Category Archives: News Releases

News releases from the Wyoming Department of Education

Wyoming Schools Celebrating Computer Science Education Week

News Releases

CHEYENNE – Governor Matt Mead signed a proclamation today declaring Dec. 5-11 Computer Science Education Week. Wyoming schools have been encouraged to celebrate this inaugural event by participating in Hour of Code, a one-hour introduction to computer science.

“Hour of Code is a simple and fun way for teachers to help students learn the basics of what is really going on inside their computers,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “There are tutorials for students of all ages and ability levels, it does not require any experience, and it’s free for schools to participate. Computing jobs have three times more demand in Wyoming than the state average, so this is a exciting way to show students one of the possibilities they have for their future that they may not have considered. Plus, this can help students learn more about the devices they use every day.”

All Wyoming schools that participate in Hour of Code will receive a signed certificate from the Governor and State Superintendent. A full list of participating schools is available here.

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Audio from Superintendent Balow

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

WDE Announces Wyoming Child and Adult Care Food Programs Sites

News Releases

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

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

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

cacfp

Program Participants by County

Albany

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

Big Horn

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

Campbell

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

Carbon

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

Converse

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

Crook

  • Moorcroft Head Start, WY Child and Family Development

Fremont

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

Goshen

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

Hot Springs

  • Thermopolis Center, Absaroka Head Start

Johnson

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

Laramie

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

Lincoln

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

Natrona

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

Niobrara

  • Lusk Early Childhood Center, WY Child and Family Development

Park

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

Platte

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

Sheridan

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

Sublette

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

Sweetwater

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

Teton

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

Uinta

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

Washakie

  • Worland Head Start, Abasorka Head Start

Weston

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Wyoming Science Standards Finalized

News Releases, , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2015 Wyoming NAEP Science Scores Released

News Releases

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

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

2015-naep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Science Report

Fourth Grade Science

Eighth Grade Science

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

Superintendent Balow Honored with Patrick Henry Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Roundtable on the Every Student Succeeds Act to be Held in Casper

News Releases

CHEYENNE – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi and State Superintendent Jillian Balow announced today that officials from the U.S. Department of Education (USED) will participate in a Community Roundtable on implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) at Casper College on October 26.

“Due to Senator Enzi’s major role in overhauling No Child Left Behind and getting us to ESSA, Wyoming is one of a handful of states that the USED is visiting in person to hold a discussion on what it will look like in practice. We appreciate their willingness to travel to Casper and listen to our concerns related to federal education policy and how it affects rural states like Wyoming.” said Superintendent Balow.

Senator Enzi will be unable to attend the roundtable, but adds, “When Congress passed this new education law, our intent was clear – we want authority of education policy to rest with the states. The U.S. Department of Education needs to heed this directive in its implementation process. I am pleased that the department chose Wyoming as a state to visit, we have a lot of insight to share.”

USED officials will participate in a listening session in which the public is invited to share ideas and provide meaningful input on how ESSA affects Wyoming and rural states. In addition, staff from the Wyoming Department of Education will collect input specific to the development of Wyoming’s plan for implementation of ESSA.

The Community Roundtable will go from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in CS-160 Nichols Auditorium at Casper College.

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

Digital Learning Plan Released

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education has released the final draft of the 2017 Digital Learning Plan. The plan provides guidelines for the incorporation of effective data and technology use in curriculum and instruction, as well as strategies to boost technology infrastructure within schools.

“This comprehensive five year strategic plan was written around the importance of incorporating digital learning and education technology into the classroom and addresses the need for equitable access to educational opportunities for all students,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “It provides another way for us to ensure that all Wyoming students will be college, career, and military ready when they leave school.”

Wyoming’s Digital Learning Plan provides a vision for student success that includes goals and recommendations for educators to incorporate technology in curriculum and instruction as well as ideas to increase reliable Wi-Fi access within classrooms. Wyoming has committed valuable resources to ensuring increased broadband capacity for all school districts in the state, and the plan ensures that students have access to opportunities that the internet and other digital mediums provide.

While the requirement for a statewide education technology plan is not new, the 2017-2021 plan is unique in that stakeholders from around the state were included during development. It is also the first plan to include community partnerships that will facilitate more involvement at the local level.

The final draft of the 2017 Digital Learning Plan is available at edu.wyoming.gov/tech.

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

Ryan Fuhrman Named 2017 Wyoming Teacher of the Year

News Releases, ,

CHEYENNE – Sheridan County School District #2 seventh grade science teacher Ryan Fuhrman has been named Wyoming’s 2017 Teacher of the Year.

“Mr. Fuhrman is one of those teachers that sees the value of teaching his students lessons that will reach far beyond the classroom,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “He knows that he truly holds the future in his hands when he steps inside a school and treats that privilege with great respect. His zeal for the critical thinking and problem solving skills within science is contagious, and we are honored to have a teacher like him in Wyoming, who will hold students to high standards, and help them live and breathe the science he puts in front of them.”

Mr. Fuhrman grew up in Casper and was inspired to become a teacher by his Latin teacher at Centennial Junior High School. He’s  taught science at Sheridan Junior High School since 2012. In addition, he’s a Kendrick Mansion Guild Member, VEX Robotic Instructor, Camp SySTEMatic Counselor and Organizer, Science Kids Board Member, and assistant basketball coach. Mr. Fuhrman has also been selected to become an Instructional Facilitator for Sheridan Junior High School, to coach new teachers, build technology capacity, and provide insight and support to the teaching staff.

Sheridan Junior High School Principal Mitch Craft said that Mr. Fuhrman’s passion for science along with his rapport with students and ability to deeply engage them makes his classes rigorous and fun: “Mr. Fuhrman’s science classes are not cleverly disguised vocabulary courses with paint-by-number labs sprinkled in for effect. He teaches his students to think like scientists and to build mindsets that will carry them into the world well beyond their formal education. I love watching him work with kids and to see just how much fun they have in his classroom through the joy and challenge he brings to the teaching and learning of science.”

While describing his teaching philosophy, Mr. Fuhrman said, “When I am able to successfully combine the art and science of teaching the reward is simple and profound. Students learn, and learn deeply. They learn the ideas of science that help explain the world around them and prepare them to be thoughtful citizens. They learn to take risks and seize opportunities. They learn to think and to view education as more than the completion of work and grades. These are the true rewards I find in teaching.”

As the 2017 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Mr. Fuhrman will serve as an education ambassador for the state. Wyoming’s Teacher of the Year automatically becomes the nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program, which is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers, sponsored by Voya Financial, Inc.

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

Wyoming Launches Future Ready Initiative

News Releases

Future Ready Schools: Preparing Students for Success

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education announced today the launch of the statewide Future Ready Initiative. Wyoming joins a cohort of 17 states dedicated to preparing students for success through personalized student learning.

“The goal of our state in becoming Future Ready is to provide additional personalized learning opportunities and improve the overall educational experience for all students,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “Eight Wyoming school districts have already taken the Future Ready Pledge and we’ve been able to see how it can create an innovative school culture. In addition, our work on the 2017 Statewide Digital Learning Plan has shown us how the Future Ready Framework can improve digital learning in Wyoming.”

The process for districts and states to become Future Ready is outlined in the Future Ready Framework®, which is comprised of 7 key categories designed to ensure a successful conversion to digital and personalized learning. These categories, or gears, are Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Use of Space and Time, Robust Infrastructure, Data and Privacy, Community Partnerships, Personalized Professional Learning, and Budget and Resources.

info_graphic_process

The benefits of becoming a Future Ready state are numerous. They include free access to tools and resources that assist district leadership teams in planning systemically to use technology more effectively to engage students, empower teachers, and improve overall learning outcomes. Current Future Ready States include: California, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Additional information can be found at: edu.wyoming.gov/tech.

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