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

EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Rapp Kindergarten Teacher Henry A. Coffeen Elementary, SCSD #2 Jennifer is a dedicated educator who tirelessly works to foster high levels of learning in her classroom. Her commitment to her students and their academic growth is evident in every decision she makes. Jennifer builds strong, positive relationships with her students and their families, creating a supportive and welcoming classroom environment. Despite her 14+ years of experience and extensive training, she exemplifies the spirit of a lifelong learner, actively seeking professional development to enhance her skills. Currently, she is enrolled in two afterschool courses focused on early literacy and supporting at-risk readers, further demonstrating her dedication to advancing student success. “Jenn is a dedicated educator who fosters high levels of learning through strong relationships and a welcoming classroom environment. With over 14 years of experience, she exemplifies lifelong learning by pursuing professional development, including courses on early literacy and supporting at-risk readers, to continually enhance her students' success.”  - Lara Cummings, Literacy Coordinator, Henry A. Coffeen Elementary, SCSD #2 Submit this form to nominate an educator to be recognized by Superintendent Degenfelder in this newsletter and on social media.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Request for Alternative Schedule Applications

Alternative schedules that propose fewer than 175 days of teacher-student contact in a given school year must be approved by the State Board of Education. Districts interested in applying for an alternative schedule for 2025-26 and/or 2026-27 must submit an application by May 1...read more.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nominate School Employees for $10,000 LifeChanger of the Year Award

All Wyoming K-12 public school employees are eligible to be recognized through the LifeChanger of the Year program. Last year, Brett Miller, a Vocational and Agriculture Education Teacher and FFA Advisor at Little Snake River Valley was honored...read more.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Grade 9 Credits Earned Review Window

In accordance with the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act, the Wyoming Department of Education has prepared two student-level reports to calculate the readiness sub-indicator for traditional and alternative high schools. These reports contain student-level data and are confidential...read more.

INNOVATION

Save the Date for TeacherCon25

Join the Wyoming Department of Education for this inaugural education conference, bringing together educators from across the state for two days of professional development, networking, and innovation. TeacherCon25 will take place August 4–5 at the University of Wyoming in Laramie...read more.

SCHOOL SUPPORT

Review Census Data For FFY25 Title I, Part A Allocations

The US Census Bureau has released estimated census data for calculating Title I, Part A allocations for local educational agencies for federal fiscal year 2025 (SY 2025-26). A review of the 2023 poverty data is important, as it is used to determine Title I, Part A eligibility and allocations. The challenge period to review 2023 data for certain non-statistical errors ends March 17...read more.

WDE Seeks Partners to Serve Meals to Wyoming Children This Summer

The Wyoming Department of Education is excited to announce the kickoff of the 2025 Wyoming Summer Food Service Program and seeks additional local partners. Meals served at sites are free to any person under the age of 18 or persons over 18 who are mentally or physically disabled and who participate in a public or nonprofit private school program...read more.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Early Childhood/Pre-school and IDEA Training Session

The Wyoming Department of Education is hosting an early childhood training and discussion focusing on compliant practices with IDEA on January 23 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Casper College. Employees of child development centers, school districts with pre-schools or considering offering a pre-school, and state agencies responsible for ensuring positive outcomes for students ages 3–5 with disabilities are welcome...read more.

STANDARDS & ASSESSMENT

ACCESS English Language Proficiency Assessment Window

All English Learners (ELs), in K-12, are expected to take the ACCESS for ELLs or the WIDA Alternate ACCESS annually to fulfill the federal and state requirement of measuring English Learners’ progress in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking...read more.

Participants Requested for English Language Proficiency Assessment RFP Review Committee

The Wyoming Department of Education is seeking participation from Wyoming educators and other stakeholders in reviewing Request for Proposal Bid Responses from vendors to develop and implement statewide assessment services for the English Learner Proficiency Assessments. To participate, submit your interest by January 24...read more.

Student Design Competition to Create Teacher Award

The Wyoming Department of Education announces a student competition to design an award to present to PAEMST (Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching) Wyoming state finalists for the 2024–25 school year. Submit designs by 3 p.m. on January 27...read more.

Spring 2025 Test Talk Monthly Assessment Webinars

The Wyoming Department of Education Assessment Team will continue the monthly training series, Test Talks, this spring. Sessions will be from 2–3 p.m. and provide insights and updates on a variety of assessment-related topics...read more.

WY-TOPP Winter Assessment Window

The WY-TOPP Winter Interim Window will be open from January 7 through January 31. These optional Interims include ELA and Math assessments for students in grades 3-10 and Science for students in grades 4, 8, and 10. To ensure that all educators are prepared to administer these assessments, review the appropriate testing documents...read more.