Category Archives: Superintendent’s Update

State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder sends an update to school district superintendents so they can see the memos which will be sent out the following week and highlight statewide education work.

The Legislature Adjourns

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

The 2018 legislative session adjourned “sine die” yesterday with late budget compromises that affect education. My team, like yours, will spend the next days analyzing, evaluating, and planning. Preliminarily, here’s where education is headed:

  • The school finance bill reduces education funding by $27.3m in the next biennium, through changes to special education, transportation, ADM calculation, and groundskeepers.
  • SF29, Computer Science, was signed by Governor Mead on Wednesday. Additional bill passage includes creation of an alternative school accountability system, Hathaway scholarship application extension, and the naming of the State Superintendent’s office in the Capitol after Estelle Reel.
  • For the interim, focus will be on school safety and security, state accountability, transportation, and review of the basket of goods, among other topics.

Here is an early article from the Casper Star Tribune

A large crowd is gathered behind the governor to watch him sign the Computer Science Education bill into law in a meeting room at the Jonah Financial Center. Observers include State Superintendent Jillian Balow, state legislators, tech company representatives, Array School students, and other supporters of the bill.
SF29–Computer Science Education–is signed by the Governor
High school students congregate in the lobby of the University of Wyoming Business building dressed in professional attire during a break of their state conference for Future Business Leaders of America.
Wyoming FBLA students compete in Laramie at the UW College of Business this week

WY-TOPP

The Spring 2018 WY-TOPP window is fast approaching (April 16-May 11). This is the testing window where participation is required for most grades. Here are a few general talking points and reminders:

  • Online with multiple item types (e.g., enhanced multiple choice, constructed response, technology enhanced, performance task)
  • Testing time is limited to 1% of the school year (e.g., 9 hours for elementary, 10 for middle school, and 11 for high school); this is for “actual testing time” and does not include test prep, breaks, or time reading the instructions
  • Comparability across states – students’ scores are to be comparable to students’ scores from other states
  • Readiness check and training SHOULD HAVE ALREADY been conducted to ensure schools have a smooth online test administration

Not only is this a new assessment, aligned with our state content and performance standards, it is also a new format. Thus, ensuring that stakeholders in your community have an understanding that assessment data is just one measure of school success, is essential. 

This year, maybe more so than in recent years, it is important to pull data together from formative classroom assessments, district benchmark assessments, and the WY-TOPP to tell the assessment story for your students in your district. Student success is richer than assessment data yet sometimes that seems to be the main focus. Our improved and refined accountability system puts a greater emphasis on student growth and a well rounded education and this will be reflected in this year’s performance ratings.

WDE staff sit with school district personnel and representatives from the statewide assessment vendor in a conference room working together to finalize details of the assessment to be given this spring.
WDE, Districts, and AIR working to ensure a successful WY-TOPP summative assessment in 2018

Memos to be released on March 19:

Jillian

CCSSO Legislative Conference

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

It looks like the legislature is close to reaching a budget deal with a few education funding snags still being debated. As anticipated, it is not likely the legislature will adjourn within the 20-day session. Third readings, concurrence, and committee work continues. Bills that support children from military families as well as a significant Computer Science bill, Senate File 29, passed both houses.

I traveled to Washington DC this week for an annual legislative conference–It is always a privilege to represent Wyoming at the national level. I participated on a panel and shared how our accountability system, standards adoption process, and stakeholder input opportunities have all helped shape student-focused policy.

While in DC, state superintendents had several discussions about federal funding, ESSA, school safety, and other federal programs. To date there are still 17 states that do not have an approved ESSA plan. I am grateful Wyoming is focused on implementation versus approval of our plan. Federal education funding appears to be stable for the time being. And, the USED again stated they will refrain from providing additional guidance to states regarding supplement vs. supplant, report cards, and spending of title funds.

My office released an informational video about Career and Technical Education (CTE) recently. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqL6X_QSAGY&feature=youtu.be

Also, if you haven’t met Wyoming’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, Sara Reed, here she is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y7pXCJxcjA&feature=youtu.be

Rows of tables are filled with science project displays. A man sits and reads about the project titled "Whole Lotta Shakin Going On" which is next to a display titled "The Power of Ozone."
The Wyoming Science Fair was this week in Laramie
Superintendent Balow talks on a stage with the state chiefs from Florida and Illinois during a panel moderated by the Interim Director of CCSSO. A large sign hangs behind the stage that reads CCSSO Council of Chief State School Officers.
ESSA Implementation panel with state superintendents from IL and FL

Memos to be released on Monday, March 12:

Jillian

School Safety and Security

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

It was wonderful to see many of you at S5S and at the Jonah Capitol this week. Like last week, bills are moving swiftly through the Wyoming House and Senate and an update would be outdated within minutes. There is one week left for the 2018 Wyoming Legislature to concur on a state budget, education funding, and dozens of bills—education and otherwise.

SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY 

In the wake of the school tragedy in Florida, schools across the nation (including Wyoming) are thinking carefully about school safety and security. Last session, HB194 passed and made it possible for Wyoming school boards to consider arming qualified and willing personnel as a student safety and security measure. In response to the legislation, I convened a statewide ad hoc committee to develop non-regulatory guidance for communities. Here is a link to the guidance.

Related, I understand there may be student observances, in some cases, walkouts, planned this spring. I have observed schools across the nation and in Wyoming utilizing the events as learning opportunities. While my staff does not intend to issue guidance for these events here is a practical resource you may find helpful. Note: The resource was developed independent of WDE and may not be applicable in local school districts.

ACCREDITATION

There is a memo this week regarding new accreditation guidance. This is initial guidance as a result of the accreditation task force that will continue to provide input through implementation.

Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Sara Reed, stands at a podium to address representatives in the Wyoming House.
2018 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Sara Reed, addresses the Wyoming House of Representatives
State Treasurer Mark Gordon speaks during a panel on Financial Literacy moderated by Bob Beck of Wyoming Public Radio.
S5S panel on financial literacy
Superintendent Balow moderates a conversation with Speaker Harshman and Senator Coe during the Superintendent's Policy Summit.
Speaker Harshman and Senator Coe answer questions at S5S plenary

Memos to be released on Monday, March 5:

Jillian

A Brief Update

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

The update this week is brief given the swift pace of the legislature as they consider education issues and funding–I know we are all monitoring this closely. See you next week at the Policy Summit.

Memos to be released on Monday, February 26, 2017:

Jillian

Visits During the Legislative Session

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

Education bills are moving through the Jonah Capitol chambers. By the time I send this the status of bills will have changed–the session is moving quickly. Up to date information can be found at the Wyoming Legislature’s website: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/

Have you registered for S5S? Register at: https://edu.wyoming.gov/educators/conferences/s5s/

The rest of this update is best told in photos. Thank you for providing so many opportunities for Wyoming students and educators to be civically engaged and part of the legislative process.

The State Superintendent with a group of elementary, middle, and high school students from Arapahoe School that serve on the student council.
Student Council members from Arapahoe School join us at the Capitol
The Governor and the State Superintendent are surrounded by high school students who serve as state officers for Career Technical Student Organizations and their state advisors in a legislative committee meeting room.
CTE Month Proclamation with students from across the state
Milken Educator Award winner Shannon Hill holds her award shortly after receiving it from WDE Chief Policy Officer Megan Degenfelder.
Shannon Hill (with WDE’s Megan Degenfelder) visits WDE, SBE, and the Capitol as the latest Milken award winner
Three teachers, who are candidates for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, stand in the gallery of the Wyoming House at the Jonah Business Center.
Candidates for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching visited WDE, SBE, and the Capitol (Jim Stith, Joe Meyer, Amy Kassel)
A student testifies before the Senate Education Committee during the legislative session.
Testimony on the importance of Computer Science at a Senate Education Committee meeting

Memos to be released on Tuesday, February 20, 2018:

Jillian

A Big Week

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

We have a big week under our belts and a big week ahead:

Stakeholder groups including the accreditation task force and Chapter 29 panel met separately this week to continue work on their respective projects. The involvement of education leaders and stakeholders in the most important policy decisions is critical. I say it often and I will say again–thank you for your involvement in various groups and for generously allowing us to tap your top leaders from schools to assist us in our work!

We kicked off Random Acts of Kindness in Wyoming (officially February 11-17). Madelynn Oden, 15, of Casper, who with her two sisters, Katelynn and Delaney, raised $500 for Kindness Wyoming. First Interstate Bank matched the $500 and Madelynn presented the Kindness Wyoming Team with a check for $1,000.

Please encourage your schools to participate, invite media to cover culminating events, send photos to us to share on our social media, and pay it forward with a few RAKs of your own. More ideas at: http://www.kindnesswyoming.org/

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead sits at a desk to sign the Random Acts of Kindness proclamation, surrounded by State Superintendent Jillian Balow, members of the Leadership Wyoming classmates that requested the proclamation, and three girls who raised money for Kindness Wyoming.
Proclamation signing for Random Acts of Kindness in Wyoming Week–February 11-17

2018 Legislature

The legislative session begins next week. On Sunday, I’ll have the opportunity to address legislators at their party caucuses. I’ll summarize the state of Wyoming schools and comment on several bills including early learning programming, computer science, accountability, and school funding.

S5S

Don’t forget to register! https://edu.wyoming.gov/educators/conferences/s5s

Superintendent's Policy Summit; Save the Date; S5S 2018; February 26-28, 2018 in Cheyenne, WY.

Memos to be released on Monday, February 12, 2018

Jillian

Upcoming Legislative Session

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

The 2018 Wyoming Legislature convenes on February 12. This is a 20 day+/- budget session and, as such, bills need 2/3 majority to be introduced (versus simple majority during a longer general session). The pace of a budget session is quite swift and staff at the Legislative Services Office (LSO) work hard to keep information up to date on its website:

http://legisweb.state.wy.us/LSOWEB/Default.aspx

There are other resources on the legislature’s website to help you stay informed before, during, and after the session. Here is a list of education bills sponsored by a committee:

It is probable that there will be numerous education bills sponsored by individual legislators as well.

The upcoming State Superintendent’s Policy Summit (S5S) is a great opportunity to network with your colleagues, legislators, the education committee, and members of the House and Senate during the session. There are also numerous panels and breakouts that are directly relevant to Wyoming education. The conference is free of charge and every school district is encouraged to bring a team. Here is the link to more information and registration:

  https://edu.wyoming.gov/educators/conferences/s5s/

Superintendent's Policy Summit, Save the Date, February 26-28, 2018 in Cheyenne, WY, S5S 2018.

Memos to be released on Monday, February 5:

Jillian

Kindness Wyoming

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

In a couple of weeks our students will be focused on Valentine’s Day–cards, sweet nothings, secret admirers–all the stuff that turns my 6th grade son’s stomach. In 2017, students across the state celebrated a different type of love during Valentine’s week through Kindness Wyoming. It was wildly successful because of the efforts of teachers and students. The common celebration went like this:

  • Schools set goals to commit random acts of kindness-RAKs (307 was a popular number).
  • Teachers and students agreed on RAK ground rules–what constitutes a RAK? How will they be tracked? (sticky notes on a prominent school wall was common)
  • Students commenced doing nice things for one another.
  • Last year RAKs in the school led to RAKs in the community– cards for veterans, visits to assisted living homes, and so much more.
  • WDE, local news, and community members spotlighted Kindness Wyoming in schools.
  • Schools celebrated reaching goals which was secondary to the positive energy created by the week.

Again this year, I encourage all schools in Wyoming to celebrate kindness instead of romance on Valentine’s Day and throughout Kindness Wyoming week, February 11-17.

Last week, I sent a memo that warrants a repeat performance. Please pass this along to teachers and principals. Don’t forget to invite your local media to events during the week. The WDE would love your photos and RAKs to share on social media.

Pink, red, and purple heart-shaped sticky notes are posted on a school wall in a shape that reads "307". Each of the notes has had descriptions of random acts of kindness written on them.
Kindness Wyoming 2017-RAKs documented on a school wall

Accountability Across the Nation

As more state ESSA plans are approved we are beginning to see how others have established accountability systems post AYP and NCLB. Recently, the Education Commission of the States (ECS) released this report: 50-State Comparison: States’ School Accountability Systems. The report provides an overview of state accountability systems and the changes states are making as a result of ESSA. I’ll reaffirm that Wyoming had a solid foundation from which to build and our accountability system is stronger as a result of aligning it to ESSA requirements.

Economic Development and Diversity

This week the ENDOW executive council met and further solidified their preliminary recommendations, including education. Governor Mead signed two executive orders today to spur the work ahead. One recognizes Wyoming’s tech industry and the other sets ambitious goals for post-secondary education and training.  Here is a link to the executive order with a specific call to action for K12 and higher ed:

The Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming Community College Commission, Wyoming’s seven community colleges, and the University of Wyoming will collaborate on a plan necessary to achieve Wyoming’s educational attainment goal, implement strategies and programs necessary to fulfill the goal, and provide annual progress reports. Wyoming’s plan should meet the need of the State’s businesses and be aligned with priority economic sectors identified by the ENDOW Executive Council in its 20-year comprehensive economic diversification strategy as approved by the Governor. 

State Superintendent Jillian Balow stands with Governor Matt Mead and other education stakeholders following the signing of his executive order.
Governor Mead signs an Executive Order calling for K12-higher ed collaboration on vision and strategy for pos-secondary attainment

There are no memos this week

Jillian

WASA, SLIB, ESSA, and Quality Counts

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

Thank you for inviting me to be part of the great discussions at the Northeast Division WASA meeting. It was great to see many of you. Our discussions about economic diversity and computer science education left me enthused and motivated to continue the conversation.

On Thursday, the State Loan and Investment Board voted in favor of a $12 million+ grant to SEEDA. Sheridan will build a 100,000 square-foot manufacturing facility and lease it to a company relocating to our state. The name of the company will be revealed next Tuesday by the Wyoming Business Council via Facebook Live.

Also, the City of Buffalo received a $1,000,000 grant to build road and utility infrastructure to begin development of Phase 1 of the Buffalo Technology Business Park. This space has the potential to compliment the unnamed company and boost workforce and education opportunities.

The success of these two projects (and the others we voted on) depends on meaningful partnerships with K12 and higher education. This is the new face of Career and Technical Education and business/school partnerships!

Chief Academic Officer Brent Bacon sits with district superintendents from northeast Wyoming during their conference.
NED WASA superintendents in Ucross talk comp sci and economic diversity

I sent out a special update this week to let you know our ESSA plan was approved and that we received the high ranking of 7th in the nation, best in the west, in EDWeek’s Quality Counts Report. Here is the information once again:

Here is the link to the press release and final Wyoming ESSA plan:

https://edu.wyoming.gov/blog/2018/01/16/u-s-department-of-education-approves-wyoming-essa-plan/

 Also, Wyoming was ranked 7th in the nation for school quality in the annual Quality Counts report released by EDWeek. Here is a link to the press release and the report:

https://edu.wyoming.gov/blog/2018/01/17/quality-counts-2018-report-ranks-wyoming-seventh-in-education-quality

Wyoming scored slightly above average on two of three metrics. We are #1 in the nation for school finance and that metric score put us ahead of the pack for our overall rating. A main talking point from me will be quality, equitable, and sustained funding by the legislature. There were a number of ancillary articles and I found this one about the five commonalities of leading states particularly insightful.

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/01/17/five-common-traits-of-the-top-school.html\

COMING NEXT WEEK:

  • Thoughts about Random Acts of Kindness (memo below)
  • National comparison of accountability systems under ESSA

Memos to be released on Monday, January 22:

Jillian

Visits to Cody and Powell

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

It was a pleasure to visit Park County with other statewide elected leaders this week. We visited with students, businesses, local leaders, and others about the great efforts in Park County. Shout outs to Powell Superintendent Jay Curtis for joining us on the Powell tour of the community makerspace and Cody Superintendent Ray Schulte who attended the Forward Cody dinner banquet–thank you. Community partnership from education leaders pays off today and tomorrow!

A recurring topic in every community I visit is moving past mineral dependence through economic diversification. The ENDOW (Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming) executive council released preliminary recommendations last week. With innovation, diversity, and economic success as overarching ENDOW goals, little can be accomplished without a strong education system that fosters a future workforce. Here are the recommendations. Please note the education recommendations on page 2:

  • Provide equitable opportunities for students to learn computer science
  • Improve higher education attainment and retention of graduates
  • Allocate resources for workforce training

Details under the education recommendations can be found beginning on page 7. The ENDOW council is both aware and supportive of policy recommendations I’ve made to the recalibration and education committees during this legislative interim. I look forward to continued work and support of legislation to expand computer science education, workforce development, and improved student outcomes.

A high school student directs the metal-framed robot he built with a controller he hold in his hand.
Rhett Pimentel and his team provide a robotics demonstration for state and community leaders at the Powell Makerspace (not pictured Superintendent Jay Curtis)
State Treasurer Mark Gordon, Secretary of State Ed Murray, State Auditor Cynthia Cloud, and State Superintendent Jillian Balow stand with high school students holding their robots.
Statewide elected officials visit Park County and talk with students

ESSA

Wyoming’s ESSA plan is still under review at the U.S. Dept. of Education (ESED) with the 120 day timeline drawing to a close. We have worked closely with USED over the past several weeks to ensure compliance with federal law and make necessary adjustments to the plan. We look forward to getting an approved plan over the finish line very soon.

Chapter 41

The Chapter 41 rules are out for public comment through February 18. To view the rules or comment, visit the following link. The rules establish the minimum requirements that districts must meet to provide part-time or full-time virtual education to Wyoming students. The revised rules are in fulfillment of SEA0057 passed during the 2017 legislative session. Many stakeholders took part in drafting these rules and I appreciate the participation.

WY-TOPP

The optional WY-TOPP winter interim testing window will be open January 16 to February 9, and will now include grades 1 and 2. Please continue to have your assessment coordinators, teachers, and others reach out to WDE to work through issues or give feedback.

Accreditation

The statewide accreditation task force met this week and began a productive dialogue about state-led accreditation. The task force is comprised of educators from all five regions in the state. The group will continue to meet and provide recommendations to the WDE with a discussion that is centered around:

  • The definition and purpose of accreditation
  • Revisions to the Chapter 6 rules
  • The annual accreditation report and required evidence
  • Options for external reviews
  • Effective practices and professional development

Memos to be released on Tuesday, January 16:

Jillian