The Wyoming Language and Literacy Act (SF0059) establishes a comprehensive, statewide system to ensure that every student in kindergarten through grade twelve develops strong language and literacy skills.
The Act establishes the Wyoming language and literacy program and defines a coordinated framework that includes evidence-based language and literacy instruction, assessment, intervention, and professional development. This framework is intentionally designed to create a cohesive system that supports educators in delivering effective instruction, engages families and caregivers as partners in the learning process, and promotes literacy proficiency for all Wyoming students through aligned and research-grounded practices.
The Act further establishes clear expectations for school districts, including implementing comprehensive district language and literacy plans, administering universal and dyslexia screeners, utilizing diagnostic assessments to inform instruction, and developing individualized reading plans for students identified with reading difficulties or at risk for poor reading outcomes. In addition, the Act requires ongoing professional development for educators, regular communication with families and caregivers, and annual reporting structures that reinforce continuous improvement and accountability at the local level.
In alignment with these expectations, the responsibilities of the Wyoming Department of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction include creating a Language and Literacy Division, rulemaking with district support, the development and maintenance of advisory lists for approved assessments and high-quality instructional materials and practices, and the provision of technical assistance, research, and monitoring. These responsibilities ensure that districts are supported in implementation while maintaining consistency, alignment, and fidelity to the statutory expectations outlined in the Act.
Grounded in evidence-based language and literacy instruction, this framework supports the early identification of reading difficulties, the delivery of targeted and responsive intervention, and the consistent implementation of effective instructional practices across grade levels. This law reflects Wyoming’s commitment to building a coherent and sustainable system that strengthens language and literacy outcomes and ensures all students are equipped with the skills necessary for long-term success.
