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

Nathan Gurtler General Music Ralph Witters Elementary, HSCSD#1 Nathan Gurtler is truly an exceptional music teacher. He is a highly skilled and accomplished musician and possesses a rare talent for imparting his knowledge and passion for music to his students. Nathan's teaching style is energetic, engaging, patient, and supportive, and he has a remarkable ability to connect with students of all ages and skill levels. His dedication to his students is evident in the progress they make under his guidance, and it's clear that he takes great pride in helping them achieve their musical goals. “Nathan is a true asset to the music education in the community and a shining example of what it means to be a great teacher.” - Claudia Ladd, CLSD Program Manager, Wyoming Department of Education Superintendent Degenfelder will recognize an educator each month in this newsletter. To nominate an educator to be featured, email Linda Finnerty at [email protected].

ACCOUNTABILITY

See the MTSS training opportunities offered through the WDE this fall.

COMMUNICATIONS

The WDE is launching a new public website on August 20 and a separate new WDE District Resource site on September 11. Both websites will be easy to use and will enhance access and transparency. Users are encouraged to download any needed resources from the current website in anticipation of the three week gap between the two. Learn more here.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

A new data collection feedback tool is available on the Forms Inventory page. Look for the tab titled Feedback. Users can filter by collection number and feedback will go directly to the collection steward, a data collection specialist, and the Information Management Division Director.

The WY-TOPP, WY-ALT, and ACT assessment review window is open. District users on the Assessment Confidential website will find the reports have been revised, significantly decreasing the total number. Student level reports have been consolidated with a year filter.

SCHOOL SUPPORT

The WDE is continuing to migrate grants into the new eGMS through 2025. Amendments must be submitted in the old GMS by August 15. Program managers must approve amendments by August 30. Cash requests must be made by September 30 in the new eGMS. Find guidelines here.

Links to instructions for revising (amending) an approved grant application, submitting a cash request, and setting up a budget for an approved competitive grant are available on the eGMS homepage in the LEA Resources Section.

STANDARDS & ASSESSMENT

Register for the Fall Assessment Coordinator’s Training on August 12– from 12–3 p.m., August 16– from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., or August 21–from 12:30–3:30 p.m.

ACT dates for Fall 2024:

• Accommodations Deadline: August 16.
• Accommodations Reconsideration Deadline: August 30.
• Enrollment Verification Deadline: August 23.
• Test Date and Materials Receipt Selections Deadline: August 23.

English Learner professional learning opportunities: 

• Planning with the WIDA ELD Standards Framework on August 12 and August 19.
• WIDA Screener Overview webinar on August 13.

The WDE is seeking educators to participate in an alignment study of the WY-ALT assessment in Math. Educators from across the state will participate in important research and contribute to the improvement of state tests. Apply here and find more information here.