CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) will host two virtual meetings to collect public input on the proposed 2020 Computer Science Performance Standards. Previously, all Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) were deemed the Performance Standards to measure student proficiency.

Attendees will sign in through the Zoom online platform and will remain in a “waiting room” until the meeting begins promptly at noon and 6 p.m. on August 25 respectively. Meeting details are below.

August 25, 2020
Noon-2 p.m.
Join the Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92919364903
Meeting ID: 929 1936 4903
Dial In: +1 669 900 6833 US

August 25, 2020
6-8 p.m.
Join the Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94666353183
Meeting ID: 946 6635 3183
Dial in: +1 669 900 6833 US

The State Board of Education (SBE) has asked the Computer Science 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.

The Content Standards were adopted on Feb. 4, 2020. The Computer Science Content Standards are the content and skills students are expected to know and be able to do by the end-of-the gradeband.

Performance Standards are the standards all students are expected to learn and be assessed on through the district assessment system by the end-of-the grade-band. They specify the specific degree of understanding or demonstration of the knowledge and/or skill for a particular content standard. As such, it employs clear action verbs and describes “how good is good enough.” Districts are expected to give students multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency on the Performance Standards and provide appropriate supports for student success.

Once adopted, the Performance Standards will accompany the previously adopted 2019 Wyoming Computer Science Content Standards. Performance Standards will be tied to the Content Standards on which districts are expected to assess all students through the district assessment system. The input collected on the Performance Standards will be shared with the SBE for its consideration for adoption.

Public input on the proposed Performance Standards is open through 11:59 p.m. on August 27, 2020. In addition to the online public meetings, comments can be submitted online or mailed to:

Wyoming Department of Education
Attn: Barb Marquer
122 West 25th Street, Suite E200
Cheyenne, WY 82002

For more information, contact Barb Marquer, Standards Team 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

CHEYENNE – Two Wyoming educators – Aimee Kay and Jennifer Kelley – have received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). President Donald J. Trump made the announcement of the 2019 winners on Monday.

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.

“The PAEMST award is an honor that has already connected me with a network of exceptional teachers around our state who are willing to share ideas and collaborate, inspiring my continued growth,” said Kay, a 7-8 grade science teacher at Thermopolis Middle School. “I look forward to connecting with STEM teachers nationally as well. It has validated my efforts as I prepare the next generation of scientists and problem solvers to make the world a better place. Through it, I have also gained more confidence in my methods and a rejuvenated sense of purpose and passion.”

“This award inspires and encourages me to continue on my amazing journey as an educator,” said Kelly, who teaches Algebra, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC at Jackson Hole High School and a concurrent enrollment class through Central Wyoming College. “ It recognizes my desire to provide the best opportunities for all students to advance their knowledge and excitement in mathematics. It recognizes my desire to provide the best opportunities for all students to advance their knowledge and excitement in mathematics. Being able to help young adults figure out how to self-advocate and become lifelong learners is very rewarding. I am fortunate to work with incredible students and colleagues who continue to motivate me to strive for excellence.”

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.

“Aimee and Jennifer set the gold standard when it comes to teaching math and science to students,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “It is befitting that they are being recognized for this prestigious honor.”

The awardees come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, and schools in four U.S. territories.Each awardee will receive a certificate signed by President Trump and a $10,000 award from NSF. Awardees will also travel to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony at a future date.

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

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) seeks public comment on proposed revisions to Chapter 38 rules regarding the Hathaway Scholarship Program.

During the 2020 Legislative Session, SEA0022 brought revisions to the Hathaway Need-Based Scholarship, which limits the amount of need-based scholarships for graduate students. The proposed changes to Chapter 38 reflect these new provisions.

Changes have also been made to allow “superscoring,” or the average of highest individual scores on college entrance exams such as the ACT.

The public comment period for Chapter 38 rules will close at 11:59 p.m. on September 15, 2020.

Comments can be submitted online or mailed to:

Wyoming Department of Education
Attn: Madison Lacey
122 West 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

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Office of Homeland Security (WOHS), the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH), and the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) have announced a joint effort to deliver 500,000 face coverings to school districts around the state. The cloth face coverings are washable, and will help school districts meet safety needs for reopening schools this fall. According to current state public health orders, face coverings are required in schools when six feet of physical distancing is not practical.

“This pandemic has required state and local collaboration between public and private entities at a level that has not existed in the past,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “As a result, we’re seeing incredible partnerships formed that will hopefully remain permanent. The delivery of these face coverings is one of many accomplishments arising out of these strong state and private partnerships”

WDH/WOHS identified these face coverings as a potential resource for schools. This resource was obtained by WDH/WOHS through FEMA. Ongoing procurement activities are a joint effort between these agencies as they continue to pursue critical supplies to support Wyoming’s communities. This needed resource is being distributed in early August to school districts across the state through the partnership between WDH/WOHS and county emergency management.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to assist WDE in its efforts to reopen schools in a safe and timely manner,” said WOHS Director Lynn Budd. “The Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, the Wyoming Department of Health and other state and local agencies are coordinating efforts to distribute the face coverings to each county emergency manager.  Each emergency manager will in turn coordinate with their local school districts to arrange for distribution of the face coverings.”

WDH recommends people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where it is not possible or reasonable to stay physically apart.

“We know some individuals can transmit the virus to others before they feel or show any symptoms. It’s also becoming increasingly clear the virus spreads mainly between people when they are close to each other. Cloth face coverings have been effective in helping to block the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH.

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

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is accepting public input on the proposed 2020 Computer Science Performance Standards. Previously, all Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) were deemed the Performance Standards to measure student proficiency.

The State Board of Education (SBE) has asked the Computer Science 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.

The Content Standards were adopted on Feb. 4, 2020. The Computer Science “Content Standards” are the content and skills students are expected to know and be able to do by the end-of-the gradeband.

Performance Standards are the standards all students are expected to learn and be assessed on through the district assessment system by the end-of-the grade-band. They specify the specific degree of understanding or demonstration of the knowledge and/or skill for a particular content standard. As such, it employs clear action verbs and describes “how good is good enough.” Districts are expected to give students multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency on the Performance Standards and provide appropriate supports for student success.

Once adopted, the Performance Standards will accompany the previously adopted 2019 Wyoming Computer Science Content Standards. Performance Standards will be tied to the Content Standards on which districts are expected to assess all students through the district assessment system.

Public input on the proposed Performance Standards is open through 11:59 p.m. on August 27, 2020. Comments can be submitted online or mailed to:

Wyoming Department of Education
Attn: Barb Marquer
122 West 25th Street, Suite E200
Cheyenne, WY 82002

The input collected on the Performance Standards will be shared with the State Board of Education for its consideration for adoption.

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

CHEYENNE – The U.S. Department of Education (USED) granted Wyoming a waiver on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 of section 421(b) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), commonly referred to as the “Tydings Amendment,” to extend the period of availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 funds for obligation for programs, in which the SEA participates as the eligible agency until September 30, 2021, due to widespread school and program closures and disruptions related to the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The flexibility afforded through the waiver extends the use of fiscal year (FY) 2018 State grant  authorized by Title I of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 through September 30, 2021.

USED announced the availability of this waiver on Thursday, April 16, 2020 and information was immediately sent to states on the waiver submission process. This waiver allows Secretary Betsy DeVos to grant waivers requested by State educational agencies (SEAs) of section 421(b) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), often referred to as the “Tydings Amendment,” to extend the period of availability of State formula grant funds authorized by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins Act) and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).

The waiver language can be viewed here. The Wyoming Department of Education will take public comment on the waiver through August 8, 2020. Comments can be submitted through an online form, or mailed to:

Wyoming Department of Education
Attn: Shelley Hamel
122 West 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

CHEYENNE – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillan Balow will join Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 to provide an update on the Smart Start Working Group. The Smart Start group is a committee charged by the Governor’s COVID-19 Education Task Force to develop guidance for reopening schools in the fall. The guidance is to assist school and district leaders in their efforts to reopen schools next school year. The group started their work in early June and consists of school district leaders and educators, health professionals, representatives from the Governor’s Office, and technology partners.The Task Force is co-chaired by Wanda Maloney, Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) Accountability Director and Stephanie Pyle, Senior Administrator of the Public Health Division with the Wyoming Department of Health.

The WDE, along with the Wyoming Department of Health, submitted an initial draft document on June 26 to the Governor’s COVID 19 Education Task Force for review. This Smart Start working document, which will be released directly following the press conference, provides requirements, recommendations, and considerations based on a three-tiered definition of possible reopening and operating scenarios schools may face. This information is designed to support school districts and health officials in defining a plan that will address the needs of students, teachers, and staff at a local level.

The briefing will be streamed live on Wyoming PBS television, the Wyoming PBS’ Facebook page and Wyoming PBS YouTube channel.

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

CHEYENNE –  Planning for school openings this fall is underway. Smart Start, a working group composed of educators, healthcare professionals, and technology partners, was recently put into place by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. The group will consider key issues and make recommendations related to reopening schools for the 2020-21 school year to Governor Mark Gordon’s COVID-19 Education Task Force, which is chaired by Superintendent Balow.

“The most important decisions about opening schools this fall take place at the local level with schools and health officials working together,” Superintendent Balow said. “Smart Start is intended to spur local conversations and provide a framework for reopening.”

Guidance will be drafted for school districts and other educational institutions, and the group will recommend components for the Smart Start template that school districts will use to safely reopen schools in Wyoming.

“We need to ensure learning can continue under a variety of potential circumstances,” Governor Gordon said. “This working group will look strategically at reopening and develop guidance and best practices for schools so they can ensure the safety and well-being of their students this fall.”

“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of students and staff as we consider recommendations for re-opening of schools,” said Wanda Maloney, Director of Accountability at the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE).

The working group is co-chaired by Maloney and Stephanie Pyle, Wyoming Senior Administrator of Public Health. The WDE, along with the Department of Health, will provide updates and information as the group continues to offer recommendations on how to safely reopen schools.

“As everyone involved looks forward to the next school year, the Department of Health is happy to work with this team to help ensure plans include common-sense measures meant to help limit and reduce the further spread of COVID-19,” Pyle said.

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

CHEYENNE – Wyoming will receive $32,562,651, part of about $13.2 billion allocated to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund), authorized under section 18003 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“We are grateful for these timely funds,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “Wyoming education should not go ‘back to normal.’ School districts and schools will utilize ESSER Funds to make schools more nimble and safer in the face of a resurgence or future pandemic.”

The ESSER Funds will provide Wyoming school districts with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the state. The allocation is in the same proportion as Wyoming received under Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in fiscal year 2019.

“Thank you for all you are doing to lead your state through this unprecedented national emergency,” U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in correspondence to Balow. “You are making important decisions every day to keep your students, families, and teachers safe, and you are tackling head-on the challenges created by COVID-19 in your school districts and schools.”

On March 15, Governor Mark Gordon and Superintendent Balow recommended that schools close through at least April 3, 2020. The Wyoming Department of Health issued closure orders for public places, such as K-12 schools, through April 30, 2020. School districts are currently operating under Adapted Learning Plans until the end of the school year, if necessary.

“Funds from the CARES Act should be used to stabilize local and state communities, and schools are a part of that,” Balow said. “We should spend these dollars to fill education gaps created by COVID-19 school closures and strengthen our education system.”

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Media Contact:
Michelle Panos, Communications Director
307-777-2053

CHEYENNE – Superintendent Jillian Balow issued the following statements on the reopening of schools in the weeks or months ahead:

“School districts have implemented their Adapted Learning Plans, approved by the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE). These plans are authorized for use until the end of the school year, if needed.

Health orders, including the order for educational institutions, remain in effect.

“There are school districts that want to open school buildings to students as soon as possible. Within the current health orders, there is an opportunity for districts to work with their county health officials to open school buildings to some students on a limited basis for in-person instruction. Examples of this include services for those on IEPs with special needs, career and technical education, and small group reading intervention. Proper social distancing, hygiene, and enhanced sanitation must be practiced and guidelines from the CDC and Wyoming Department of Health must be followed.

“To prepare for the eventual reopening of schools – whether this spring (utilizing a variance), during the summer months, or in the fall – districts are required to submit a Reopening Schools Plan to the WDE. This plan requires approval by the local county health official. All school district superintendents should be engaged in regular and ongoing conversations with their county health official to develop a plan. The discussion about immediate in-person instruction of some students should evolve into discussions about broader opening of schools to students during the summer, and then fall. The health and safety of students, staff, and the community are of primary importance.

“In the coming days my staff and I will provide guidance to school districts including a template for reopening schools.”

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Media Contact:
Michelle Panos, Communications Director
307-777-2053