Content & Performance Standards

Contact Information

Director of Standards & Assessment
Laurie Hernandez
(307) 777-3469
laurie.hernandez@wyo.gov
Supervisor of Standards
Barb Marquer
(307) 777-5506
barb.marquer@wyo.gov

The Wyoming Content and Performance Standards serve several purposes. They articulate a set of expectations for what students should know and be able to do, enabling them to be prepared for college and career success; to live a life that contributes to the global community. These expectations are communicated to students, parents, educators, and all other Wyoming stakeholders, and provide a common understanding among educators as to what students should learn at particular grades.  State law requires the standards in each content area be reviewed every nine years. Content areas are reviewed based on a Standards Review Timeline approved by the State Board of Education, who also set the Standards Implementation Timeline. The Standards Review Committee considers stakeholder input and follows the Wyoming Standards Design Criteria. The Standards Review Process usually takes 9-18 months to complete.

Standards Definitions

Content Standards define the content and skills students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of the grade band or grade level. They are built foundationally and then in learning progressions. They do not dictate what methodology or instructional materials should be used, nor how the material is delivered.

Performance Standards are the standards all students are expected to learn and be assessed on through the district assessment system by the end-of-the grade band or grade level. They specify the specific degree of understanding or demonstration of the knowledge and/or skill for a particular content standard. As such, they employ clear action verbs and describe “how good is good enough.” Districts are expected to give students multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency on the Performance Standards through the District Assessment System (DAS) and provide appropriate supports for student success. Teachers should provide extra focus, targeted supports, and offer multiple opportunities to demonstrate student understanding and proficiency.

Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) describe the performance expectations of students for each of the four performance level categories: advanced, proficient, basic, and below basic. These are a description of what students within each performance level are expected to know and be able to do.

Standards Frequently Asked Questions
Standards in Spreadsheets
Standards Updates

Sign up to receive Standards Updates here.

Statewide PLC on Edmodo

The WDE has launched a statewide PLC on Edmodo so teachers, coaches, and facilitators can ask questions, share information and resources, and even share lessons and mapping documents that have already been created.

Links for Edmodo PLC:

How to sign up:

  1. Go to edmodo.com
  2. Click the blue “Teachers” tab
  3. Enter a valid email address
  4. Create a password
  5. Click the green “Sign Up for Free” button
  6. Find your school (Wyoming DOE) & click “next step”
  7. Enter your Title, First Name, and Last Name, and click “next step”
  8. Choose your Grade Level and Subject Area and click “next step”

The WDE has no authority to recommend or endorse curriculum in any way. The Edmodo website is provided as a service so teaching professionals can share and learn from each other. The WDE is not responsible for the accuracy or content of information contained in these sites.

Teacher's Tips for ELA, Math, and Science

Wyoming Content and Performance Standards

State Statute

State law (§21-9-101(b)(i) & (iii))requires that school districts provide educational programs for a core of knowledge and skills.

  1. Common core of knowledge:
    1. Reading/language arts;
    2. Social studies;
    3. Mathematics;
    4. Science;
    5. Fine arts and performing arts;
    6. Physical education;
    7. Health and safety;
    8. Humanities;
    1. Career/vocational education;
    2. Foreign cultures and languages;
    1. Government and civics including state and federal constitutions pursuant to W.S. 21-9-102;
    2. Computer Science.
  1. Common core of skills:
    1. Problem solving;
    2. Interpersonal communications;
    3. Computational thinking and computer applications;
    4. Critical thinking;
    5. Creativity;
    6. Life skills, including personal financial management skills.
Career/Vocational Education
Computer Science

Per 2018 SEA0048, computer science will be added to the core of knowledge and by January 1, 2022, the state board of education shall promulgate uniform student content and performance standards for computer science to be effective beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. More information on the development of computer science standards is on the Standards Review page.

Fine and Performing Arts
Foreign Language
Health Education
Language Arts

English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects

Mathematics
Physical Education
Science
Social Studies

WDE Chapter Policy Rules

Chapter 10: Wyoming Content and Performance Standards

Please note: Transition documents and crosswalks have moved to the Standards Review page.

Common Core State Standards

In June 2012, Wyoming adopted the Common Core State Standards as its standards in English/Language Arts and Math. No amendments were made to the original Common Core State Standards.