The Wyoming Department of Education will reopen proposed rules implementing SEA 43, the 2026 Wyoming Language and Literacy Act, for additional public comment based on substantive changes. The Department has rescinded the initial rules and made changes in response to the commentary received to further improve them. The primary changes are based on the public comment received regarding:
- Clarification and definition of ‘grade-level proficiency’.
- Formatting and alignment corrections.
- Removal of certain sections to provide guidance rather than rules.
- The incorporation by reference of the Department’s approved lists linked.
- Further clarification on the waiver and alternative approval process.
- Lowering of professional development requirements for non-literacy experts upon renewal.
The Department is currently operating under the submitted Emergency Rules and will seek reapproval prior to expiration while permanent rules continue in promulgation.
The Department remains committed to a collaborative process and will reengage with districts and reconvene the Literacy Cabinet during the public comment period to ensure implementation is clear and successful for Wyoming schools and ultimately benefits students.
The Department will submit the Notice of Intent to promulgate the new proposed rules to the Governor on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The Governor has up to 10 days to approve, allowing the Department to release the rules for public comment. The public comment period will be 45 days.
For more information, contact Kelly Storebo, Literacy and Early Childhood Division Supervisor, at kelly.storebo@wyo.gov or 307-777-6198.
