wyoming continues to move forward on several fronts. Namely, the WDE is actively soliciting and receiving meaningful input from a variety of stakeholders. Almost every day, new information is added to the ESSA link on our website.  Here is a timeline of historical and upcoming milestones:

  • June – Aug 2016: First round of public input
  • July 2016: Internal Design Team convenes
  • Sept 2016: Internal Design Team begins writing state plan
  • Oct – Dec 2016: Second round of public input
  • Nov 2016: Advisory Committee makes recommendations to Select Committee on Statewide Education Accountability
  • Dec 2016: Work Groups convene to review rough draft of state plan
  • Volunteer to be on Work Group
  • Jan – March 2017: Wyoming Legislature Convenes
  • April 2017: Release draft state plan
  • May 2017: 30-Day public review of draft state plan
  • June 2017: 30-Day Governor’s Office review of draft state plan
  • July 2017: Submit state plan

 Another round of listening tours begins in November. Here is a link to additional information about dates and locations. 

EVERY KID VOTES

Recently, Secretary of State Ed Murray held the first Wyoming Youth Voter Summit–only a small percentage of eligible voters aged 18-24 actually vote. During this event, several Wyoming leaders learned about the Every Kid Votes campaign. This is a fast-approaching opportunity for our K-8 students to “cast their votes” for the upcoming election. “Election Day” is November 1. The Responsibility Foundation will host a training webinar for Wyoming next Wednesday, October 26, at 10:00 AM. If you are interested in this opportunity for any of your schools, please have a facilitator or administrator reach out to the Responsibility Foundation:

Marc Liebman marc@responsibilityfoundation.org

Bart Skalla bart@responsibilityfoundation.org

Here is a statement from Governor Mead on the topic:

I encourage all Wyoming schools and students to participate in the “Every Kid Votes” mock election on November 1. We all have an obligation to study the issues and the candidates, and every American should vote. “Every Kid Votes” offers an opportunity for our school children to learn about civic responsibility and the precious right to vote. 

President Ronald Reagan said, “The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties and we will not see its luster diminished.” Its luster is brightest when every person participates fully in the democratic process.  I support this effort to help our kids learn more about that process. 

There are no memos this week.

Jillian

Wyoming Department of Education Seeks More Public Input on the Every Student Succeeds Act

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is offering multiple ways for the public to give more input on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). A statewide listening tour and an online survey have been launched to continue stakeholder engagement on the implementation of ESSA in Wyoming.

“This really is an effort to continue the stakeholder engagement we began this summer with the virtual town halls,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “We know that in order to build the best plan for Wyoming, we must hear from the people in our state about what they want from their public education system.”

The listening tour kicks off with a Community Roundtable at Casper College on October 26 with officials from the U.S. Department of Education. It will continue with WDE staff holding listening sessions in five locations:

  • Nov. 3: Central Wyoming College, Student Center 103, Riverton
  • Nov. 9: Gillette College, GCMN 120 Presentation Hall, Gillette
  • Dec. 1: Western Wyoming Community College, RSC 3650 A and B Meeting Rooms, Rock Springs
  • Dec. 7: Northwest College, Fagerberg Bldg. Room 70, Powell
  • Dec. 8: Laramie County Community College, Center for Conferences and Institutes Room 121, Cheyenne

All listening sessions are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The online survey is available at edu.wyoming.gov/essa through December 31, 2016 to gather further input, as is a link to volunteer to be on an ESSA Work Group, and information on the transition timeline and public input gathered so far.

– END –

Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director
kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053