Wyoming State Board of Education approves budget reduction, okays leader, teacher evaluation

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming State Board of Education (SBE) held its annual retreat on July 16-17, 2020 in Casper and, during the retreat, the board took action to approve a 10% General Fund Budget Reduction in addition to the 10% reduction approved on June 19, 2020. The board approved three district submissions of Leader Evaluation Systems and 19 district submissions of Teacher Evaluation Systems.

In other action, the SBE reviewed their current roles and responsibilities as outlined in state statute. The board discussed its role in Accountability, Assessment, Accreditation and other duties as a board.

The board continued its discussions on Redefining Student Success: Profile of a Graduate facilitated by Gretchen Morgan, Strategy and Policy Fellow with the Center for Innovation in Education. The board received information on various approaches to addressing what it means to be a high school graduate. Discussion included the importance of partnering with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow and working in collaboration with school districts, parents, students, teachers, communities, businesses, technical schools, and higher education in formulating a Wyoming Profile of a Graduate. The following were of key importance to the board:

– There is a need for clarity about the state’s vision of a high school graduate.
– There needs to be recognition of both academic and life skills preparation, sometimes referred to as 21st Century Skills.
– There is recognition that students have a variety of options after high school graduation including college, career, military and technical training.
– The process must include all stakeholders and be done in a thoughtful collaborative way.
– The end result must not add to the current load rather create a more aligned, coherent, and efficient system.
– The board acknowledged the importance of beginning conversations with stakeholders, while also being highly cognisant of the current demands facing schools and families as preparations for
the fall start of school are being formulated. Board members said they recognized families, students, and schools are learning things right now that may shape the future of education and
what it means to be a high school graduate in Wyoming.

The board will continue its discussion on Profiles of a Graduate at its next meeting scheduled on September 24-25, 2020.