June 8, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) submitted its ARP ESSER State Plan to the U.S. Department of Education and is now collecting public comment on the plan. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act includes $303,709,391 in ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds for Wyoming. Funds will be distributed by the WDE directly to school districts based on the formula already established by Title I, Part A.

“Submitting a plan was required by the U.S. Department of Education,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “Wyoming’s plan looks different than most states because our school doors were open during the 2020-21 school year. School districts and community partners have a unique opportunity to strengthen teaching and learning for all students, especially those most negatively impacted by COVID-19 and its associated effects.”

Each state is required to reserve a portion of the ARP ESSER funds for statewide activities that extend and enrich the school day experience. Wyoming will focus on activities that strengthen collaborations between schools and community-based organizations, such as afterschool and summer programs.

“High-quality intervention and enrichment opportunities are not limited to the traditional school day,” Balow said. “Statewide activities and competitive grants will support local innovation, new and existing partnerships, and funding needs for programs.”

ARP ESSER State Plan and supporting documents can be found here. Public comment can be provided here.

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

June 7, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education is collecting public input on the 2021 Wyoming Health Education Content and Performance Standards and the 2021 Physical Education Content and Performance Standards at the request of the State Board of Education (SBE). The input collected on the Health and Physical Education Standards will be shared with the SBE.

To provide input, review the Proposed 2021 Health Education Standards and/or Proposed 2021 Physical Education Standards.

Provide written/verbal input through any of the following options:

1. Complete the Health Education Standards Public Survey by 11:59 p.m. on July 28, 2021.
2. Complete the Physical Education Standards Public Survey by 11:59 p.m. on July 28, 2021
3. Attend the virtual public input meeting from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MST on July 16, 2021. (click link to Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1-346-248-7799 US Meeting ID: 918 3470 4664)
4. Attend the virtual public input meeting from 4:30-6 p.m. MST on July 18, 2021. (click link to Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1 346-248-7799 Meeting ID: 984 4925 3310)

For more information, contact Rob Black, Health/PE Consultant, at 307-777-3747 or rob.black1@wyo.gov or Barb Marquer, Standards Supervisor, at 307-777-5506 or barb.marquer@wyo.gov.

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

May 17, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is receiving public comment regarding changes to the Chapter 2 Rules regarding the Minimum Standards for Wyoming Student Transportation Vehicles.

Initial changes to Chapter 2 were implemented in December 2019 with the incorporation of the 2015 National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures. This measure further enhanced the safety, security, and efficiency of student transportation. After incorporating these minimum national standards by reference, the WDE has since compiled supplemental information to provide more detailed requirements. This was done through extensive research and in consultation with the specifications subcommittee component of Pupil Transportation Advisory Committee.

Public comment can be provided here. For more information contact Justin Arnold, Pupil Transportation Director at 307-777-6984, or justin.arnold@wyo.gov.

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

May 4, 2021

CHEYENNE – The U.S. Department of Education has proposed priorities for American History and Civics Education grant programs published in the Federal Register. Those priorities include encouraging districts to use curriculum related to divisive author Ibram X. Kendi and the New York Times “1619 Project.” This is an alarming move toward federal overreach into district curriculum and should be rebuked across party lines.

The draft rule is an attempt to normalize teaching controversial and politically trendy theories about America’s history. History and civics should not be secondary to political whim. Instead, history and civics instruction should engage students in objective, non-partisan analyses of historical and current events. For good reason, public schools do not promote particular political ideologies or religions over others. This federal rule attempts to break from that practice and use taxpayer dollars to do just that.

America needs to update and renew our expectations for teaching and learning about history and civics. Every school board, state legislature, and state superintendent should be working to build local consensus about what should be taught and what materials to use in classrooms. Every family should be engaged in activities that ensure the rising generation is properly prepared to be informed citizens. Every student deserves a rich and engaging education about America’s triumphs, treacheries, losses, and victories. Our touchstone is our shared principle that all Americans have infinite value and individual freedom and responsibility. We must strive to find common goals and values as a nation, not tear each other and our country apart.

The proposed federal rule is open for public comment until May 19 and can be accessed here, or by using the Google search for “Federal Register American history and civics education.” I intend to comment, and I urge you to research the issue and comment if compelled.

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

April 30, 2021

CHEYENNE – Danielle Jones has been selected to represent Wyoming at the 2021 National Youth Science Camp.

Jones will graduate in May from Thunder Basin High School in Gillette and was selected by Governor Mark Gordon to attend the camp.

“This will be a life-changing experience for Danielle,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “No matter what path Danielle takes after high school graduation, she will have a jump on the skills it takes to work and compete in the 21st Century.”

The National Youth Science Foundation cancelled the in-residence portion of the 2021 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp). Held in West Virginia since 1963, this is only the third time that the annual program has not been held in the Mountain State.

One hundred eight delegates representing the United States, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago will, however, have the opportunity to connect from home for an exclusive virtual program. The 2021 Virtual NYSCamp features a lecture series, directed studies, breakout seminars, special events, and a panel discussion with STEM policy experts.

Support from the National Youth Science Foundation allows delegates to attend the NYSCamp program free of charge.

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

April 19, 2021

CHEYENNE – The 2013 Wyoming Foreign Language Content and Performance Standards are up for review, and the Wyoming Department of Education seeks public input for the committee’s consideration during its review.

To give public input on Foreign Language Standards:

• Review the 2013 Wyoming Foreign Language Content & Performance Standards.
• Provide input through any of the following options:
  • Complete the Public Input Survey by 11:59 p.m. MDT on May 28, 2021.
  • Attend a virtual Community Input Meeting. The first 15 minutes will be an informational presentation, and the remainder of the time will be to collect input. Attendees may enter and exit the Zoom meeting at any time during the block.
    • 4:30-6 p.m. MDT on Monday, May 10 (click the link to Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1 346-248-7799, press # when connected).
    • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MDT on Thursday, May 13 (click the link to Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1 346-248-7799, Meeting ID: 918 3716 0704)

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

The WDE also seeks stakeholders interested in reviewing the Wyoming Content & Performance Standards for Foreign Language. Those interested in serving on the Foreign Language Standards Review Committee can complete the Call for Participants Survey by May 28, 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, role, region, and school size.

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

April 13, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education has announced an opportunity for Wyoming school districts to apply for remaining ESSER I State Education Agency Reserve (SEA reserve) funds. The intent of ESSER I funding is to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools. The authorizing federal legislation identifies allowable uses of funds related to preventing, preparing for, and responding to COVID-19.

Districts can access the application here. Applications for remaining ESSER I SEA reserve funds will be accepted through April 30, 2021, and should be submitted via email to danielle.netzer@wyo.gov.

Approved grant applications will be funded as received until the funds are depleted.

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

March 31, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education is extending the public comment period on the proposed changes to the Chapter 6 Rules, District and School Accreditation. Public comment may be submitted online, in person, or by mail until 12:59 p.m. on May 6, 2021.

The proposed Chapter 6 Rules changes can be found here. The statement of reasons can be found here.

Send written comments to:
Wyoming Department of Education Attn: Bill Pannell
122 W. 25th Street, Suite E200 Cheyenne, WY 82002

All public comments will be recorded verbatim, including the submitter’s name and city of residence, on the Secretary of State website as part of the rules promulgation process.

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

March 5, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education  is collecting public input on the Performance Standards identified for the 2018 Wyoming Math Content and Performance Standards at the request of the State Board of Education (SBE). Previously, all Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) were deemed the Performance Standards to measure student proficiency. The SBE asked the Math Standards Review Committee to identify a subset of PLDs to be the Performance Standards, on which students will be assessed through the district assessment system.

1. Review the Proposed 2021 Math Performance Standards.

2. Provide input through any of the following options:

a. Complete the Math Performance Standards Public Survey by 11:59 p.m. on April 28, 2021.

b. Attend the virtual public input meeting from 4:30-6 p.m. MST on April 22, 2021. (Join Zoom Meeting or dial +1 346 248 7799)

c. Attend the virtual public input meeting from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MST on April 26, 2021. (Join Zoom Meeting or dial +1 346 248 7799)

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

For more information, contact Alicia Wilson, Math Consultant, at 307-777-5036 or alicia.wilson@wyo.gov  or Barb Marquer, Standards Supervisor, at 307-777-5506 or barb.marquer@wyo.gov.

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

March 2, 2021

CHEYENNE – Wyoming school personnel, parents, and community members are invited to participate in four education program surveys to help determine what activities and pertinent professional development training is offered by the Wyoming Department of Education to further support school districts through the State System of Support and specific federally funded Title programs.

Participants are encouraged to review the individual survey descriptions and complete all applicable surveys. Those surveys include:

• Statewide System of Support Survey: requests input from district and school personnel regarding professional development topics, desired meeting times/options, and multi-tiered systems of support implementation.
• Federal Title I Survey: requests input from all stakeholders on use of state level federal dollars to support Title I schools and schools in improvement status.
• Federal Title II-A Survey: requests input from all stakeholders on use of state level federal dollars to support the professional development needs of teachers, principals, and other school leaders.
• Federal Title IV-A Survey: requests input from all stakeholders on use of state level federal dollars to increase access to a well-rounded education for all students, supporting safe and healthy school environments, and increasing access to learning supported by technology.

The surveys will be open until March 31, 2021.

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