Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1297492
and additional cuts are in the works. 2020 is the year for recalibration. The study evaluates the education provided to students, and determines how to best implement that education in Wyoming. It also assigns a dollar amount to the cost of providing education to Wyoming students. Per our state constitution, a Recalibration Study must be conducted every five years. This mandate was the product of the Campbell cases which stated that education is a fundamental right in Wyoming, a value that goes back to the state's territorial Governors. The work of recalibration has already begun by Picus Odden & Associates, a firm that has conducted several recalibration studies in the past. Picus Odden & Associates examines educational best practices, conducts multiple professional judgment panels, and consults with educational stakeholders to determine what type of education Wyoming students need to compete in the job market of today and the future. Recalibration is relevant to the discussion of education funding as it is through this process that a determination is made whether or not education in the state of Wyoming is adequately funded. Once again, the Wyoming Supreme Court's precedent in the Campbell cases is of vital importance and will undoubtedly play a substantial role in the discussions around education funding. There are several components of these cases that are worth highlighting: Campbell I, 907 P.2d 1279 (1985): ...first design the best education system by identifying the "proper" educational package each Wyoming student is entitled to have whether she lives in Laramie or in Sundance. The cost of that educational package must then be determined, and the legislature must then take the necessary action to fund that package. Because education is one of the state's most important functions, a lack of financial resources will not be an acceptable reason for failure to provide the best educational system. All other financing considerations must yield until education is funded. Campbell (2008) at 539: ...this court, in Campbell held our constitution commands the legislature 'to provide and fund an education system which is of a quality appropriate for the times,' and that command goes well beyond simply allowing the legislature to dispense a minimal level of elementary and secondary education and then fund it as best it can amidst other competing priorities. Supporting an opportunity for a complete, proper and quality education is the legislature's paramount priority; competing priorities not of constitutional magnitude are secondary and the legislature may not yield to them. Campbell (1995) at 1279: aspects of quality education will include: 1. Small schools, small class size, low student-teacher ratios, textbooks, low student-personal computer ratios. 2. Integrated, substantially uniform substantive curriculum decided by the legislature through the State superintendent of Public instruction with input from local school boards. 3. Ample appropriate provision for at-risk students, special problem students, talented students. Setting of meaningful standards for core content and knowledge attainment intended to achieve the legislative goal of equipping all students for entry into the University of Wyoming and Wyoming Community colleges or which will achieve the other purposes of education. 5. Timely and meaningful assessment of all student's progress in core curriculum and core skills regardless of whether those students intend to pursue college or vocational training. In 2017, a recalibration study was shelved by the legislature. The findings demonstrated that the evidence-based model would cost tens of millions more than was currently being allocated to education in the state of Wyoming. These findings revealed that even in 2017, the legislature was underfunding education in the state according to the evidence-based model. While there have been slight increases to education funding in the state of Wyoming over the years, these increases have not kept up with the current rate of inflation, only widening the gap between an adequate level of education funding and actual funds for education. Education: A Fundamental Value and the Future of Wyoming Not only will the adversity inherent in the upcoming general session test individual and institutional resolve, but it will also put on full display the character of the men and women who serve the citizens of Wyoming. The values and character of our legislators and state leadership must align with the fundamental principles and values that shaped this great state. Education has always been a fundamental Wyoming value. The prioritization and continued investment in education yields returns far higher than any other market fiduciary investment. The education system in Wyoming is the "Best in the West," (see p. 24) and will produce the state's next entrepreneurs, political and community leaders, workers, and educators. It can only do so if our leaders demonstrate the ability to lead in adverse times, taking the delegate approach to public service and leadership by moving the state forward with the necessary policies, regardless of their popularity—or lack thereof—in public sentiment. This process will require patience and resolve, and at times we may question how to move forward. These questions are our second step in the right direction to resolving our state's crisis and saving education in the state of Wyoming; the first being the acknowledgment and understanding that we can no longer maintain a "business as usual" mentality, relying on dying or volatile industries, and employing taxation practices that burden those who cannot afford to pay. The Wyoming Education Association will be working diligently during the upcoming session to fight for educators and students across the state. We will continue to keep you informed on legislative happenings. WEA welcomes the engagement of our membership around these vital issues. It is only together that we can move forward. Want to learn more about opportunities to get engaged in the political process? From cyber-lobbying, to lending your story to public awareness campaigns for education funding, or even testifying before the legislature, there are so many ways to get involved! Contact WEA Government Relations Director Tate Mullen to learn more ! tmullen@wyoea.org (307)286-3096 11