All posts by tgabrukiewicz

Education Celebrations & Observations

February 22, 2021Superintendent's Updatetgabrukiewicz

Dear Superintendents,

This week is a big week for education celebrations and observations:

February 22-26 Public Schools Week – use hashtag #publicproud
February 25 is Digital Learning Day – use hashtag #DLDay
February 20-27 is National FFA Week – use hashtags #agvocate #ffaweek and consider wearing blue on Friday to honor your local FFA chapter.

And, we continue to celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the whole month of February. Governor Gordon signed a proclamation earlier this week.

Handbook from CDC and U.S. Department of Education

One week ago the CDC and U.S. Dept. of Education released a guide for reopening schools across the nation. The focus of the guide is on the implementation of the strategies that Wyoming implemented before we began this school year. Thank you, Wyoming educators, families, and students, for setting a high standard for in-person instruction in America. I am anxious to continue sharing our success story.

Both the CDC and U.S. Department of Education recommend that schools that have safely reopened do not shift course based on the guidance, but that we ensure safety strategies are still in place.

Other Resources

These are not from the CDC or U.S. Department of Education but may be of help as you plan for summer learning and the use of local CARES/ESSER funds.

New Spotlights Share Innovations for Providing Educators Professional Development on Trauma: Looking for ways to train district and school staff about trauma? The National Center for Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) recently released a new set of spotlights highlighting innovative practices for providing educators professional development on trauma based on the work of the Promoting Student Resilience grantees. Providing high-quality professional development activities can build the capacity of school staff to create safe, supportive learning environments that offer stability and positive relationships that reduce the negative effects of traumatic events on youth development. Each state spotlight includes a point of contact for the grantee who can share additional information about the implementation of these practices.
New RAND study on Summer Learning: RAND recently published Every Summer Counts: A Longitudinal Analysis of Outcomes from the National Summer Learning Project, which examined the implementation and effectiveness of voluntary summer learning programs in five school districts and shares key findings and recommendations for future summer programming. Among the recommendations:
- Districts offering voluntary summer programs that seek to provide academic benefits should offer at least five weeks of programming, and preferably six, with at least three hours of academic instruction per day.
- To increase program effectiveness and maximize their return on investment, districts should focus on ensuring strong student attendance, productive use of instructional time, and high-quality instruction.

rak

WDE takes a quick Zoom break to share a few random acts of kindness during #RAKWeek

Memo to be released today:

2021-020-Call-for-Presenters-for-2021-Native-American-Education-Conference-PDF

Blue Balow Signature

Statement to President Biden Penned by Five State Superintendents and Commissioners of Education

February 18, 2021News Releasestgabrukiewicz

February 18, 2021

CHEYENNE – On February 17, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow submitted a letter to President Joe Biden on behalf of State Superintendents and Commissioners representing North Dakota, Montana, Alaska and Utah. The letter, which follows, expresses the five education representatives opposition to the actions taken to ban oil and gas leases on federal land and to curtail production and transmission of the commodities.

The Honorable Joseph Biden
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

February 17, 2021

Dear Mr. President:

It is unusual that state education leaders would be in a position to warrant this letter. We write to oppose the actions taken to ban oil and gas leases on federal land and to curtail production and transmission of the commodities. Specifically, 1) The Department of the Interior’s Order 3395 places a moratorium on new mining, oil, and gas leasing and permitting on federal lands, off and onshore; 2) Section 208 of the Climate Crisis Executive Order places a “pause” on entering into new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or offshore waters; and allows for review and reconsideration of federal oil and gas permitting and leasing.

As state education chiefs we have appreciated generous access to your education transition team and we had multiple opportunities to discuss schools safely reopening, student well-being, and academic priorities. We are also enthused that U.S. Secretary of Education nominee, Miguel Cardona, most recently served as a state education chief, and well understands the critical leadership role that we have as state leaders. We look forward to working collaboratively on many education issues. Thus, it is imperative that we bring to light the arbitrary and inequitable move to shut down oil and gas production on federal lands in our states that depend on revenues from various taxes, royalties, disbursements, and lease payments to fund our schools, community infrastructure, and public services.

In Wyoming, the oil and natural gas industry contributed $740 million in funding for K-12 education and $28 million to Wyoming’s higher education system in 2019. 92% of all natural gas and 51% of oil produced in Wyoming comes from federal lands. The ban translates into the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars for education and 13,300 direct jobs in a state of 500,000.
In Montana, $30 million in revenue is at-risk, along with over 3,000 jobs.
In North Dakota, the lease moratorium would result in 13,000 lost jobs over four years, along with $600 million in lost tax revenue and a $750 million loss in personal income. North Dakota’s oil and gas industry accounts for 24,000 direct jobs in the state.
In Utah, $72 million in revenue is at risk with 11,000 jobs at stake.
In Alaska, over $24 million in state revenue is tied to federal leases for oil and natural gas, along with 3,500 jobs.

As state education chiefs, we place equity and quality at the forefront of policy making. We care deeply about clean air and clean water for future generations. And, we advocate fiercely for adequate funding for all students in all schools. Reform of the industry is necessary and can be accomplished, but not by abruptly restricting industries that define our culture and the generate revenue on which so many rely.

Mr. President, as state education leaders, we are uniquely positioned to think about how to support and fund education for the next generation. Given support by your administration, in the form of an exemption from orders that diminish the oil and natural gas industry, our states can continue to diversify and innovate the industry and fund education. Our shared goals are a reduced global carbon footprint, protected wildlife, and quality educational opportunities for all children.

We thank you for your consideration and we welcome a continued conversation.

Respectfully,

Jillian Balow, Wyoming Elected State Superintendent
Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota Elected State Superintendent
Elsie Arntzen Montana Elected State Superintendent
Michael Johnson, Alaska Governor-appointed State Commissioner
Sydnee Dickson, Utah Board-appointed State Superintendent

Cover Letter

Signed Letter

– END –

Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Summary of Federal Education-Related Actions

February 16, 2021Superintendent's Updatetgabrukiewicz

President Biden has approved many executive actions (orders, directives, memoranda, proclamations, etc.) that concern schools, students, and families. Below is a summary of the major education-related actions:

Pausing Federal Student Loan Payments (January 20) — at the President’s request, the Acting Secretary is extending the pause on both federal student loan payments and collections from January 31, 2021, to September 30, 2021, and maintaining the interest rate at 0%.
Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation (January 20) — extends federal non-discrimination protections to the members of the LGBTQ community.
Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (January 20) — orders agencies to conduct assessments and reallocate resources to “advance equity for all,” as well as revokes President Trump’s Advisory 1776 Commission.
Preserving and Fortifying Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) (January 20) — reaffirms the deferred removal of certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Executive Order on Establishing the COVID-19 Pandemic Testing Board and Ensuring a Sustainable Public Health Workforce… (January 21) — supports diagnostic, screening, and surveillance testing for schools.
Memorandum to…Increase Reimbursement and Other Assistance Provided to States (January 21) — instructs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reinstate “full reimbursement” from a disaster aid fund to cover personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies to reopen schools.
Executive Order on Supporting the Reopening and Continuing Operation of Schools and Early Childhood Education Providers (January 21) — directs the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services to develop guidance for K-12 schools “in deciding whether and how to reopen, and how to remain open, for in-person learning and in safely conducting in-person learning.”
Executive Actions to Deliver Economic Relief for American Families [and Children]…Amid COVID-19 (January 22) — increases access to nutritious food for as many as 12 million children missing meals due to school closures.

Of course, two additional actions negatively impact education funding for Wyoming and other states with mineral production on federal lands:

FAFSA

I am excited to see the rollout of a new FAFSA campaign in Wyoming – more to come. In the meantime, since the 2021-22 FAFSA form became available on October 1, 2020, the completion rate among high school seniors is down 12% compared to the same time last year. Students, educators, counselors, and parents can access resources at StudentAid.gov and via the myStudentAid mobile application using a computer, tablet, or cell phone.

CYBER SAFETY RESOURCE

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) launched a Reduce the Risk of Ransomware campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of ransomware among schools and other organizations that hackers have particularly targeted.

cte

February is CTE Month. It feels very different in 2021 and I miss the students, teachers, & advisors coming to the Capitol to visit with legislators and others.

ffb

Last week some of WDE’s senior staff volunteered for the Friday Food Bag Foundation in Cheyenne. We know programs like this exist all over the state and we are grateful that school serves as the hub for distributing weekend meals.

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

Special Update from Superintendent Balow – February 11, 2021

February 11, 2021Superintendent's Updatetgabrukiewicz

COVID-19 Guidance Update, February 11, 2021

Blue Balow Signature

Random Acts of Kindness Week

February 8, 2021Superintendent's Updatetgabrukiewicz

Dear Superintendents,

Governor Gordon signed a proclamation recognizing February 14-20, 2021 as Random Acts of Kindness Week. In the past, schools in Wyoming have been very involved in making the most of this week. Here are several resources as we navigate random acts of kindness in a COVID-19 world.

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

Public Input Requested for Proposed Science Performance Standards

February 3, 2021News Releasestgabrukiewicz

February 1, 2021

CHEYENNE – The 2016 Wyoming Science Content and Performance Standards have been updated to meet the request of the State Board of Education (SBE) to identify Performance Standards. Content Standards are what students should know and be able to do, and Performance Standards specify the degree of understanding. Districts are expected to assess students on Performance Standards through the District Assessment System.

For Public Input on Science Performance Standards:

Review the Proposed 2021 Science Performance Standards.
Provide input through any of the following options:
- Complete the Performance Standards Public Input Survey by 11:59 p.m. on March 17, 2021.
- Attend the virtual Public Input Meeting from 4:30-6 p.m. on Monday, March 8 (Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1 669-900-6833).
- Attend the virtual Public Input Meeting on Thursday, March 11 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1 669-900-6833).

The input collected on the Performance Standards will be shared with the SBE.

– END –

Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Wyoming 2030

February 1, 2021Superintendent's Updatetgabrukiewicz

The Wyoming Afterschool Alliance is leading a discussion called Wyoming 2030. Recently, the Alliance hosted a conversation with Wyoming students called Wyoming Youth Voices. Students discussed what they love about school and life and what they need to keep it that way – It is worth the watch.

The Wyoming Legislature met virtually this week to continue the business of debating bills and moving legislation. You can check on the status of bills and watch previous and live meetings and sessions at wyoleg.gov.

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

Public Input Requested for English Language Arts Standards

February 1, 2021News Releasestgabrukiewicz

February 1, 2021

CHEYENNE – The 2012 Wyoming English Language Arts (ELA) Content and Performance Standards are up for review. The Wyoming Department of Education is collecting public input for the committee’s consideration during its review.

To give public input on ELA Standards:

Review the 2012 Wyoming ELA Content & Performance Standards.
Provide input through any of the following options:
- Complete the Public Input Survey by 11:59 p.m. MST on March 26, 2021.
- Attend the virtual ELA Community Input Meeting from 4:30-6 p.m. MST on Monday, March 15 (Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1 669-900-6833).
- Attend the virtual ELA Community Input Meeting from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MST on Thursday, March 18 (Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1 669-900-6833).

The input collected on the ELA Standards will be shared with the ELA Standards Review Committee.

The WDE is seeking stakeholders interested in reviewing the Wyoming Content & Performance Standards for ELA. Those interested in serving on the ELA Standards Review Committee need to complete the Call for Participants Survey by March 26, 2021. Completing a survey expresses interest in participating, but does not commit anyone to serve on the review committee. Standards review committee members will be chosen based on diversity in experience, roles, and region or school size. Individuals who are chosen to serve will be contacted via email.

– END –

Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Wyoming High School Graduation Rate Improved for Seventh-Consecutive Year

January 26, 2021News Releasestgabrukiewicz

January 26, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) announced today that high school graduation rates increased to 82.3% in 2019-20, marking the seventh consecutive year of improvement from the class of 2013, where 77.6% of students graduated.

Full graduation rate statistics are available here.

“When we work hand-in-hand with our school districts to make sure every student can succeed, good things happen,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “Wyoming continues to set high standards for our graduates, which is reflected in our plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act, and evidenced in the graduation rate increase. That it’s our seventh-consecutive year for an increase demonstrates that our plans, our partnerships, are working.”

gradgraph

Eighteen Wyoming school districts posted graduation rates of 90 percent or above, up from 15 districts last year:

Park #16 – 100.0%
Washakie #2 – 100.0%
Big Horn #4 – 95.8%
Sublette #9 – 95.6%
Park #1 – 95.2%
Lincoln #1 – 95.1%
Laramie #2 – 94.9%
Carbon #2 – 94.7%
Sublette #1 – 93.7%
Teton #1 – 93.6%
Fremont #24 – 93.5%
Sheridan #1 – 92.3%
Converse #2 – 92.3%
Crook #1 – 91.6%
Fremont #2 – 90.9%
Fremont #1 – 90.8%
Sweetwater #2 – 90.0%
Sheridan #3 – 90.0%

Since the 2009-10 school year, the WDE has calculated graduation rates using the Federal Four-Year Adjusted Cohort Methodology established by the U.S. Department of Education, complying with federal law that requires all states to calculate graduation rates the same way. Students are counted in the four-year, “on-time,” high school graduation rate if they earn a diploma by September 15 following their cohort’s fourth year. Five- and six-year graduation rates are also calculated, and can be viewed with the rest of the graduation rate data.

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Graduation Rate Brochure

U.S. Department of Education Graduation Methodology

Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Statement from State Superintendent Jillian Balow on the Biden Administration Defunding Schools with a Federal Ban on Oil and Gas Leasing

January 26, 2021News Releasestgabrukiewicz

January 26, 2021

CHEYENNE – “I was taken aback by swift orders executed by the Biden Administration last week after months of rhetoric around bringing unity to our nation. Funding for public education in Wyoming and other states has been eviscerated by an order issued by Acting U.S. Interior Secretary de le Vega. A federal ban on oil and gas leases will defund schools. Wyoming depends on some $150 million a year in oil and gas federal mineral royalties to fund our K-12 schools.

“Shockingly, this move hurts the students in soon to be Interior Secretary Haaland’s home state of New Mexico substantially worse. A University of Wyoming study estimates that Wyoming and seven other top federal oil and gas producing states stand to lose hundreds of millions in revenue for their schools and governments due to this moratorium. There are also Native American reservations negatively impacted by this moratorium and speaking out.

“And on the heels of the worst economic year we’ve all experienced in modern history, it is unconscionable that Acting Interior Secretary de la Vega would now do this to our kids. I plan to call my counterparts in these most affected states of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, North Dakota, Montana, California, and Alaska to discuss advocacy with the Acting Secretary and anticipated Interior Secretary to end the moratorium. I understand there may be further, similar orders coming in the near future that need to be stopped. I hope that K-12 advocates across both parties will join me in speaking out against defunding our schools. Our students, teachers, and communities simply cannot afford this draconian executive order.”

– END –

Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov