CHEYENNE – The Wyoming State Board of Education (SBE) held its annual retreat on August 5-6, 2021 in Rock Springs, where members approved the assessment blueprint for the state alternative Science assessment and agreed to move forward with the second phase of work on the Profile of a Graduate.
The SBE welcomed WyoTech CEO and co-owner Jim Mathis as the guest speaker. Mathis shared his journey from WyoTech student to his current role with the college. Mathis said that not all students fit the mold of a traditional high school experience, and challenged the board to “lead through the valleys that one does not see from the base of the mountain when hiking to a summit.”
“Jim encapsulates everything that our work on developing a profile of a graduate is about, finding opportunities to ignite the passion in each student so they have the drive and abilities to contribute mightily to our state and our future,” said SBE Chairman Ryan Fuhrman.
At last year’s SBE retreat, the board identified a three-phase plan to develop a graduate profile and graduation standards. The board reviewed the work completed over the past year as part of Phase I, Finding the Foundation, including input from nearly 800 stakeholders who participated in a listening session or submitted written survey comments. The board moved forward with Phase II, which will involve writing a draft profile. Discussions within the board included the importance of continuing in partnership 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 finalizing a Wyoming Profile of a Graduate.
Meeting minutes and materials may be viewed through the board’s website. Follow the SBE on Facebook and Twitter.
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Media Contact:
Diana Clapp
(307) 851-3478
diana.clapp@wyo.gov