Tag Archives: Science Standards Review Committee

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

Draft Science Standards Available to the Public

News Releases,

CHEYENNE – The 2015-16 Science Standards Review Committee is recommending a draft set of science standards, which can be viewed here. The draft 2016 Wyoming Science Content and Performance Standards will be discussed by the Wyoming State Board of Education during their meeting at the Hulett Community Center on March 17-18. After discussion, if the board decides to receive the draft standards, further public input will be collected.

“Wyoming took a deep dive into its review of science standards and made sure the public was involved throughout the entire process,” said Wyoming State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “This committee worked together from beginning to end, with the needs of our schools and our state at the forefront of their work. We are all grateful for their dedication. This standards review process was inclusive, comprehensive, and thoughtful. Input from citizens was embraced by the committee from the first town hall meeting to valuable input provided by science and business professionals.”

The board voted on March 17, 2015 to re-engage a science standards committee to review Wyoming’s Science Content and Performance Standards. A committee of 41 members was formed, including members of the 2012-13 committee, teachers, administrators, post-secondary educators, parents, business and community members. The committee reviewed the work of the previous committee, the science standards from eleven states, national standards, and public input gathered online and through regional meetings.

The committee said in a statement, “Each stakeholder group involved in this process brought forth intelligence, experience, and commitment. With so many perspectives and views, we have had to debate the merits of all viewpoints and decide on what’s best for the education of Wyoming students. We are confident that these science standards will provide an important foundation for Wyoming graduates locally and globally.”

More from the committee is available in their video to Wyoming citizens. Additional resources are also available:

Superintendent Balow and WDE staff will be available to discuss the standards review process and to recognize the work of the committee during a press conference at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016 at the Wyoming Department of Education. Members of the press and the public are welcome to join in person in Room 281, via phone at 307-438-9905 or 888-670-9530, or online at www.uberconference.com/wdeuberconference.

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

The Science Standards Review Committee Continues Work

Superintendent's Update,

Afternoon-

Members of the Science Standards Committee are wrapping up their work this weekend in Cheyenne. It has been almost a year since the work on new Wyoming science standards began. I had an opportunity to thank them at the WDE office this morning. From the beginning, their charge was to develop the very best science standards and test a new review process that my team developed with additional input from WASA, the State Board, and others in 2014.  Comprehensive and rigorous Wyoming science standards will soon be released for public review and input. Additionally, this group made innovative adjustments to the process that serve to strengthen and enhance all Wyoming standards from here on.

Here’s a sneak peek:

  • Ag in the Classroom, Wyoming Petroleum Association, and others reviewed committee work throughout the process and suggested where additional local or state context could be added.
  • The committee denoted special standards and sections, e.g. geology, where unique Wyoming science could and should be incorporated. These standards are denoted with the bucking horse symbol

Synopsis of the standards review/development work: http://edu.wyoming.gov/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2015-SSRC-Summary.pdf

More information about science and other standards: http://edu.wyoming.gov/in-the-classroom/wyoming-standards/

science st comm
Part of the Science Standards Committee @ WDE

The legislative session begins next week. The 2016 Teacher of the Year, Amy Pierson, from Buffalo, along with Big Horn High School (Sheridan #1) will be mentioned and recognized during the Governor’s annual State of the State address.  Again, here is information on how you and others can view the address:

Live Television Broadcast: Wyoming PBS
Live Video Stream: http://governor.wyo.gov/
Live Audio Stream: Click the “House Proceedings” link on Legislature’s Website at: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/lsoweb/session/Audio.aspx

Congratulations to Sheridan HS on 2016 We The People victory
Congratulations to Sheridan HS on 2016 We The People victory

My Best,
Jillian