All posts by Kari Eakins

Quality Counts 2018 Report Ranks Wyoming Seventh In Education Quality

Forms

CHEYENNE – Wyoming was ranked seventh nationally in education quality by Education Week’s 22nd annual report card. Quality Counts 2018 gave Wyoming an overall score of 81.1 out of 100 points and a grade of B-minus. Wyoming was scored the highest among western states, and first in school finance. The nation as a whole received a grade of C.

“The Quality Counts 2018 report shows that Wyoming has a strong education foundation,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “We are No. 1 in the nation in school finance because we fund our schools equitably, making sure that students in every corner of our state have access to a quality education. Now we must work to build on this foundation and continue to offer the best education we can to our students.”

The 2018 grades are based on three key indices: the Chance-for-Success Index; K-12 Achievement Index; and school finance.

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Wyoming Highlights Report

How States Were Graded

Audio from Superintendent Balow

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

U.S. Department Of Education Approves Wyoming ESSA Plan

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The U.S. Department of Education today approved the Wyoming Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan.

“Our goal to significantly increase the percentage of Wyoming students who are college, career, and military ready by 2020 is clearly articulated in our ESSA plan,” said Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “From kindergarten to graduation, Wyoming students will have access to opportunities and excellent instruction. Our ESSA plan is rooted in collaboration and consensus-building among our community education partners and the U.S. Department of Education. I am confident we have crafted a strategy that puts every Wyoming student on a path to success.”

Wyoming’s ESSA plan is aligned with state accountability measures in order to leverage ongoing school improvement efforts and ensure schools are well supported. By setting goals at the school level, and at the 65th percentile, the plan ambitiously asks every Wyoming school to perform better than the majority of schools’ current performance levels – in both academic achievement and graduation rate. The approved plan incorporates input gathered from Wyoming citizens and schools through public meetings, online surveys, and stakeholder meetings.

Implementation of the ESSA plan will include: utilizing a balance of achievement, growth, and equity to determine school performance; the addition of college, career, and military readiness measures; continued engagement with stakeholders to guide support for schools and utilization of federal funds; and partnering with the University of Wyoming through the Trustees’ Education Initiative to improve teacher preparation.

The approved plan can be viewed at: edu.wyoming.gov/essa.

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

Visits to Cody and Powell

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

It was a pleasure to visit Park County with other statewide elected leaders this week. We visited with students, businesses, local leaders, and others about the great efforts in Park County. Shout outs to Powell Superintendent Jay Curtis for joining us on the Powell tour of the community makerspace and Cody Superintendent Ray Schulte who attended the Forward Cody dinner banquet–thank you. Community partnership from education leaders pays off today and tomorrow!

A recurring topic in every community I visit is moving past mineral dependence through economic diversification. The ENDOW (Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming) executive council released preliminary recommendations last week. With innovation, diversity, and economic success as overarching ENDOW goals, little can be accomplished without a strong education system that fosters a future workforce. Here are the recommendations. Please note the education recommendations on page 2:

  • Provide equitable opportunities for students to learn computer science
  • Improve higher education attainment and retention of graduates
  • Allocate resources for workforce training

Details under the education recommendations can be found beginning on page 7. The ENDOW council is both aware and supportive of policy recommendations I’ve made to the recalibration and education committees during this legislative interim. I look forward to continued work and support of legislation to expand computer science education, workforce development, and improved student outcomes.

A high school student directs the metal-framed robot he built with a controller he hold in his hand.
Rhett Pimentel and his team provide a robotics demonstration for state and community leaders at the Powell Makerspace (not pictured Superintendent Jay Curtis)
State Treasurer Mark Gordon, Secretary of State Ed Murray, State Auditor Cynthia Cloud, and State Superintendent Jillian Balow stand with high school students holding their robots.
Statewide elected officials visit Park County and talk with students

ESSA

Wyoming’s ESSA plan is still under review at the U.S. Dept. of Education (ESED) with the 120 day timeline drawing to a close. We have worked closely with USED over the past several weeks to ensure compliance with federal law and make necessary adjustments to the plan. We look forward to getting an approved plan over the finish line very soon.

Chapter 41

The Chapter 41 rules are out for public comment through February 18. To view the rules or comment, visit the following link. The rules establish the minimum requirements that districts must meet to provide part-time or full-time virtual education to Wyoming students. The revised rules are in fulfillment of SEA0057 passed during the 2017 legislative session. Many stakeholders took part in drafting these rules and I appreciate the participation.

WY-TOPP

The optional WY-TOPP winter interim testing window will be open January 16 to February 9, and will now include grades 1 and 2. Please continue to have your assessment coordinators, teachers, and others reach out to WDE to work through issues or give feedback.

Accreditation

The statewide accreditation task force met this week and began a productive dialogue about state-led accreditation. The task force is comprised of educators from all five regions in the state. The group will continue to meet and provide recommendations to the WDE with a discussion that is centered around:

  • The definition and purpose of accreditation
  • Revisions to the Chapter 6 rules
  • The annual accreditation report and required evidence
  • Options for external reviews
  • Effective practices and professional development

Memos to be released on Tuesday, January 16:

Jillian

Additional Input Sought On Social Studies Standards Review

News Releases
PUBLIC MEETING SET FOR JANUARY 16 IN RIVERTON

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) will host a public discussion and meeting on the state’s Social Studies Standards in relation to the American Indian Education bill. The meeting on January 16 in Riverton will provide the community with an update on the review committee’s work, and allow for additional input on the standards.

The WDE is currently reviewing the 2014 Wyoming Social Studies Content and Performance Standards in accordance with 2017 House Enrolled Act 119. The January 16 meeting will allow the community an opportunity to review and comment on the progress of the standards before the committee meets later this month.

Following brief presentations by committee members, participants will visit with WDE staff and committee members in small groups. Afterward, Elders and community members will be invited to share their thoughts with the entire group.

The meeting is set for 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, at the Fremont County Library, Carnegie Room, 1330 West Park Avenue in Riverton.

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More Information on Social Studies Standards Review

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

Milken Educator Award Returns to Wyoming

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

This will be a brief update written from Thermopolis. I am here under a ruse to recognize the work of PLCs at Thermopolis Middle School. The truth is that Wyoming brought back the Milken Educator Award and the assembly quickly shifted gears to recognize Shannon Hill as a 2017-18 recipient for her work as a Physical Education teacher. The award comes with national recognition and $25,000! You can read the full release from Milken  and watch the exciting announcement video here. She was completely surprised!

Congratulating Shannon! (photo courtesy Milken Family Foundation)

Memo to be released on Monday, January 8:

Jillian

A New Year

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

The last memo of 2017 will be released on Tuesday, January 2. The memo, in conjunction with a media release, kicks off the public input period for Ch. 41 virtual education rules. The rules comport with 2017 statutory changes.

Here’s to ringing in a new year full of hope, promise, and opportunity for all of Wyoming’s students!

Happy New Year from the Wyoming Department of Education

Memo to be Released on January 2, 2018:

Jillian

Public Comment Open On Proposed Virtual Education Rules

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) seeks public comment on the Chapter 41 Rules: Virtual Education. These rules establish the minimum requirements that districts must meet to provide part-time or full-time virtual education to Wyoming students.

The rules are being revised following the passage of SEA0057 during the 2017 Legislative Session. The revisions include a methodology for counting the number of  students participating in virtual education programs, and updates to several definitions and processes surrounding virtual education. A full rationale for the revisions can be found in the Statement of Reasons.

Public comment on the proposed rules is open through February 18, 2018, and may be submitted online or mailed to:

Wyoming Department of Education
Attn: Lori Thilmany
2300 Capitol Avenue
Hathaway Building 2nd Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002

All public comments will be recorded, filed and posted on the Secretary of State website as part of the rules promulgation process.

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

Superintendent Balow Appointed Treasurer Of Education Commission Of The States

News Releases

CHEYENNE – State Superintendent Jillian Balow has been appointed Treasurer of Education Commission of the States, a nonprofit organization that serves as a partner to state policymakers across the 50 states, District of Columbia and territories.

Superintendent Balow is the first person from Wyoming to serve on the Executive Committee of Education Commission of the States (ECS) since Governor Jim Geringer chaired the commission from 1999-2000.

“Superintendent Balow has served as an active and valuable Steering Committee member for Education Commission of the States and I am honored to have her join our Executive Committee as Treasurer,” said Jeremy Anderson, president of ECS. “We look forward to her leadership on the Committee and her contributions to our ongoing support for education leaders across the nation.”

The Committee is chaired by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. As a Committee member, Superintendent Balow will work in concert with Chairman Bryant, the Vice Chair, and other Executive Committee members. Together, they will provide strategic direction and oversight for the management, operations, and financial policies of ECS. As Treasurer, she also serves as Chair of the Finance Committee and works with the Executive Committee to review and approve ECS’ budget, makes strategic recommendations regarding investments, reviews annual audited financial statements, and approves the selection of auditors.

ECS compiles research on education policies from early learning through postsecondary and workforce, and regularly issues relevant and timely reports providing education leaders with concise, factual overviews on these topics. The organization’s policy experts provide unbiased and non-partisan advice on policy plans, consult on proposed legislation, and testify as third-party experts at legislative hearings and interim committees.

ECS believes that the most effective policy occurs when all state education leaders are involved, and actively convenes state leaders to interact, collaborate and learn from each other.

“I am proud of the work being done across the U.S. by ECS, and I am look forward to my time as Treasurer,” Superintendent Balow said. “I remain committed to advocating for education and all children, and believe having Wyoming and other rural states in key leadership positions is essential. I am honored to serve both the people who develop and implement education policy, and the students who directly benefit from effective policy change.”

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Audio from Superintendent Balow

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

Wyoming K-12 Enrollment Dips To 92,976

News Releases

CHEYENNE – Fall K-12 enrollment data for Wyoming public schools for the 2017-18 school year is available online. Fall 2017 enrollment fell 0.3 percent to 92,976 students from 93,261 in the fall of 2016. The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) has prepared several reports that break down the enrollment statistics:

This data was gathered from all school districts throughout the state in a snapshot performed on October 2, 2017.

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

A Productive WDE

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

Not overshadowing the biggest news of the week, the opening of Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi, it was a productive week in Wyoming education.

WY-TOPP

Work continues at the state level to prepare for WY-TOPP. This week educators met to discuss the WY-ALT items, our Info Management team worked with school districts to ensure tech readiness, and the Assessment team fielded specific questions and concerns.

Thank you for continued commitment to a successful roll out of the new assessment!

ESSA State Plan:

The 120-day clock is ticking for review and approval of our state ESSA plan by the USED. At this point USED and our staff are corresponding, exchanging documents, and clarifying various aspects of the plan.

Separately, a number of independent organizations are reviewing ESSA plans. One such review by Bellwether Education was released earlier this week. Here is the Bellwether report for all states including Wyoming which received an average rating. The independent reviews are insightful in some ways but one should be cautious of any independent report comparing state plans because:

  • ESSA shifts authority of education from the federal government to states and local districts. As such, states uniquely leveraged strengths and addressed challenges in their plans. There is not one right way to address education at the state and local levels.
  • 100% proficiency goals under NCLB led to over testing and a focus on compliance. Wyoming is focused on growth, equity, and attaining achievable and ambitious goals based on where our students are today.
  • Using one comprehensive accountability system (ESSA and WAEA) is a priority in our state. Our ESSA plan meets all federal accountability requirements while our state accountability system is more comprehensive. Not all aspects of our state accountability systems were included in our ESSA plan because they weren’t required.
  • ESSA provides opportunities for states to revisit target levels and goals regularly.
Wyoming Department of Education employees sit at tables filling a conference room during the all-staff meeting.
WDE holds an all staff meeting twice per year. Today’s meeting was informative, festive, and energetic
School Construction Director Del McOmie holds a proclamation from Governor Matt Mead recognizing the opening of Pine Bluffs Elementary School alongside State Superintendent Jillian Balow, the school's principal, and the district superintendent.
Supt. Abrams officially opens Pine Bluffs Elementary School this week

A crowd stands outside the front of the new Pine Bluffs Elementary School during the ribbon cutting ceremony, including the school children, who are holding purple and yellow balloons.

Memos to be released:

Jillian