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

SPECIAL MESSAGE

Update from Superintendent Degenfelder on HB147 Prohibited Practices of State Institutions

In response to several inquiries, Superintendent Degenfelder has drafted guidance on House Bill 147 on Prohibited Practices of State Institutions, including suggestions for a self-audit, practical examples of problematic activity in K-12 school districts, and a philosophical foundation on which to build an institutional culture resilient to the intrusion of institutional discrimination...read more.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Title I, Part A, Section 1003 School Improvement Grant-Eligibility

The WDE encourages districts with schools identified under Federal accountability as in need of improvement in the following categories: Comprehensive (CSI), Targeted (TSI), or Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) to apply for the Title I, Part A, section 1003 School Improvement grant. Complete the intent to apply by January 9, 2026...read more.

Nominate the Wyoming School Nurse of the Year

On behalf of the Wyoming School Nurses Association, the WDE encourages educators to celebrate school nurses by nominating them for the Wyoming School Nurse of the Year. Submit your nomination before January 31, 2026...read more.

Provide Public Comment on Amendment to the ESSA State Plan

The WDE is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to its Consolidated State Plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Submit public comment through January 7, 2026...read more.

INNOVATION

Alternative Schedule Request Applications Due Jan. 1

Wyoming Statutes 21-2-304(b)(viii) and 21-4-301 allow school districts to request a waiver from the requirement that schools be in session for 175 student contact days each year. Districts may apply for an alternative school schedule for up to two school years by submitting an application. Districts approved for a two-year alternative schedule must submit a continuation application if they intend to continue the schedule for the second year...read more.

Submit TeacherCon26 Session Proposals Through Mar. 20

The WDE encourages educators across all tracks—Special Education, Literacy, Leadership, and General Education—to submit a presentation proposal for TeacherCon26 by March 20, 2026...read more.

Wyoming Education Trust Fund Grant Application Opens Jan. 5

Applications for the Wyoming Education Trust Fund Grant will be accepted from January 5 through March 5, 2026. The grant provides up to $50,000 per district to support innovative educational programs that supplement the existing curriculum. Log in to the eGMS system to apply...read more.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

IDEA Part B Fiscal Monitor Training for School Districts

The WDE is providing training for school districts on the fiscal monitoring process for the IDEA Part B Grant. The two-day training will be held on January 12-13 in Casper, at the Hilton Garden Inn...read more.

Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities to Meet Jan. 21

The Wyoming Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities (WAPSD) will hold a virtual public meeting from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. on January 21. WAPSD provides policy guidance on special education and related services for children with disabilities...read more.

Program Income/School-Based Enterprise Training Announcement

The WDE is holding a specialized training session focused on the requirements and best practices for operating School-Based Enterprises (SBEs) utilizing federal grant funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The session will be in Casper at the Hilton Garden Inn, on January 14 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This training is required for districts already operating SBEs...read more.

Apply to Join the Wyoming Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities

The Wyoming Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities (WAPSD) is currently seeking passionate and committed individuals to serve as collaborative panel members to make a meaningful impact on education in Wyoming and to help shape the future for students with disabilities across the state...read more.

STANDARDS & ASSESSMENT

Optional WY-TOPP Winter Assessment Window

The WY-TOPP Winter Interim Window will be open January 13 through February 6, 2026. The WY-TOPP Modular assessment window remains open through June 16, 2026...read more.