Wyoming State Board of Education

CHEYENNE  – The Wyoming State Board of Education (SBE) met for its annual retreat on June 20-21 in Newcastle. The focus of the work included graduation standards, state assessment and state accountability.

The board’s work on graduation standards was guided by the Wyoming Profile of a Graduate. Through that project, citizens identified seven key competencies as essential for graduates and Wyoming’s future. Discussion of these competencies led to the development of graduation standards, and the board anticipates releasing draft rules for public input this fall.

Board discussion on the state assessment system included considerations for reducing the testing burden on students and how the reduction of state standards will require modifications to the state WY-TOPP assessment. Additional potential reductions were discussed after reviewing current state and federal testing requirements. Recommendations were received from the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE), with more anticipated from the Wyoming Future of Learning Partnership. The board reconfirmed the importance of further discussions with educators, legislators, and parents as it continues work on possible reductions to the state assessment system. The board will meet in July for further discussion of Superintendent Degenfelder’s assessment reduction plan and to receive public comment.

The SBE reviewed findings from the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act study conducted by Marzano Research Labs. Two key findings included a consideration to simplify the current model by eliminating or making some indicators optional, which would require legislative action. The study recommended the board review the current approach to calculating the equity indicator within the model, and an alternative approach was presented by Dr. Michael Flicek, consultant to the WDE.

The SBE’s legal counsel provided a review of board history, reflecting how legislation over time has defined board duties and confirmed its role in providing policy for Wyoming’s K-12 system as well as its responsibility to engage Wyoming stakeholders. The review highlighted how the process used to create the Profile of a Graduate directly connected to the board’s statutory obligation to engage stakeholders and establish statewide goals for public education.

“The state board will continue to connect with people across Wyoming, work with Superintendent Degenfelder, and other partners to address the duties of the board. We must also reach out and work with legislators and other state policy makers to ensure we are meeting the needs of students, families, and the future of Wyoming,” said State Board of Education Chair, Bill Lambert.

Board actions included approval of full accreditation of districts, with one district and 22 schools receiving accreditation with support. Two state-funded institutions were also accredited for the 2024-25 school year. The board approved its fiscal year 2025-26 budget and a twelve year timeline for the review and revision of Wyoming’s Content and Performance Standards.