The 2025 Wyoming Language and Literacy Plan (WLLP) is a strategic framework designed to serve as Wyoming’s north star for advancing statewide language and literacy outcomes. Recognizing that language and literacy are essential foundations for personal growth, community engagement, and academic success. The plan ensures that every child in Wyoming, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to evidence-based language and literacy instruction. Rooted in the principles of continuous learning and teaching, the WLLP integrates practices aligned with state and federal guidelines, guiding the path toward sustained improvement in literacy outcomes.

This plan, developed through a five-phased process launching from the 2024 Literacy Needs Assessment Survey, draws on the valuable insights of parents, caregivers, educators, literacy leaders, national experts, higher education institutions, researchers, and community stakeholders. This work focuses on improving literacy skills for children from birth to grade twelve, with a particular emphasis on underserved students, those living in poverty, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities. The Wyoming Language and Literacy Plan (WLLP) is a strategic guide for developing a comprehensive language and literacy system grounded in evidence-based practices.

The 2025 Wyoming Language and Literacy Plan (WLLP) is Wyoming’s guiding framework for advancing statewide language and literacy outcomes. Recognizing that language and literacy are essential foundations for personal growth, community engagement, and academic success, the plan ensures that every child has access to evidence-based language and literacy instruction. Rooted in principles of continuous learning and teaching, it aligns with state and federal guidelines to guide the path toward sustained improvement.

The WLLP underscores the importance of distinguishing between evidence-based and research-based practices. While research-based practices are grounded in studies and theoretical frameworks, evidence-based practices meet rigorous testing criteria as defined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This ensures that instructional strategies have been independently validated and have demonstrated effectiveness in improving student outcomes. By adhering to evidence-based practices aligned with reading science, the WLLP reinforces instructional approaches and high-quality research, ensuring literacy instruction is reliable, effective, and proven to support student growth.

The WLLP supports a seamless language and literacy continuum from birth through grade 12, ensuring that every stage of development is addressed through evidence-based practices, activities, and interventions. The plan emphasizes the importance of collaboration among families, educators, community organizations, policymakers, parents, caregivers, and stakeholders. It is specifically designed to support disadvantaged children, including those living in poverty, multilingual learners, and children with disabilities, fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity.

This plan is dedicated to the 94,488 students who represent the heart of Wyoming’s future. Just as Wyoming’s mighty rivers carve paths through our landscapes, shaping the land and nourishing life, these students are the driving force of our communities, shaping the future of our state. Their growth in language and literacy is essential to Wyoming’s vitality. By investing in their development, we ensure they have the strength and resilience to navigate their own paths and contribute to the flourishing of our state for generations to come.

The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) extends its deepest gratitude to the parents, caregivers, educators, literacy leaders, national experts, higher education institutions, researchers, and stakeholders whose commitment to language and literacy shaped the WLLP. This journey began with the Statewide Literacy Needs Assessment in March 2024 and evolved through the dedicated work of the initial drafting team, the phased review process, and the collaborative contributions of participants statewide.

WDE acknowledges the thoughtful insights during the statewide review process. These contributions highlighted Wyoming’s unique educational landscape and refined the plan to address the diverse language and literacy needs of students across the state. Additionally, focus group participants and national experts enriched the plan with their perspectives, ensuring alignment with evidence-based language and literacy practices and a strong foundation for improvement. WDE staff further advanced these efforts by aligning the WLLP with state educational goals and policies, providing a forward-thinking framework emphasizing equitable access to evidence-based, high-quality language and literacy instruction for every student.

Completing this plan marks a significant milestone in Wyoming’s journey to improve language and literacy outcomes. It reflects a shared commitment among stakeholders to prioritize evidence-based language practices and equitable access to high-quality instruction. This milestone not only underscores the dedication of educators and advocates but also establishes a clear pathway for meaningful change. It serves as a catalyst for ongoing efforts at the state level and in local districts, providing a framework that supports continuous growth and addresses the diverse needs of Wyoming’s students.

WDE is proud to stand alongside Wyoming’s parents, caregivers, educators, literacy leaders, national experts, higher education institutions, researchers, and stakeholders in this vital work. Together, we celebrate the transformative power of evidence-based language and literacy improvement in shaping the future for every learner. Our collective dedication ensures that each student in Wyoming has the opportunity to thrive. The journey ahead is filled with promise, guided by the WLLP as a strong North Star for continuous growth and success in advancing evidence-based language and literacy improvement for all students.

The WLLP is organized into nine key components that guide the state’s efforts:
  • Component 1: Introduction – Establishing the plan’s importance and alignment with evidence-based instruction
  • Component 2: Infrastructure, Legislation, and Related Policies – Outlining Wyoming’s language and literacy infrastructure and legislative support.
  • Component 3: Needs of Systems and Students – Identifying and addressing diverse language and literacy needs.
  • Component 4: Alignment with State Literacy Initiatives – Ensuring cohesive integration with existing initiatives.
  • Component 5: Literacy Goals and Activities – Establishing strategic, measurable, and equitable goals.
  • Component 6: Wyoming Evidence-Based Framework for Literacy Instruction – Providing theoretical and practical guidance.
  • Component 7: Implementation and Continuous Improvement at the Local Level – Detailing roles for local stakeholders.
  • Component 8: Continuous Improvement at the State Level – Establishing processes for state-level growth.
  • Component 9: Resources and Tools – Offering comprehensive support for plan implementation.

Explore the guidance documents in three key sections below to learn how the WLLP is shaping the future of language and literacy in Wyoming.

Emergent Literacy
Early & Conventional Literacy
Adolescent Literacy
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Dr. Claudia Ladd

CLSD Program Manager

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