Wyoming Department of Education: Resources and Initiatives

The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of the state. It provides resources, guidance, and support to schools, educators, and students across Wyoming. This article explores various aspects of the WDE, including its commitment to non-discrimination, its standards review process, and some of the resources and initiatives it offers.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

The Wyoming Department of Education is committed to providing equal opportunities for all. As part of this commitment, the WDE adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy. The Wyoming Department of Education does not Discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs or activities. This policy ensures that all individuals have equal access to educational programs, employment opportunities, and other services provided by the department.

Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADAAA may be referred to Wyoming Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights Coordinator, 122 W. Department of Education, Federal Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, or 303-844-5695 or TDD 303-844-3417. These federal regulations protect individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Standards Review Process

To ensure that Wyoming students receive a high-quality education, the WDE regularly reviews and updates its academic standards. The math standards were reviewed as part of an approved timeline, which ensures all content areas are reviewed at least once every nine years. This systematic approach ensures that the standards remain current and aligned with the evolving needs of students and the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

The social studies standards were reviewed following the passage of a law in 2017 that called for the inclusion of Native American history, culture, and contemporary contributions in the standards. This legislative mandate reflects the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum, promoting a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of history and society.

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Back-to-School Toolkit

The Wyoming Department of Education has updated its Back-to-School Toolkit for the 2018-19 school year. This toolkit serves as a valuable resource for educators, parents, and students as they prepare for the start of a new academic year. The toolkit provides basic information and updates about education in Wyoming. It may include information on topics such as curriculum changes, assessment updates, and important policies and procedures.

English Learner Support

The WDE provides specific resources and support for English Learners (ELs) to ensure their academic success. The updated Active English Learner (EL) Identifying, Serving, Reporting & Title III Guidebook is now available. This guidebook offers comprehensive guidance on identifying, serving, and reporting on EL students, as well as information on Title III funding, which supports language instruction programs.

Each district should provide one EL facilitator to participate in a training series during the 2018-19 school year. These hour-long training sessions will be held as webinars once a month for eight months. This training series aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of EL facilitators, enabling them to provide effective support and guidance to EL students and their families.

Science Education Framework

The WDE is committed to promoting high-quality science education in Wyoming schools. Attendees will develop a deeper understanding of the state’s science standards and the K-12 Science Education Framework. They will learn a process for developing three-dimensional instruction and classroom assessments, and develop a classroom instruction blueprint anchored in phenomena, science, and engineering practices. This framework emphasizes a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning science, encouraging students to engage in scientific and engineering practices to deepen their understanding of core scientific concepts.

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