ASCEND 307 is a multi-year initiative developed through a federal grant awarded to the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE). Its shared, collaborative purpose is to support students with disabilities in developing essential readiness skills for the next phase of life.

Success will be measured by an increase in the percentage of students with disabilities who:

  • Graduate from high school
  • Demonstrate workplace and career readiness
  • Secure competitive, integrated employment

Key Goals

Support professional growth of special education teachers.

Support students with disabilities to develop essential readiness skills to prepare for the next phase of life.

Increase trust and engagement among schools and families.

Essential Readiness Skills Webinar Series

Monthly webinars are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 4:00–5:00 PM, with the exception of May, which will be held during the first week

Demonstrating personal qualities such as adaptability, initiative, responsibility, integrity, professionalism, and a willingness to learn is essential for success in any environment.

Strong interpersonal skills include teamwork, making positive contributions, respecting individual differences, using strategies to prevent conflict, and responding supportively to others’ ideas.

Strong communication skills include listening actively, responding to feedback, following directions, and observing carefully to ensure clear understanding and effective interaction.

Critical thinking skills involve creating effective solutions, making sound decisions, solving problems efficiently, and planning and organizing tasks with clarity and purpose.

Effective use of technology includes applying digital tools to perform tasks, utilizing personal assistive technologies, and incorporating self-management aids to enhance productivity and independence.

Effective resource management and information use involve applying relevant information to complete tasks, managing time, money, and materials efficiently, and skillfully locating, organizing, and utilizing necessary data.

Systems thinking in teamwork involves contributing to the structure and function of a team, assessing both individual and collective progress, and respecting the diverse perspectives and strengths of team members.

Participants will have the opportunity to revisit topics as needed, celebrate success stories, and identify next steps for continued growth and learning.

Register Here

Teach It. Show It. ASCEND It.

Building Students’ Essential Readiness Skills 

Help build resources of practical, vetted, evidence-based practice examples of building essential readiness skills, by and for Wyoming teachers

  • Free educator registration to TeacherCon26 with successful completion by July 1, 2026
  • PTSB credit awarded to all course completers.
  • An opportunity for your work to be showcased, compensated, and featured on the Wyoming Innovator Network Resource website.

  • Enroll in WDE Canvas course.
  • View the Essential Readiness Skills webinar series and review the handouts.
  • Complete the final project, which is outlined on the Final Project page in the Canvas course.

  • April-September 30, 2030: WDE Canvas course open and accepting submissions.
  • July 1, 2026: Deadline to submit final project for free TeacherCon26 registration voucher.
  • End of summer 2026: Select submissions to be included in the WDE Innovator Network Resources webpage.
  • Fall: Selected submissions will be posted. For those submitting after July 1, submissions will continue to be considered for selection to become part of the Wyoming Innovators Network Resources.
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