Tag Archives: Standards Review

New Wyoming Science Standards Finalized

November 17, 2016News ReleasesGovernor Matt Mead, Science Standards, Science Standards Review Committee, Standards Review, State Board of EducationKari Eakins

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 & State Fair

August 22, 2016Superintendent's UpdateAgriculture, Science Standards, Standards ReviewKari Eakins

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:

Memo 2016-095: Hathaway Scholarship Program Orientation Sessions
Memo 2016-096: 2016-17 Pilot for Alternative School Accountability
Memo 2016-097: 2016 Back-to-School Toolkit
Memo 2016-098: Embargoed School Performance Ratings
Memo 2016-099: Student Growth Reports Available
- 2016-099-attachment: Understanding the Student Growth Percentile Report

Jillian

Standards Revisions Enter Final Public Comment Period

June 9, 2016News ReleasesExtended Standards, Science Standards, Standards ReviewKari Eakins

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

ESSA Town Hall Meeting: Standards & Assessment

Assessment, Every Student Succeeds Act, Standards Review

This meeting will provide information and gather input on implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act as related to standards and assessment.

To join via teleconference, go to www.uberconference.com/wdeuberconference, dial 888-670-9530 or 307-438-9905, and enter the pin 38533 when prompted.

Public comment on the ESSA implementation in Wyoming will also be accepted through an online form through September 1, 2016.

An Update from the Road

April 18, 2016Superintendent's UpdateAg in the Classroom, Science Standards, Standards Review, Suicide Prevention, Wyoming History DayKari Eakins

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.

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

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:

Memo 2016-066: McKinney-Vento Changes in ESSA
Memo 2016-067: WDE103 & 401 Training & Info
Memo 2016-068: STAR Conference Registration
Memo 2016-069: WIDA Professional Development Survey
Memo 2016-070: Review of WDE950 Confidential Student Reports

Jillian

Powell Regional Meeting on Proposed Standards Revisions

Standards Review

WDE staff will give a presentation on the proposed standards revisions in science and K-1 ELA Extended Standards, be available to answer questions, and collect public input. The science standards meeting will take place in FAB 70 and the extended standards meeting will take place in FAB 65.