All posts by Kari Eakins

Wyoming NAEP Scores Continue to Outpace Nation in Reading and Math

News Releases

CHEYENNE – Overall, Wyoming’s fourth and eighth grade students in 2017 continue to outperform national average test scores in reading and mathematics on the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the Nation’s Report Card or NAEP.

The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) today released the state’s reading and mathematics results.

“NAEP provides an important independent look at how our schools are doing, and these results show that Wyoming schools and students have a lot to be proud of, particularly with fourth grade math,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “Wyoming spends more per student than many states, and by equitably distributing those funds, we create opportunities for every student to be successful. Teachers have the funds and the support they need to make sure curriculum is aligned to assessments and the standards. As we move to a new statewide assessment that provides more data to teachers and takes up less time in the classroom, I am confident Wyoming will continue to be a national leader in education.”

4th Grade Math State Comparisons: 0 scored better than Wyoming, 8 were "on par" with Wyoming, and 44 scored lower than Wyoming.

No state performed above Wyoming’s average NAEP score in grade four mathematics in 2017 (in 2015, two states had higher grade four math scores). Additionally, Wyoming was one of only six states with over 50 percent of students in the sample scoring proficient or advanced in grade four mathematics.

Another bright spot in the new results was an increase in grade eight mathematics scores for the state’s Native American students; their increased performance in mathematics during 2017 significantly reduced the achievement gap between Native American and White students in Wyoming as previously reported in 2015.

Overall, average reading and mathematics scores in Wyoming for both grades four and eight were statistically unchanged from NAEP results reported in 2015. Similarly over the four-year reporting period from 2013 to 2017, Wyoming results in reading and mathematics at both grades were statistically flat or unchanged.

2017 Wyoming NAEP 4th Grade Math Scores show that in 2013 Wyoming student scored an average of 247 compared to the national average of 241, in 2015 Wyoming students scored an average of 247 compared to the national average of 240, and in 2017 Wyoming student scored an average of 248 compared to the national average of 239. The scores are on a scale of 0-500.2017 Wyoming NAEP 8th Grade Math Scores show that in 2013 Wyoming students scored an average of 288 compared to the national average of 284, in 2015 Wyoming students scored an average of 287 compared to the national average of 281, and in 2017 Wyoming student scored an average of 289 compared to the national average of 282. The scores are on a scale of 0-500.2017 Wyoming NAEP 4th Grade Reading Scores show that in 2013 Wyoming students scored an average of 226 compared to the national average of 221, in 2015 Wyoming students scored an average of 228 compared to the national average of 221, and in 2017 Wyoming student scored an average of 227 compared to the national average of 221. The scores are on a scale of 0-500.2017 Wyoming NAEP 8th Grade Reading Scores show that in 2013 Wyoming student scored an average of 271 compared to the national average of 266, in 2015 Wyoming students scored an average of 269 compared to the national average of 264, and in 2017 Wyoming student scored an average of 269 compared to the national average of 265. The scores are on a scale of 0-500.

Unlike the state’s WY-TOPP census, which tests all students, NAEP is administered to a statistical sample of students and does not render individual test results for students or their schools. As such, NAEP data represent a sampling of Wyoming students and their responses.

NAEP testing is administered every two years in reading and mathematics to Wyoming’s fourth and eighth grade students. The 2017 results mark a shift in NAEP procedures from a paper-and-pencil  testing format to digitally-based assessments. All fifty states participate in the assessment, as well as the District of Columbia and Department of Defense (DoD) schools. NAEP provides an external reference or point-of-comparison to audit, review, and compare each state’s educational program. Additionally, NAEP provides a stable trend line for tracking achievement during the current flux nationally in state testing programs.

For more details on Wyoming’s 2017 NAEP results and click the “2017 NAEP” button, or click on the links below:

Reading Report

Fourth Grade Reading

Eighth Grade Reading

Mathematics Report

Fourth Grade Mathematics

Eighth Grade Mathematics

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

PD Opportunities

Superintendent's Update

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

Boot Up Wyoming 2022 Aims to Implement Computer Science

News Releases

Boot Up WyomingCHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) announced today the launch of Boot Up Wyoming 2022, an initiative to implement computer science in all Wyoming schools.

“Computer science is a critical skill set that all students need to build, starting from an early age,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “It is important today and even more important tomorrow. I am so excited for Wyoming’s students, who will have the opportunity to learn computer science at all grade levels.”

During the 2018 Budget Session, the Wyoming Legislature passed Senate Enrolled Act 0048, which adds computer science and computational thinking to the state educational program. Effective July 1, 2018, a computer science course may count as a science course in high school graduation requirements, and may count as either a science course or an “additional math” course in the Hathaway Success Curriculum. Standards must also be developed, approved, and fully implemented at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year.

Boot Up Wyoming 2022 will focus on analyzing the costs and district needs to offer computer science, ensuring teachers are trained to teach the subject, and facilitating the development of statewide standards for promulgation by the State Board of Education (SBE).

Superintendent Balow added, “We will work quickly and carefully to implement computer science education within five years. This will require continuous collaboration with our partners to address challenges, identify best practices, and ensure that every teacher has the resources they need to successfully support computer science education in Wyoming.”

Cost and Needs Analysis

WDE staff will visit all 48 school districts over the next six months in order to thoroughly analyze all changes and costs necessary to implement computer science. Each visit will include meetings with the district’s superintendent, curriculum director, business manager, tech director, principals, computer science teachers, and any other personnel that the district deems necessary.

The WDE hosts webinars on the first and third Wednesday of each month on the creation and development of computer science programs. Each meeting highlights an industry partner and a Wyoming school district. Details are available here.

Teacher Training

The Professional Teaching Standards Board offers four pathways to educators and districts to obtain computer science certifications. They include the traditional route of program completion with an Institutional Recommendation, completion of 27 credit hours and a passing score on the Praxis exam, a Professional, Industry, and Careers Permit, and a new Exception Authorization in Computing Technology. More information is available here.

The Wyoming Educational Trust Fund for Innovative Education Grant will give priority to districts showing creation or improvement of computer science programs and professional development for the 2018-19 grant award year. All Wyoming public school districts are eligible for this one-year grant, with a total of $250,000 available. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 25, 2018. More information is available on the WDE website.

A list of computer science professional development opportunities and resources is also available on the WDE website.

Standards Development

The Computer Science Standards Review Committee will begin meeting in the summer of 2018, with 2-6 days of meetings through the fall, and additional meetings as necessary throughout the next year. Any educators, community members, parents, or industry partners interested in serving on the committee should complete the Call for Participants Survey by May 14, 2018. Completing this survey expresses interest in participating, though it does not commit anyone to serve on the committee.

In addition, the WDE and SBE seek input on the development of the standards for the committee to review as they begin the development process. Input can be given online through June 3, 2018  or at regional community meetings from 6-8 p.m. at the following locations:

  • May 14, Central Admin. Building, 665 N. Tyler Street, Pinedale
  • May 15, Park #1 Support Services Building, 245 N. Evarts Street, Powell
  • May 15, Central Admin. Building, 3500 Foothill Blvd., Rock Springs
  • May 16, Central Admin. Building, 201 N. Connor Street, Sheridan
  • May 16, Laramie #1 Storey Gym, 2811 House Avenue, Cheyenne
  • May 17, Natrona #1 Central Services Facility, 970 N. Glenn Road, Casper

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

Federal Education Funds

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

There are no memos this week and we are waiting for the Governor’s signature on HB140 before we share a legislative summary.

Article about HB140

Federally, final congressional action and the President’s signature are expected today on education funding that lasts through September. Here’s a summary of Title funds:

There is a $300 million increase for Title I, the most important driver of equity in the federal education budget. Title II funding, which supports teacher preparation and professional development, is preserved at FY 2017 levels. Also, in light of recent tragic violent events in schools across the country, this bill includes $1.1 billion – an increase of $700 million – for Title IV-A to support school climate and safety initiatives.

The bill also includes the recently House-passed Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act, funded at $75 million for the remainder of this fiscal year. The funding is made through the Dept. of Justice, not Education, so I’ll be working in the coming days to determine if Wyoming has access to a portion of these funds and what parameters are in place.

There are no memos this week.

Jillian

The Legislature Adjourns

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

The 2018 legislative session adjourned “sine die” yesterday with late budget compromises that affect education. My team, like yours, will spend the next days analyzing, evaluating, and planning. Preliminarily, here’s where education is headed:

  • The school finance bill reduces education funding by $27.3m in the next biennium, through changes to special education, transportation, ADM calculation, and groundskeepers.
  • SF29, Computer Science, was signed by Governor Mead on Wednesday. Additional bill passage includes creation of an alternative school accountability system, Hathaway scholarship application extension, and the naming of the State Superintendent’s office in the Capitol after Estelle Reel.
  • For the interim, focus will be on school safety and security, state accountability, transportation, and review of the basket of goods, among other topics.

Here is an early article from the Casper Star Tribune

A large crowd is gathered behind the governor to watch him sign the Computer Science Education bill into law in a meeting room at the Jonah Financial Center. Observers include State Superintendent Jillian Balow, state legislators, tech company representatives, Array School students, and other supporters of the bill.
SF29–Computer Science Education–is signed by the Governor
High school students congregate in the lobby of the University of Wyoming Business building dressed in professional attire during a break of their state conference for Future Business Leaders of America.
Wyoming FBLA students compete in Laramie at the UW College of Business this week

WY-TOPP

The Spring 2018 WY-TOPP window is fast approaching (April 16-May 11). This is the testing window where participation is required for most grades. Here are a few general talking points and reminders:

  • Online with multiple item types (e.g., enhanced multiple choice, constructed response, technology enhanced, performance task)
  • Testing time is limited to 1% of the school year (e.g., 9 hours for elementary, 10 for middle school, and 11 for high school); this is for “actual testing time” and does not include test prep, breaks, or time reading the instructions
  • Comparability across states – students’ scores are to be comparable to students’ scores from other states
  • Readiness check and training SHOULD HAVE ALREADY been conducted to ensure schools have a smooth online test administration

Not only is this a new assessment, aligned with our state content and performance standards, it is also a new format. Thus, ensuring that stakeholders in your community have an understanding that assessment data is just one measure of school success, is essential. 

This year, maybe more so than in recent years, it is important to pull data together from formative classroom assessments, district benchmark assessments, and the WY-TOPP to tell the assessment story for your students in your district. Student success is richer than assessment data yet sometimes that seems to be the main focus. Our improved and refined accountability system puts a greater emphasis on student growth and a well rounded education and this will be reflected in this year’s performance ratings.

WDE staff sit with school district personnel and representatives from the statewide assessment vendor in a conference room working together to finalize details of the assessment to be given this spring.
WDE, Districts, and AIR working to ensure a successful WY-TOPP summative assessment in 2018

Memos to be released on March 19:

Jillian

CCSSO Legislative Conference

Superintendent's Update

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

Wyoming Academic Bowl Team of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students Headed Back to Nationals

News Releases

The four Wyoming students that make up the Academic Bowl team stand with their coaches on the steps outside the Iowa School for the Deaf.

CHEYENNE – For a fourth consecutive year, Wyoming will send a team of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) students to the Gallaudet University National Academic Bowl competition in Washington, D.C. The Academic Bowl challenges D/HH high school students in a Jeopardy-style game against their peers, and helps to foster camaraderie among D/HH students.

Gallaudet is the only University for D/HH students in the world, and hosts 80 teams in four regional sites in United States. Wyoming students faced off against their counterparts in the Midwest Regionals at the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Wyoming team earned an invitation to the national competition after they placed second to the defending national champions from Indiana.

Teammates Ammon Bullinger of Burlington, Desirae Layher of Douglas, Hannah Feurt of Cheyenne, and Gabriel Heuer of Casper will travel to the nationals with coaches Jo Otterholt and Meghan Watt. The bowl will be held April 14-18, 2018. The competition can be followed at Gallaudet University’s Academic Bowl website.

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

School Safety and Security

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

It was wonderful to see many of you at S5S and at the Jonah Capitol this week. Like last week, bills are moving swiftly through the Wyoming House and Senate and an update would be outdated within minutes. There is one week left for the 2018 Wyoming Legislature to concur on a state budget, education funding, and dozens of bills—education and otherwise.

SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY 

In the wake of the school tragedy in Florida, schools across the nation (including Wyoming) are thinking carefully about school safety and security. Last session, HB194 passed and made it possible for Wyoming school boards to consider arming qualified and willing personnel as a student safety and security measure. In response to the legislation, I convened a statewide ad hoc committee to develop non-regulatory guidance for communities. Here is a link to the guidance.

Related, I understand there may be student observances, in some cases, walkouts, planned this spring. I have observed schools across the nation and in Wyoming utilizing the events as learning opportunities. While my staff does not intend to issue guidance for these events here is a practical resource you may find helpful. Note: The resource was developed independent of WDE and may not be applicable in local school districts.

ACCREDITATION

There is a memo this week regarding new accreditation guidance. This is initial guidance as a result of the accreditation task force that will continue to provide input through implementation.

Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Sara Reed, stands at a podium to address representatives in the Wyoming House.
2018 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Sara Reed, addresses the Wyoming House of Representatives
State Treasurer Mark Gordon speaks during a panel on Financial Literacy moderated by Bob Beck of Wyoming Public Radio.
S5S panel on financial literacy
Superintendent Balow moderates a conversation with Speaker Harshman and Senator Coe during the Superintendent's Policy Summit.
Speaker Harshman and Senator Coe answer questions at S5S plenary

Memos to be released on Monday, March 5:

Jillian

Public Input Sought On Proposed Math, Science Extended, And Social Studies Standards

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming State Board of Education (SBE) has requested public input on the proposed 2018 Wyoming Math Standards, Science Extended Standards, and additions to the 2014 Social Studies Standards. The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) will collect the public input through an online survey and regional meetings.

The changes in each content area were recommended by review committees comprised of educators, content area specialists, and citizens. The proposed standards are available for review on the WDE website.

Input can be given through an online survey, which is available now through April 8, 2018, or at five regional meetings with varying times for each content area. At each meeting, WDE staff will give a presentation on the proposed standards revisions, be available to answer questions, and collect public input.

Date Location Science Extended
4-6 PM		 Math
5-7 PM		 Social Studies
6-8 PM
March 21 District Admin. Offices
2811 House Ave.
Cheyenne, WY		 Training Center Room 306, Administration Building Board Room, Storey Gym Room 130 Training Center Room 306, Administration Building
March 22 Cloud Peak Elem. School
100 Conrad St.
Buffalo, WY		 TBD TBD TBD
March 27 Thermopolis Middle School, 1450 Valley View Drive
Thermopolis, WY		 Library Room 44 Room 61 Library Room 44
March 28 District Admin. Offices
863 Sweetwater Street Lander, WY		 Indian Paintbrush Sinks Canyon Indian Paintbrush
March 29 Central Admin. Office
351 Monroe Ave.
Green River, WY		 Conference Room 1 Board Room Conference Room 1

In addition, a public input meeting focused on the Social Studies Standards will take place on March 26 from 1-3 p.m. at the St. Stephens High School gymnasium, 128 Mission Road, St. Stephens, WY.

Comments collected through the online survey and regional meetings will be shared with the SBE at their meeting in April. If the SBE moves to adopt the revised standards, an additional public comment period will follow before any new standards will be adopted.

More information on the standards review process is available on the WDE website.

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

A Brief Update

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

The update this week is brief given the swift pace of the legislature as they consider education issues and funding–I know we are all monitoring this closely. See you next week at the Policy Summit.

Memos to be released on Monday, February 26, 2017:

Jillian