Update from the Wyoming Department of Education  |  view online |  website

Teachers show students how to think, how to be leaders, and how to be good American citizens. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder shares #WYWeLoveTeachers in this video celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week.

Superintendent Degenfelder will recognize an educator each month in this newsletter. To nominate a educator to be featured, email Linda Finnerty at [email protected].

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Wyoming Innovations in Learning Conference will be held in Casper, October 21–22. Presentation proposals are requested through May 20 from educators wishing to share expertise and innovative practices. The event provides the opportunity to explore integrating cutting-edge technologies into educational practices, curriculum development, and pedagogical approaches, while emphasizing student-centered learning and evidence-based instructional methods. Pre-registration is open. Check the conference website for updates.

COMMUNICATIONS

Explore Wyo Wonders, developed by Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom, Wyo Wonders is focused on helping students understand Wyoming’s core heritage industries and equipping them with critical thinking skills. Learn more.

FINANCE

The WDE901 is a solicitation of the School District Annual Budget and publication notice as required by Wyoming State Statutes 16-4-109(b) and 16-4-111(d). Electronic or scanned copies of approved budgets and hearing notices must be emailed electronically to [email protected] between May 15 and August 12.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

The WyCTE application does not provide easy access to a course's history. To help, the CTE Program of Study Course History report has been added to the CTE tab of the confidential portal. Contact [email protected] for more.

The ESSA and WAEA Accountability Dataset Availability Calendar report lists the WAEA and ESSA indicators for traditional and alternative schools and the timeline the data is available to review and submit corrections.

A minimum of 175 pupil-teacher contact days are required of schools. Alternate schedules approved by the SBE must instruct students for the approved number of school days. An end-of-year WDE review of instruction days reported through the Wyoming Interoperable Data System will be done to ensure compliance with Wyoming statute.

SCHOOL SUPPORT

An eGMS LEA Training is available. Contact [email protected] for more. 

The deadline for final Cash Request submission for ARP ESSER / SEA Reserve Funds is December 15. The final September 30 PER is due by December 20, after all funds have been drawn and reconciled.

The deadline for districts to submit 2024 ESF Data Collection reports is April 30. Contact [email protected] for more.

The WDE will provide annual McKinney-Vento training for district homeless liaisons and staff in Casper on Tuesday, June 5 and Wednesday, June 6. Registration will close May 15. Review the agenda and register here. Contact [email protected] for more. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Join via  Zoom to attend Indicator 14 Student Collection training at 2:00 p.m. on April 2. Training will provide assistance in entering student information into SPED Link for the Indicator 14 surveys. Data must be entered by May 3. Contact [email protected]v for more.

Join via Zoom to attend Indicator 14 Conducting Phone Interviews training at 2:00 p.m. on May 9. Training will provide guidance for staff conducting the required Post Secondary Student Outcomes survey. Surveys must be completed by July 30. Contact [email protected] for more.

The 2024 New SPED Teacher Boot Camp will be held July 29–30 in Riverton. New SPED staff with three years or less experience should attend this pre-WAVE Conference session to engage in topics like designing and delivering specially designed instruction (SDI), classroom strategies, supporting paraprofessionals, and behavior strategies to support all students. Register here. 

The 2024 Week of Academic Vision for Excellence (WAVE) Conference will be held July 31–August 2 at the Central Wyoming College in Riverton. For special education directors, administrators, special and general educators, parents, partnering agencies, and other stakeholders, the conference will cover topics such as inclusion, literacy, specially designed instruction, behavior, and special education law. Register here. 

STANDARDS & ASSESSMENT

The Assessment Team will host Office Hours on May 13 to provide an open forum for discussion, questions, and information sharing. Join the Zoom meeting from 9–9:30 a.m. on the second Monday of each month, or call 346-248-7799. Meeting ID: 960 2839 5531.

The Assessment Calendar for the 2024-25 school year has been posted.