Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/340001
ACTION What's In The Future of Education In Wyoming? ACTION Following the end of the 2014 legislative session, various state government entities began meeting to discuss the future of several education concerns in Wyoming. Actions taken at meetings such as these can have a direct impact on you as an education employee. If you have any questions about any of the following, please don't hesitate to contact Kathy Scheurman at kscheurman@nea.org or 307-634-7991, ext. 116. Here is a quick run-down of the most recent activities: Joint Education Committee (JEC): In the wake of the court decision that found Senate File 104 to be, in most part, unconstitutional, the JEC met on April 24 to receive information on various options for governance structures for public education. A representative from the Education Commission of the States did an informational presentation on the types of governance structures found in all the various states (ex.: elected state superintendent vs. appointed state commissioner vs. both, appointed vs. elected state board of education, etc.). ECS emphasized that there is no "best" model; every state needs to consider its preferences and its needs, as well as its constitutional mandates. Following the ECS presentation, the committee accepted public comments; as it turned out, aside from detailed recommendations presented by the State Board of Education, very few of the other comments pertained to the topic at hand and instead, were statements regarding Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, SF 104 and Cindy Hill, and accountability. JEC members then discussed the advisability of the legislature calling a special session regarding education governance; they voted to recommend waiting for the regular legislative session to deal with this topic, but retained the right to change that recommendation if further information showed a necessity. They directed LSO to bring them more research and information on education governance, including the possibility of decreasing the role of the state and increasing the role of local districts in carrying out some of the functions of education governance. LSO was also directed to draft legislation that would establish a taskforce to review and make recommendations regarding potential structures. The committee anticipates meeting again in late June to consider other interim topics and perhaps in September to again consider governance structures. State Board of Education (SBE): The majority of the April 11 meeting focused on a discussion around the possible adoption of four sets of content standards: science, social studies, physical education, and career and vocational education. A lengthy public comment session was held that included statements from students, teachers, and members of the public, primarily in regard to the proposed Wyoming science standards which were comprised of the Next Generation Science Standards developed by a large group of states. In the end, the Board adopted the standards for social studies, P.E., and career and vocational education; the rules promulgation process will now begin for those standards. The SBE voted to send the science standards back to the Department of Education and the standards review committee for further consideration. In the meantime, districts will continue to use the existing Wyoming science standards. The Board has set its next meeting for June 30-July 1 in Rawlins; no agenda has yet been released. Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB): PTSB met on April 28 to consider the creation of an endorsement for teaching American Sign Language as a Foreign Language. The Standards Review Committee brought recommended standards, recommended tests & cut scores, and a recommended implementation timeline. After discussion about possible ramifications, it was decided to explore possible options of grandfathering existing teachers when the Board meets in June. In further business, replacement Praxis tests and cut scores for them were adopted for several existing Praxis exams that are being discontinued by ETS. Rules and regulations changes were adopted and will go through the promulgation process. Most concerned corrections to language in existing rules, but there are also proposed changes to the requirements for getting an endorsement through a Demonstration of Competency. WEA will notify members when the proposed rules are open for public comment. PTSB and its contractor are working hard on the new online licensure system; hopefully this will be up and running in the fall. We will update you as it progresses. PTSB will meet in Cody on June 16-17. by WEA Professional Issues Director Kathy Scheurman SUMMER 2014 | wyoea.org 17 ICI WEA.indd 19 6/26/14 3:21 PM