Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/517581
SUMMER 2015 | WEAnews 4 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Kathy Vetter WEA President kvetter@wyoea.org It is time for summer break: fun, sun, relaxation, and legislative interim meetings. Yes, there are a number of important interim meetings this summer. The committees will be discussing many topics at the meetings, including: college and career readiness, community college funding, statewide student assessment, K-12 school funding, school safety and security, district assessment systems and high school graduation, and the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act, which includes both Phase I (school accountability) and Phase II (teacher/leader accountability), to name several. Some of the committees that will be meeting to discuss these education issues are the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration, the Select Committee on Statewide Education Accountability, and the Joint Education Committee. It is important that the members of these committees hear from you, the real experts on education in Wyoming. Remind them that we as educators are deeply committed to the success of every student, and that it is important that all students receive the resources and opportunities that enable them to be successful, no matter what their zip code. We need to maximize the time we have to teach and the time students have to learn by decreasing the time students spend taking tests. Students need time to learn critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity through a well-rounded education. It is important that every educator has the resources, mentoring and support they need. School is the place that shapes our students' future, and therefore, we must ensure that our Wyoming schools have the time and resources to instill a love of learning, foster creativity, and teach critical thinking skills. Please take a few moments during your summer break to let the members of these committees and your own legislators know what is needed to make our Wyoming schools places that help every student reach their full potential. To find out the members of these important education committees, go to the legislative website: http://legisweb.state.wy.us. There, you can also find the legislative calendar, which lists the times and places of all these interim committee meetings. The contact information for all legislators can also be found on that website. I hope all of you have a relaxing and enjoyable summer break and come back ready to inspire the future generations of Wyoming citizens. Thank you for being the people who reach, teach and inspire the students of Wyoming.