Special Education Programs

Wyoming Department of Education > For District Leadership > Special Education Programs

Contact Information

Special Education Programs Division Director
Margee Robertson
(307) 777-2870
margee.robertson@wyo.gov
Special Education Systems Administrator, Part B Data Manager
Susan Shipley
(307) 777-2925
susan.shipley@wyo.gov
Dispute Resolution Coordinator
Susan Shipley
(307) 777-2925
susan.shipley@wyo.gov
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Outreach Supervisor
Billie Wortham
(307) 274-1391
billie.wortham@wyo.gov
Vision Outreach Services Program Manager
Leslie Bechtel Van Orman
(307) 857-9267
leslie.vanorman@wyo.gov
Monitoring Supervisor
Sheila Thomalla
(307) 777-6468
sheila.thomalla2@wyo.gov

The Wyoming Special Education Programs Division provides leadership and support for educators, parents, and students with disabilities receiving special education and related services throughout Wyoming schools, Child Development Centers, and communities. It is our goal to improve educational and functional outcomes for the students and families we serve. In addition, the Division has oversight responsibilities for the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for public schools and Child Development centers across the State.

WAVES 2020-21

Web-based Academic Vision & Excellence Symposium

The WDE continues to be committed to improving the outcomes for all students and to ensuring a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) for all students with disabilities.  As a support to you in this work, we are excited to offer Web-based Academic Vision of Excellence Seminars (WAVES).  WAVES will include ongoing professional development throughout the 2020-21 school year e.g. conferences, webinars, seminars. WAVES is appropriate for Administrators, Directors, Related Service Providers, General and Special Education Teachers, and Paraprofessionals.  As with our in-person WAVE conference, high quality training will be delivered by local and/or nationally accredited presenters.

PTSB and STARS credits are available for both the live sessions, as well as the archived (or recorded) sessions for the school year. However, PTSB treats WAVES as one conference, meaning that participants will receive accumulative WAVES hours for the appropriate PTSB credit at the end of the school year. If you attend a live session, a link for PTSB or STARS credit is given at the end of the session. If the participants wish to watch the recording and view the materials, they should contact Jennifer Duncan at jennifer.duncan@wyo.gov or jennifer.duncan@wyo.gov for the evaluation link, and once they fill out the evaluation, she will add them to the list for credit.

For more information, contact Deana Smith at 307-777-5326 or deana.smith@wyo.gov.

Fall 2021 Schedule:

From 3:30-5 p.m. on September 30, 2021:

From 3-5 p.m. on October 12, 2021:

Refining the Implementation of IDEA in Wyoming for Speech/Language Pathologists – with Lenore Knudtson

This session is specially designed for Speech Language Pathologists to refine the implementation of IDEA. All Speech/Language Pathologists and Special Education Directors are encouraged to attend this event.

Register here.

From 3:30-5 p.m. on October 14, 2021:

Session 3: Executive Function and Independent Learning: Strengthening Motivation and Engagement – Michael Greschler, Ed.M.

What is the relationship between motivation, engagement, and executive function? Students who struggle with procrastination or low effort are often unable to utilize the executive function strategies necessary to stay engaged. They may also be unable or unwilling to work independently, and give up when they become frustrated. In this training, attendees explore the impact of motivation and engagement on students’ use of executive function strategies, and how to use EF strategies.. We will develop a more nuanced appreciation for understanding student’s procrastination and fluctuating motivation. Through hands-on activities, we will learn to teach executive function strategies in a way that addresses engagement and motivation, empowering students to be more independent and successful.

Register here.

From 3:30-5:30 p.m. on October 21, 2021:

Session 4: Executive Function and Early Learners:  Creating Spaces to Foster Flexible Mindsets and Reduce Stress – with Dr. Julie Dunstan

How can early learners begin to develop the flexibility and resilience that is needed in school and at home? During these uncertain times, it is essential that we equip children with the tools to respond to adversity with resilience and flexibility. In this session, participants explore practical strategies for building metacognitive awareness and executive function processes in early childhood through storybooks and structured imaginary play. Participants also discuss the criteria of language and feedback that help to create spaces for learners to ask questions, make mistakes and take risks for learning.

Register here.

From 3-5 p.m. on November 9, 2021:

Refining the Implementation of IDEA in Wyoming for PT/OT/BIS – with Lenore Knudtson

This session is specially designed for Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Behavior Intervention Specialists to refine the implementation of IDEA. All PT/OT/BIS and Special Education Directors are encouraged to attend this event.

Register here.

PTSB Credit: Participants should track their hours of attendance for the WAVES conference from August through November, and only submit one Summer/Fall PTSB form after November 9, 2021.  Submission deadline is December 15, 2021 for all Summer/Fall WAVES sessions.  PTSB credit will be submitted by the WDE once attendance has been verified. There will be a separate PTSB submission form for the Winter/Spring WAVES sessions, which will begin in January.

(Click here for recordings and materials from all past WAVES sessions)

Special Education Paraprofessional Training Series

This series focuses on professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality; behavior management strategies; high-leverage practices to support students; and effective teacher-para collaboration strategies.

 

All IDEA requirements remain in full effect when educational opportunities are offered by the district to any student. Districts are expected to document their efforts to meet the requirements. Upcoming RDA events will be held virtually or can be rescheduled by contacting Margee Robertson at margee.robertson@wyo.gov.

Federally Required Data Collections

The WDE is federally required to provide the following reports to the public.

2019-20 District Report Cards

2018-19 District Report Cards

2017-18 District Report Cards

2016-17 Child Count and Educational Environment

2016-17 District Report Cards