Tag Archives: Science Standards

Science Standards Cross the Finish Line

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

There was a litany of education meetings across the state and nation this week. I wish I could have attended all of them and know that our agency was well-represented by WDE staff. Thank you for inviting us to be part of your important conversations!

Wyoming’s science standards made it over the finish line this week with the governor’s approval and signature. Here is the press release. For all of us, this is a big win! Former standards, adopted in 2003, received an “F” grade and were termed “worthless” by the Fordham Institute in 2012. Because of antiquated standards, we know that many schools have gone above and beyond the 2003 standards to ensure a quality science education for our students. We would love to hear about early implementation of the standards and work with you to set up a structure for sharing promising practices and resources. Several partners including Wyoming Ag in the Classroom and Wyoming PBS have already partnered with teachers to develop curricular materials aligned with the standards that are specific to Wyoming-specific science topics.

This week, the WDE was invited to participate in Stop, Drop, and Read. If you have celebrations in your school district that you would like us to participate in our share on social media, please send information and/or photos to gerry.minick@wyo.gov.

WDE staff sit in the hallway reading books.
WDE Staff celebrating Stop, Drop, and Read

Memos to be released on Monday, November 21:

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

Science Standards

Superintendent's Update, ,

Dear Superintendents,

Today, the Wyoming Science Content and Performance standards cleared another (and almost final) hurdle. The standards were formally adopted by the State Board. This is the last step for the State Board and they now go to the Governor’s Office for review and signature and will become effective once the Secretary of State signs them. At the WDE, the standards and assessments teams have already begun working on support for schools with respect to implementation.

Not only do the new science standards mark the era of a new review, development, and adoption process, they will also require a great deal of work to implement. No single textbook will address the dynamic science standards. Implementation guidance will include vetting open source materials, developing online guidance, providing professional development, and working with partners to develop Wyoming-specific materials. Several key partners going forward, in addition to the standards committee and schools across the state, include Wyoming Ag in the Classroom, Wyoming Public Broadcasting (PBS), and members of business and industry.

Earlier in the week, the Joint Education, and then the Select Accountability committees moved through a very full agenda. There was significant discussion about school finance and state revenue, the Hathaway Scholarship, the state accountability system, and more. I am enthused by the depth of discussion and general direction we are headed. Draft legislation on the Hathaway Scholarship Program and accountability will be re-presented to the committee in November and I’m hopeful the committee will move forward with several impactful statutory provisions.

Next week is the AdvancED Fall Continuous Improvement Conference in Casper. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Governor Matt Mead with Superintendent Allred in front of the new Mormon Temple in Afton, Wyoming.
The first Mormon Temple in Wyoming opened to the public in Afton this week. All five statewide elected officials, plus Vice President Cheney, attended. Superintendent Allred was an excellent host.

Memos to be released Monday, September 26:

Jillian

Science Standards & State Fair

Superintendent's Update, ,

Dear Superintendents,

Wyoming’s science standards have met another milestone as the final public comment period closed. Throughout the process more than 350 comments were taken making this last step more of a formality.  As we near the finish line, work on building teaching resources around Wyoming-specific science has already begun. Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) is working with educators, families, and others on the Wyoming Stewardship Project.  Notably, educators gathered in July to align unique teaching and learning resources to the standards.  I had an opportunity to highlight this important work at the 2016 Agriculture Hall of Fame picnic.  Also, during the picnic, Teresa Brown of Crook County was recognized for her leadership on the WAIC Board and Diane Hellbaum, an elementary teacher from Chugwater, received the WAIC Educator of the Year award.

This week is also the Wyoming State Fair which, for me at least, is a final signal that school is actually going to start.  It also marks my promotion from “county fair mom” to “state fair mom.”  My daughter won reserve champion Hereford steer on Wednesday at the state fair and I am shamelessly proud!

I wish you and your staff the best as students return to school and to help with the transition WDE staff developed a back-to-school toolkit, a handy reference for savvy veteran education leaders and more of a mainstay for new and aspiring leaders.  There is information about accountability, the Hathaway Scholarship Program, and more.

Superintendent Balow speaking at an outdoor picnic for the Agriculture Hall of Fame at the State Fair in Douglas

Chapter 31 Rules on Graduation Requirements

The rules were rescinded by the State Board earlier this week amid inconsistencies with rules in other chapters. Our work with you, the governor’s office, and the LSO to provide clear guidance to districts will continue. Your input is appreciated.

Memos to be released on Monday, August 22:

Jillian

Standards Revisions Enter Final Public Comment Period

News Releases, ,

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education is now taking public comment on Chapter 10 Rules on Wyoming Content and Performance Standards. Proposed revisions include Science Standards and K-1 English Language Arts Extended Standards.

The proposed 2016 Wyoming Science Standards and K-1 ELA Extended Standards are available here.

Public comment can be submitted through August 12, 2016 at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SYe7ETc12tF7IeOpioLe9Fjq39R1Ywm9cnvxpUJnuSk/viewform

The Wyoming State Board of Education voted to collect official public comment on May 20, 2016. The Governor’s Office gave approval to proceed on June 2, 2016. Public comment will be presented to the Board and the Governor for their review while they consider final adoption of the standards this fall. All public comments will be posted on the Secretary of State’s website.

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

Afterschool Programs, Graduation Requirements, and Science Standards

Uncategorized

Dear Superintendents,

This week I was recognized as a National AfterSchool Association’s influential state leader. It was an honor to receive the award and a privilege to attend and present at their spring convening. The Wyoming AfterSchool Alliance (WYAA) connects with students and adults across the state. They have thirty afterschool programs statewide.  Additionally WYAA is an excellent partner in early learning, educator professional development, and STEM efforts. Soon, they will be working on juvenile justice issues to help reduce the school to prison pipeline. My work with WYAA precedes my tenure as State Superintendent. Executive Director, Linda Barton, her board, staff, and programs have always supported families and children, education, and self-sufficiency. When afterschool programs and schools partner closely with one another, students benefit, period. http://wyafterschoolalliance.org/ 

Craig Williams and Linda Barton present NAA award
Craig Williams and Linda Barton present NAA award

Update on Chapter 31 Rules

Emergency rules for Ch. 31 graduation requirements were signed on April 14. Regular rule writing has already begun and will likely include  the review of Chapter 6 (Accreditation), Chapter 10 (Standards), and HB19. All these documents will help in providing guidance for Chapter 31 rules.

It is our goal to draft rules that follow statute and provide the guidance necessary for Wyoming school districts to understand the requirements for students to receive a high school diploma. Thank you for your continued input on the process and rules.

Science Standards

The WDE will hold another round of public meetings to discuss draft science standards. Here are the dates and locations:

May 4   6-8 pm     Campbell City Public Library

May 5   6-8 pm     Natrona City School District

May 6   6-8 pm     Laramie City School District #1

May 9   6-8 pm     Sweetwater School District #2

May 10   6-8 pm   Northwest College

2016 High School Art Symposium in Casper
2016 High School Art Symposium in Casper
Congrats to Wyo Supt of the Year, Dr. Boyd Brown
Congrats to Wyo Supt of the Year, Dr. Boyd Brown

Memos to be released Monday, April 25:

Jillian

An Update from the Road

Superintendent's Update, , , ,

Good afternoon,

I’m traveling this weekend and sending this update from the road.

Draft science standards are still out for review. Today, I had an opportunity to celebrate with winners of the the Ag in the Classroom bookmark contest. Ten winners were selected from over one-thousand entries. Ag in the Classroom was one entity that provided input on the science standards. This summer, teachers from across the state will work to strengthen AIC curricular resources that are aligned with science and other standards. These and other resources will be of great value to teachers once new standards are adopted.

IMG_2619

End of year culminating events are beginning to take place. I had the honor of keynoting Wyoming History Day for the second year. If you are interested in having me spotlight end of year celebrations or graduation, please contact Rita or I and to check calendars.

History Day teachers are honored during the awards ceremony at Wyoming History Day in Laramie
History Day teachers are honored during the awards ceremony at Wyoming History Day in Laramie

Finally, a guest column I penned about suicide prevention will likely begin to appear in newspapers this weekend. In short, it is a call to action for communities and individuals, not just schools, to work to prevent suicide and address the causes that lead to suicide. Statistically, we may be experiencing a statewide suicide “cluster” with a rate of youth suicide that is twice the national average. I will be working to roll out a few other components in partnership with community advocacy groups also. My main message is that suicide and causes leading to suicide need to be addressed through the efforts and collaboration of many in the  community.

Memos to be released Monday, April 18:

Jillian

Updates on ESSA Transition

Superintendent's Update, , , , , ,

Dear Superintendents,

I ask that you please spend time previewing the attached memos. In particular, there is a memo about calculating AYP during the transition from NCLB to ESSA. Last year, I encouraged our state to focus on state-driven performance reports versus AYP. The reports are aligned with the Wyoming accountability system and present an accurate reflection of the successes and challenges in our schools. This year, performance reports is all we will focus on since AYP will not be calculated. Over the next several weeks, additional ESSA guidance will be conveyed to you. The USDOE released a helpful FAQ document that most of your have seen. In case you haven’t, here is a link to it:

http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/essa/faq/essa-faqs.pdf

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or suggestions on how to best communicate the information.

This week I spent time with incoming UW President Laurie Nichols at the Trustees’ meeting. She officially starts her new post in May and brings energy, experience, and a depth of knowledge about K12 education. We’ve already begun a robust conversation about dual/concurrent enrollment, curriculum alignment, teacher/leader preparation and more. I am anxious for you to meet her.

Incoming UW President Dr. Laurie Nichols
Incoming UW President Dr. Laurie Nichols

Memos to be released Monday, March 28:

Jillian

Public Input Being Taken on Proposed Standards Revisions

News Releases, , ,

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming State Board of Education has requested public input on the proposed 2016 Wyoming Science Content and Performance Standards, as well as recommended changes to the K-1 English Language Arts (ELA) Extended Standards. The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) will collect the public input through online surveys and regional meetings. The State Board will then review the input before making any decisions on whether or not to adopt the standards.

“We want our standards to be Wyoming stamped, sealed, and approved,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “In order to do that, we’re making sure the public has the opportunity to weigh in along every step of the standards review process. My hope is that the public will thoroughly vet these proposed revisions, and give us their feedback, so that we can know without a doubt that we have the best standards for our students.”

Proposed 2016 Wyoming Science Standards

Recommended Changes to K-1 ELA Extended Standards

Input can be given through online surveys, which are available now through May 10, 2016. The surveys can be found here:

Proposed Wyoming Science Standards Survey

Recommended Changes to K-1 ELA Extended Standards Survey

In addition, input can be given at regional meetings, which will take place across the state. At each meeting, WDE staff will give a presentation on the proposed standards revisions, be available to answer questions, and collect public input.

standards-meetingsAll regional meetings will take place from 6-8 pm.

Comments collected through the regional meetings and online surveys will be shared with the State Board at their meeting on May 26.

More information on the proposed 2016 Wyoming Science Standards is available here. More information on the recommended changes to K-1 ELA Extended Standards is available here.

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

Challenges and Successes

Superintendent's Update,

Dear Superintendents,

First, I want to share a couple of salient articles from this week:

http://trib.com/news/local/education/study-shows-rural-communities-benefit-from-after-school-programs/article_7fac8c46-c44a-5d2b-8fbf-4265b8f47b2f.html

https://www.the74million.org/article/in-the-shadows-of-wyomings-oil-and-coal-heydey-an-education-funding-crisis?utm_campaign=Contact+SNS+For+More+Referrer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=snsanalytics

Both touch on some of the greatest challenges and successes we face today. We are seeing unprecedented collaboration in Wyoming education with new, reinvigorated, and targeted partnerships. We are all working to create more opportunities for students to keep Wyoming strong, no matter the funding scenario. Superintendents, school boards, and communities are beginning to have very difficult conversations about how to keep budget cuts as far from the classroom as possible. Thank you for keeping me updated on your community conversations–I really appreciate it.  As always, WDE leadership and staff stand ready to provide support and information whenever you need it.

Visiting with Gillette 5th graders about state government structure
Visiting with Gillette 5th graders about state government structure

Standards

As expected, the State Board of Education voted to seek additional input on the new draft science standards. Simultaneously, members of the Board will continue to independently review the standards.  The WDE will release dates and locations for community meetings soon.  I encourage you to attend with interested staff and community members.  Also, please feel free to reach out to WDE staff with feedback or questions. Continued transparency and feedback about the process and standards remains essential.  Again, the standards can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BxbGtXThMppZY0Y1VE82bVJncjA

The State Board also voted to open up Extended (SPED) English/Language Arts standards to make numerous, non-substantive changes.  The intent is to align K-1 to the higher grades and the regular ELA standards. To reiterate, the scope of work is narrowly focused on K-1 extended standards. For more information, I direct you to the SBE board packet where the specific changes can be found starting on page 71:

http://edu.wyoming.gov/wordpress/downloads/board/2016/3.2016-Meeting-Packet-RS.pdf

Memos to be release Monday, March 21:

Jillian