CHEYENNE –  Four Wyoming teachers – Emmy Hergert, Rick Simineo, Charity Penn, and London Jenks – have been selected as the 2023 state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

PAEMST is the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics, science, or computer science teachers can receive in the U.S. Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.

Hergert teaches seventh-grade math at Thermopolis Middle School; Simineo teaches math at East High School in Cheyenne; Penn teaches science at Douglas Middle School in Douglas; and Jenks teaches physics, environmental science, earth systems/space science at Hot Springs County High School in Thermopolis. Penn also is a 2021 finalist in the science cohort, which has yet to be awarded on PAEMST’s two-year cycle.

Each year, up to six finalists in each state are chosen for the award through a rigorous peer review process. The applications are forwarded to the National Science Foundation, where the final selection for the national Presidential Awardee is made. Enacted by Congress in 1983, the program authorizes the President to award 108 math and science teachers each year in recognition of their contribution to excellent teaching and learning.

Award recipients receive the following:

• A certificate signed by the President of the United States.
• A paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.
• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
• An opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.

-END-

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

CHEYENNE – Phoebe Elaine Allbright of Lusk and Sophia Gomelsky of Laramie will join Senator John Barrasso and Senator Cynthia Lummis in representing Wyoming during the 61st annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Washington Week, set for March 4-11, 2023.

The USSYP was established by the U.S. Senate in 1962, and provides an educational experience for students interested in public service careers. The program provides an in-depth view of the Senate and federal government, as well as a deeper understanding of the relationships between the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Branches. During the program week, the student delegates will attend online meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies and senior members of the national media, among others.

Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide, after nomination by teachers and principals. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection.

Allbright and Gomelsky were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.

Allbright, a junior at Niobrara County High School, serves as the Wyoming Future Business Leaders of America’s (FBLA) state secretary. In addition to holding state office, she is the vice president of her local FBLA chapter and the secretary of her local Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter. She is a two-time national qualifier in both organizations. Allbright is also a member of her local National Honor Society chapter. She has been a representative in Student Council and has served her Class of 2024 as the treasurer since her freshman year. She helps her community by volunteering at her county library alongside her FBLA chapter and helping her 4-H club host monthly community service projects. She is also currently serving National FBLA as the communications/social media director of the Mountain Plains Region Council. Allbright’s future plans include pursuing an undergraduate degree in business management and public relations, and eventually owning her own business.

Gomelsky, a senior at Laramie High School, serves as the Wyoming DECA state president, an organization with a focus on business and entrepreneurship. She also serves as the Speech and Debate Team captain, Mock Trial co-captain, and has held leadership positions in theatre, such as student director, assistant choreographer, and several lead roles. Gomelsky’s successful public speaking and competitive career include representing Wyoming at DECA Internationals, national circuit debate, and the National Mock Trial competition. She is also Wyoming Girls State governor, advocating for youth involvement in political processes across the state. She has helped plan a local food drive, rent relief initiative, and mural painting project, and disseminates election information, assists with voter registration, works as a student election judge, and canvasses for local candidates. She is a legislative intern, and worked as a page at the state legislature during the 2022 budget session. She represents the Student Body through the Laramie Youth Council, Youth Advocacy Board, National Honor Society and as a Student Council representative. Gomelsky’s future plans include double majoring in political science and international studies with a minor in Spanish at the University of Wyoming.

Chosen as alternates to the 2023 program were Caroline Hope Di Senso of Cheyenne, who attends Cheyenne East High School, and Karina Catherine Lea from Thermopolis, who attends Hot Springs County High School.

For more information, visit: www.ussenateyouth.org.

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

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) and the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) has announced its Retention and Recruitment Task Force; the mission of the task force will be to develop recommendations for state policymakers, district-level, and school-level staff to increase efforts to positively impact the education workforce.

The task force is composed of 25 members: three district superintendents, one personnel director, one school counselor, three principals, 10 teachers, one preservice teacher, three educators who have left the profession, one parent, two post-secondary representatives, and one industry representative.

Task force members include:

• Superintendent – Gillian Chapman, Jackson.
• Superintendent – John Goldhardt, Laramie.
• Superintendent – Shane Ogden, Meeteetse.
• Personnel Director – Tanya Wall, Rawlins.
• School Counselor – Mary Litman, Casper.
• Principal – Christina Mills, Shoshoni.
• Principal – Tiffany Rehbein, Cheyenne.
• Principal – Nathan Tedjeske, Cody.
• Teacher – Chase Anfinson, Glenrock.
• Teacher – Alexis Barney, Ranchester.
• Teacher – Charles Fournie, Cheyenne.
• Teacher – Megan Garnhart, Sheridan .
• Teacher – Suzanne Masek, Lander.
• Teacher – Jeannette McCoy, Casper.
• Teacher – Nancy Nelson, Greybull.
• Teacher – Darci Ostermiller, Powell.
• Teacher – Caryn Pursley, Rawlins.
• Teacher – Zach Schneider, Casper
• Preservice Teacher – Sarah Turner, Laramie.
• Previous Educator – Diana Espy, Rawlins
• Previous Educator – Iva Moss, Arapahoe.
• Previous Educator – Andrea Wood, Crook County.
• Parent Representative – Carrie Murthy, Laramie.
• Postsecondary Representative – Alan Buss, Laramie.
• Postsecondary Representative – Teresa Stauffer, Gillette.
• Industry Representative – Dan Benford, Cheyenne.

The task force will have its first meeting on February 11, 2023, in Casper.

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

CHEYENNE – Wyoming’s graduation rates have remained statistically strong – above 80 percent since 2015-16. The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) announced today that high school graduation rates were 81.8 percent in 2021-22, a decrease of .6 percent from 2020-21’s 82.4 percent, which was the highest rate reported in a nine-year span.

“Wyoming’s resolve in keeping schools open during the COVID-19 global lockdowns of the 2020-21 school year has proven to be a win for our students and communities,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.

“While graduation rates remain relatively stable, there remains work to do to improve rates going forward,” Degenfelder said. “One thing we can look to is the graduation rates of CTE students. The higher graduation rates of CTE students show that when we identify career pathways for students, and work with our business and industry stakeholders, students achieve great success.”

Students concentrating in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study had much higher graduation rates than their peers.

Fifteen Wyoming school districts posted graduation rates of 90% or above, including:

• Sheridan #3, 100%
• Sublette #9, 100%
• Washakie #2, 100%
• Bighorn #4, 95.7%
• Sublette #1, 95.6%
• Fremont #24, 94.7%
• Uinta #4, 94.4%
• Teton #1, 93.8%
• Lincoln #1, 93.8%
• Laramie #2, 93.3%
• Park #1, 93.3%
• Johnson #1, 92.2%
• Fremont #2, 91.7%
• Weston #1, 90.9%
• Crook #1, 90.6%

Full graduation rate statistics are available here.

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.

 Graduation Rate Brochure

Graduation Rate Methodology

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

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education, along with Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Military Department, awarded Wyoming’s first two Purple Star Schools – Freedom Elementary School and McCormick Junior High School – today at a ceremony at the Wyoming State Capitol.

“I am excited to help launch the Purple Star Schools Program in support of military-connected students as they transition into their new homes and schools here in Wyoming,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder. “Schools like Freedom Elementary and McCormick Junior High prioritize making these students feel instantly welcome and give them valuable support in acclimating into Wyoming.”

The Wyoming Purple Star School Program – in partnership with the Governor’s Challenge – recognizes the efforts of Wyoming K-12 schools that are committed and supportive of military students and families – known as military-connected – as they transition to their new homes and schools. The program was designed to help with the challenges of high mobility by setting standards of commitment for the school’s award of the military-friendly Purple Star designation. All Wyoming public and private schools are eligible to apply for the Purple Star School Award.

“This program is essential to helping service members and their families navigate the added challenges they are often presented with,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Adjutant General, Wyoming National Guard. “Despite those challenges, military children are some of the most resilient people I have ever met. We will only see positive things from the schools’ dedication to providing a seamless transition and welcoming atmosphere for military students under this program.”

Both Freedom Elementary and McCormick Junior High Schools have a continuous focus that welcomes new sons and daughters of military parents. School staff are notified to prepare for and welcome new students. At Freedom, arriving students are provided an elementary Student-to-Student representative-led school tour and a welcome packet containing relevant information. New students meet with the school counselor to share previous locations, hobbies, and challenges they have faced during school in the past. At McCormick, new military-connected students are met by members of the current student body, given an informative flier (about the school, city, etc.), shown around the building, and invited to sit with their peers at lunch. Both schools’ staff continue to ensure that the student is transitioning well.

“Freedom Elementary is honored to receive the distinguished Purple Star award. We have the distinct opportunity to serve students and families at F.E. Warren Air Force Base,” said Freedom Elementary Principal Chad Delbridge “Freedom Elementary staff are committed and honored to support and respond to the educational and personal challenges that military children and their families face during their transition to a new school and community.”

Freedom Elementary and McCormick Junior High Schools also support departing students. Fellow students and staff sign names and write positive messages around the borders of a Wyoming map, which is framed and presented to the student to remember the experience at Freedom Elementary, and McCormick students are presented with an autograph book prior to leaving to say goodbye to friends and classmates.

“Being a Purple Star school was a goal for me because so many of our students at McCormick are military-connected children,” said McCormick Principal Tina Troudt. “Their needs, whether it be starting our school mid-year, leaving our school mid-year, or having a deployed parent, are unique and deserve unique support.  We are proud of our military-connected students and want them to know we support them and the goals they have for their future.”

With more than 1.1 million military-connected students attending schools, issues of school transition are a high priority for families. The most current data indicates that Wyoming has 2,140 military-connected students in our schools. The frequent relocations required of military personnel mean that, on average, military-connected children move six to nine times between kindergarten and high school graduation. As they transition between schools, these students must adapt to varying cultures, school populations, curricula, standards, course offerings, schedules, and graduation requirements. As a result, military-connected students often face unique academic and social-emotional challenges. The mission deployment of a parent or parents can also contribute to impactful stress on a student.

Additional information about the Wyoming Purple Star Program and how schools can become Purple Star Schools can be found here.

– END –

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

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

Organizations are reimbursed for meals provided to children who are up 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. There is no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Centers are reimbursed for meals that are served at their center. Completing the income application helps the center receive meal reimbursement for the meals they serve. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), foster children, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and eligibility based on household income qualify for the meal claim reimbursements to the center as defined by the USDA Eligibility Guidelines.

For more information, contact Judy DiRienzo, Wyoming Department of Education Nutrition Section, at 307-777-6262 or judith.dirienzo@wyo.gov.

LIST OF PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS BY COUNTY, 2022-23

Albany

• U.W. Early Care & Education Center
• Developmental Preschool and Day Care
• Laramie Educational Afterschool Facility, Developmental Preschool and Day Care
• Laramie Child Development, Laramie Head Start
• 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
• Scotty’s Toy Box
• Child Developmental Services
• Little Guy’s and Gal’s Day Care – Wildwood

Carbon

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

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
• Lander Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
• Riverton Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
• Fremont CSD #2 – Little Ram’s Learning Center
• Fremont CSD #14 – Wyoming Indian School Learning Lab
• Riverton branch of Boys and Girls Club of Central WY

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
• Stacey Houk Family Enrichment Center

Hot Springs

•  Thermopolis Center, Absaroka Head Start

Johnson

• Buffalo Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
• Buffalo Boys and Girls Club, Boys & Girls Club of Central Wyoming
• Buffalo Children’s Center

Laramie

• F.E. Warren AFB Child Development Center
• F.E. Warren Youth Center
• Cheyenne Head Start – Wyoming Child and Family
• Foundations Learning Academy
• World of Wonder
• Triumph Early Learning Center
• Alphabet Academy
• Alphabet Academy II
• Alphabet Academy III
• Alphabet Academy IV
• Laramie County CSD #1:
• Henderson Elementary – Supper
• Sunrise Elementary – Supper
• Johnson Junior High – Supper
• South High School – Supper
• Afflerbach Elementary-Supper
• Arp Elementary-Supper
• Alta Vista Elementary-Supper
• Baggs Elementary-Supper
• Rossman Elementary-Supper
• Kiddie Kollege
• Cheyenne Family YMCA AT Risk
• Cheyenne Family Child Care
• Boys and Girls Club of Cheyenne, At Risk

Lincoln

• The Playroom Learning Center, Afton, Alpine, Thayne
• 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, Journey Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Midwest- (PK and Midwest School Supper), Pathways Innovation Center and Sagewood Elementary
• Casper College, Inga Thorson Early Childhood Learning Center
• Mountain Ridge Akidemy
• 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
• Casper Early Childhood Center, WY Child and Family Development
• Mills – Wyoming Child and Family
• Greater Casper Boys and Girls Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming
• Mills Boys and Girls Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming
• Lincoln Branch 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
• Neighborhood Child Caring Center
• Neighborhood Child Learning Center
• Kids Campus, Casper Housing Authority
• Wildwood Child and Adult Care Food Program (Sponsor of home daycares throughout the state)

Niobrara

•  Lusk Early Childhood Center, WY Child and Family Development

Park

• 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
• True North 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

• Tongue River Child’s Place
• Children’s Center
• Sheridan Head Start, Absaroka Head Start
• Harmony Child Care 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

• The Children’s Learning Center – Head Start/Early Head Start Mercill Site and Rafter J Site

Uinta

• Children’s Learning Foundation, Evanston Child Development Center
• Bridger Valley Child Development Center, Mountain View, LUCDA
• Children’s Learning Foundation, Evanston Child Development Association
• Evanston Child Development Center, Evanston Child Development Association
• Lil’ Rascals Academy

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

Resources, Training, Links & Forms

All of the necessary program documents can now be found on the WDE’s CNP Application and Claim website. You will find this information under Applications, then Download Forms.

– END –

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

CHEYENNE – As a follow-up to the establishment of the Wyoming Teacher Apprenticeship last fall, the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) and the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) will turn its attention to the creation of a Teacher Retention and Recruitment Task Force. The mission of the task force will be to develop recommendations for state policymakers, district-level, and school-level staff to increase efforts to positively impact the education workforce.

From January 9-20, 2023, the WDE and PTSB will begin accepting applications for stakeholders to participate here. The task force will be composed of up to three district superintendents, three principals, 10 teachers, one parent, one teacher who has left the profession, one personnel director, one school counselor, and one post-secondary representative.

Those applying will need to be available for an initial in-person meeting on Saturday, February 11, 2023, in Casper, followed by monthly meetings held in-person on the second Saturday of the month through May. Additional virtual meetings will be scheduled as needed. Applicants will be notified of their selection status by February 1, 2023.

-END-

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

Buffalo — Kindergarten is a big transition, but for Jessica Kavitz’s students at Meadowlark Elementary School, she eases them into the school year with movement-as-learning, colorful and creative exercises to engage their young minds, and social-emotional learning tools to build confidence. Kavitz (KAY-vitz) is a local leader, following in the footsteps of her mother who was an educator in Gillette for nearly three decades. At a schoolwide assembly today, Kavitz was honored for her work in and out of the classroom, becoming the district’s first recipient of the Milken Educator Award, often hailed as the “Oscar of Teaching.”

Milken Educator Awards Senior Program Director Greg Gallagher was joined by Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Schroeder to present Kavitz with the prestigious recognition, including an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize to be used however she likes.

Kavitz is among up to 40 elementary educators across the nation who will receive the Milken Educator Award during the 2022-2023 school year, and the first recipient from Johnson County School District #1 in the history of the Award. On top of today’s celebration, Kavitz will have the opportunity to join the national Milken Educator Network of more than 2,900 exceptional K-12 educators and leaders across the country. Honorees receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in April 2023.

“Jessica Kavitz is the kind of teacher you hope your children have for their first year of school – compassionate, thoughtful and engaging. Jessica’s classroom is a nonstop learning hub that prepares students well for their academic journeys,” said Gallagher. “Outstanding educators have the potential to positively influence generations of students, and it is especially meaningful when parents inspire their children to pursue the adventure of teaching. We are thrilled to honor Jessica as a second-generation educator making an impact on the lives of so many young students in the Buffalo community.”

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Milken Educator Awards inspire and uplift with the unique stories of educators making a profound difference for students, colleagues and communities. The specific states and schools on this year’s winners’ list remain a closely guarded secret until each Award is announced.

“Jessica is a shining star among Wyoming’s excellent teachers. She is creative, dedicated and genuinely believes in her students. Congratulations to Jessica – Wyoming is very proud of you!” said Chad Auer, Wyoming’s deputy superintendent of public instruction.

Since the initiative’s inception, more than $140 million in funding, including more than $73 million in individual Awards, has been devoted to the overall Milken Awards initiative, which includes powerful professional development opportunities throughout recipients’ careers.

Wyoming Superintendent-Elect of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder also shared her congratulations for Kavitz today, saying, “Jessica Kavitz is a perfect example of the outstanding educators we have throughout Wyoming. Her attention to her students’ growth and unique learning styles is exceptional. Congratulations, Jessica.”

-END-

CHEYENNE – Overall enrollment in Wyoming’s schools dropped by 352 students for the 2022-23 school year. In a review of the data, 28 school districts had a dip in enrollment, 19 increased in size, and one district had no change.

There are five statewide virtual education programs in Wyoming. Three of those decreased in size (Big Horn #1, Niobrara #1, and Sweetwater #1), most likely because students returned to their brick-and-mortar school after the COVID-19 pandemic in-person learning changes. Sheridan #1 saw an increase of 31 students or a three percent change, while Weston #7 increased by 54%, going from 471 students to 725 due to their virtual program.

• Historical Fall Enrollment 1991-92 to Present.
• Districts Ranked by Enrollment Total.
• State, District, and School Enrollment Per Grade.

This data was gathered from all school districts throughout the state in a snapshot performed on October 1, 2022. The agency does not collect numbers of students enrolled in home or private school environments

– END –

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

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) has released the state’s reading and mathematics results on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the Nation’s Report Card, or NAEP.

“NAEP scores are an important indicator of how Wyoming stacks up nationally,” said Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Chad Auer. “In terms of public education in Wyoming – we have a lot to be proud of.”

In 2022 Wyoming’s grade 4 and 8 students continue to outperform national average test results, in reading and mathematics, with the exception of grade 8 reading, where Wyoming student scores were statistically even with the national average in reading for public school students.

* = statistically different average score from 2022

Average scores in Wyoming were lower than reported in 2019 for grade 8 reading, and lower in mathematics for both grades 4 and 8. For the seven-year reporting period, from 2015 to 2022, Wyoming scores are down in all four reporting areas, but were statistically flat or unchanged for grade 4 reading since 2017.

The NAEP assessments scheduled for 2021 were postponed until 2022 due to the pandemic. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), NAEP testing is administered every two years in reading and mathematics to grade 4 and 8 students. All 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Department of Defense (DoD) schools participate in the assessment.

Results for Wyoming mirror the trends nationally for public schools, with results down dramatically since 2019. For example, 2022 grade 8 mathematics scores fell in 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, compared to 2019. In grade 4 mathematics, scores fell in 42 states, compared to 2019. For grade 8 reading, scores dropped in 33 states from 2019; in grade 4 reading, scores dropped in 30 states from 2019.

“It is not surprising that the pandemic has had a negative impact on student achievement nationwide,” Auer said. “What the NAEP results suggest, however, is that Wyoming’s resolve to overcome the challenges associated with the pandemic paid off.”

A bright spot in Wyoming’s 2022 results is the continued strong performance by the state’s Hispanic, special education and school lunch program students.These student groups continue to outperform their peers nationally in grade 4 and 8 mathematics, and grade 4 reading. These contributions provided a lift, keeping Wyoming’s aggregate or overall scores above the national average.

“Wyoming’s teachers continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to equity and providing a high quality education to ALL students regardless of a student’s ethnicity, socioeconomic status or learning challenges,” Auer said.

Despite lower NAEP scores locally and nationally since 2019, Wyoming continues to hold its ground among states during the 2022 assessments, improving its relative standing among states in all reporting areas since 2019. For example, only one jurisdiction, DoD schools performed above Wyoming’s average score in grade 4 and 8 mathematics and grade 4 reading. Additionally, only four states performed above Wyoming in grade 8 reading during (compared to seven states statistically above Wyoming in grade 8 reading during 2019).

Unlike the WY-TOPP’s census approach of testing all students in grades 3-10, NAEP testing involves a statistical sampling of students, and does not render individual test results for students, schools or districts. Due to the NAEP representative sampling strategy for assessing academic progress, sampling variability is inherent in all results. Consequently, NAEP data are similar to and resemble survey or polling results, where numeric differences in NAEP scores may not reflect statistically reliable or true distinctions in the data reported.

NAEP provides an external reference or point-of-comparison to audit, review, and compare each state’s educational program. It serves as a common yardstick across jurisdictions and a shared, stable trend line over time for tracking student achievement during the continued flux nationally in states’ testing programs.

The NAEP measurement scale represents a standardized national measurement of student achievement, with academic scores ranging from zero to 500 points. Cut points on the scale signify differing levels of student performance, as follows:

In grade 4 reading, the Wyoming year-to-year results are as follows:

Wyoming’s 2022 estimated average reading score was 225, which is statistically unchanged from scores reported in 2019 and 2017.

In 2022, only one jurisdiction, DoD schools, performed higher than Wyoming. Additionally, 44 states performed lower, and six were not reliably different. Overall, these counts represent an improved standing in grade 4 reading in 2022.

In grade 8 reading, the Wyoming year-to-year results are as follows:

The average score in 2022 was lower than 2019, and likewise lower than previous years.

Four states performed higher than Wyoming, 14 states performed lower, and 33 states were not reliably different in grade 8 reading.

In grade 4 mathematics, the Wyoming year-to-year results are as follows:

Wyoming’s estimated average mathematics score, 243 was lower compared to 246 in2019.

In 2022, only one jurisdiction, DoD schools, performed higher than Wyoming. Additionally, 44 states performed lower, and six were not reliably different. Overall, these counts represent an improved standing in grade 4 mathematics in 2022.

In grade 8 mathematics, the Wyoming year-to-year results are as follows:

In 2022, only one jurisdiction, DoD schools, performed higher than Wyoming. Additionally, 38 states performed lower, and 12 states were not reliably different. Overall, these counts represent an improved standing in grade 8 mathematics in 2022.

Wyoming was one of only 15 states with annual funding of $15,000 per student or more during 2020, according to most current cost figures available from the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. National Average = $13,489). Wyoming’s peer funding states include Alaska, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Comparing Wyoming results to peer funding states on NAEP’s Basic or Above achievement level metric renders 56 pairwise comparisons with Wyoming’s results in 2022 (14 peer states, across the four reporting areas in both grades and subjects). The results are as follows:

PEER FUNDING STATES ANALYSIS: 

Comparing 2022 Wyoming NAEP Results to States with Similar Education Expenditures

Percentages of Students Scoring At/Above NAEP’s Basic Achievement Level

The percentage of Wyoming students scoring at or above NAEP Basic was higher than its peer funding states in 38 of these comparisons (statistically even with 16 states), and was only surpassed in two cases out of 56, by Massachusetts and New Jersey, both performing higher than Wyoming in grade 8 reading.

“As we all know, Wyoming makes a strong financial commitment to K-12  public education,” Auer said. “The most recent NAEP scores suggest that this investment is paying off.”

Detailed 2022 Peer Funding States Comparison data can be found at the following links: Grade 4 Reading, Grade 8 Reading, Grade 4 Math, Grade 8 Math.

In 2022, Wyoming continued to perform well in comparisons to the six bordering states on two metrics: average scale scores and the percentage of students performing at or above NAEP’s Basic achievement level. Wyoming was unsurpassed by any adjacent state in the 24 comparisons at NAEP’s Basic achievement level (across the six states and four reporting areas – both grades 4 and 8 and both subjects) and outperformed three of six neighboring states in grade 4 math.

2022 BORDER STATES COMPARISON:

Percentage of Students Scoring At/Above NAEP Basic

For average scale scores in grade 4 reading and mathematics, Wyoming was above adjacent states’ scores in eight of 12 comparisons.

Detailed 2022 Peer Border States Comparison data can be found at the following links: Grade 4 Reading, Grade 8 Reading, Grade 4 Math, Grade 8 Math.

“I am a strong believer in the promise of American public education and I am proud to see Wyoming leading our nation in so many ways,” Auer said. “I know that Wyoming’s teachers and parents are not complacent – and will continue to make our schools even stronger. The Wyoming Department of Education looks forward to being an active partner in that process”

Find more details on Wyoming’s 2022 NAEP results here.

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