Greetings WY Educators: Standards, PD, & Resources

Update from the Wyoming Department of Education  |  view online |  website

Standards Header

December 16, 2016

IN THIS EDITION:

  • New Wyoming Science Standards Videos Available
  • UW Science Class
  • Wyoming Writing Project Summer Institute
  • Think Through Math Update
  • TTM Motivators for Wyoming
  • 2017 Wyoming Transition Initiative Meetings
  • WIDA Workshops and Updates
  • Nominate a Teacher for PAEMST Award
  • National Youth Science Camp Applications
  • Engaging ELs in Science Workshop
  • Law Day Art Contest
  • Letters About Literature Contest

Happy Holidays from the WDE Standards Team!

winter moose

NEW WYOMING SCIENCE STANDARDS VIDEOS AVAILABLE

science video

Understanding the Science Standards Document is a seven-minute video that highlights all the components of the standards document. In addition, the Science Standards Review Committee created three videos to help districts and teachers with the unpacking of the new standards. The titles are Resources for Implementation, Instructional Shifts, and Integrated Approach to Middle School Standards.

Don’t forget, you can find the Science Standards, Appendices, and all of the above resources on the WDE Science WebpageLook here often as new resources will be added as they become available.


UW SEMINAR: DEVELOPING SCIENCE CURRICULUM

smtc

Developing NGSS/WySCPS-Aligned Science Curriculum

January 24 - February 26

This intensive course will consist of 6 two-hour on-line sessions using a videoconferencing platform, 2 fifteen-hour intensive weekends, and 1 three-hour on-line presentation session. Course Syllabus

The essential question for the course: What does WSCPS-Aligned curriculum look like and how do I develop it for my classroom/grade? Participants will work with the new Framework for K12 Science Education, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the 2016 Wyoming Science Content and Performance Standards (WySCPS), the practical application of research presented in Ready, Set, Science, and other recent reform documents.

For more information contact Ana Houseal or call 307-766-4925.

Standards Register Button

WYOMING WRITING PROJECT (WWP) SUMMER INSTITUTE

wwp

Applications due by January 27th

The Wyoming Writing Project (WWP) is a local site of the National Writing Project that supports teachers as writers and teachers of writing. Each year, WWP conducts a three-week Invitational Summer Institute where participants work on their own personal and professional writing, conduct an inquiry project into instructional practices, and prepare for leadership in their schools and communities. At the end of the institute, participants are Teacher Consultants poised to support teachers of writing in classrooms. Participants will receive 3 graduate credits through the Outreach School that can be applied to a degree program. You can find the application here.

The Summer Institute will take place on June 2-3 (Pre-Institute in Casper); 12-16; 19-23; 26-30 (locations TBD by number and location of participants).

Find Out More

THINK THROUGH MATH (TTM) UPDATE

Think Through Math is creating very positive energy around mathematics in Wyoming classrooms this school year! The new math initiative that specifically supports students in grades 3-8 with a laser focus on algebra readiness is picking up speed as we move through the school year. An impressive statistic shows Wyoming students have accomplished an overall lesson pass rate of 85% and an 89% on-grade level pass rate. More statistics on student usage as of December 1, 2016 can be found in the below table: 

ttm stats

TTM MOTIVATORS DESIGNED FOR WYOMING

western states think


Western States Think Challenge Week 1 and 2 Results

In week one, Utah led the pack with Idaho in 2nd place and Wyoming in 3rd. In week two, Wyoming came to fight and moved ahead of Idaho to take 2nd place on the heels of Utah. Results from week three are pending, but after looking at the surge in usage, it’s anyone’s game! LET’S GO WYO!  


2017 WYOMING ACADEMIC TRANSITION INITIATIVE MEETINGS

uw partnership

Started in 2006, the Lost in Transition Initiative brings together secondary and post-secondary educators and administrators to improve student success as students transition from high school to higher education. These meetings are specifically aimed at high school and higher education educators, but all educators and members from educational agencies are welcome and encouraged to join.

Registration is free but required. Registration closes the Friday before each meeting, and all the meetings will take place in Casper.


Meeting Disciplines and Dates

  • Teaching Writing in Wyoming and Literature Summit: February 3rd in Casper
  • K-16 Life Sciences Summit: February 10th in Casper
  • World Languages Colloquium: February 17th in Casper
  • Social Sciences Institute: February 24th in Casper
  • Mathematics Institute: April 6-7 in Casper

You can learn more and register here. Click on your discipline to learn more and to register.


WIDA NEWS AND PD OPPORTUNITIES

Formative Language Assessment Workshop: 

Engaging English Learners in Science Workshop:

WIDA 2017 Call for Proposals: 

  • WIDA is looking for session presentations as well as highly experienced educators to help evaluate the proposals received. Details Here

2017 WIDA Academies: 

  • Register Here
  • Scaffolding to support Language Development: June 20-22 in Nashville, Tennessee 
  • Formative Language Assessment: September 26-28 in Bloomington, Minnesota
wida

ENGAGING ENGLISH LEARNERS IN SCIENCE WORKSHOP

science kids

February 7-8 in Green River Register Here
February 14-15 in Cheyenne Register Here

Engaging English Learners in Science is a new WIDA workshop that offers teachers time to explore combining English Language Development Standards and Science Practices. In collaborative groups, educators will develop a common understanding of academic language in a science and engineering environment. Then strategies and supports that foster a language-rich environment will be explored. Through hands-on experimentation and analysis of language embedded within the content and practices, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to engage language learners at various proficiency levels.


NOMINATE A TEACHER FOR THE 2017 PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS

paemst

Nominations accepted for 7-12 Math, Science, or Computer Science Teachers

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science (including computer science) teaching.

Anyone--principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public--may nominate exceptional mathematics, science, or computer science teachers who are currently teaching grades 7–12 for the 2016-17 award year. Teachers may also apply directly at www.paemst.org.


NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE CAMP OPPORTUNITY

June 14 - July 8 in Charleston, West Virginia
Deadline for applications is March 1st

The National Youth Science Camp is a free residential science education program for young STEM enthusiasts the summer after they graduate from high school. Students from around the country (two are selected to represent each state and Washington, D.C.) are challenged academically in exciting lectures and hands-on studies, and have voluntary opportunities to participate in an outdoor adventure program, gain a new and deep appreciation for the great outdoors, and establish friendships that last a lifetime.  Apply to attend the National Youth Science Camp here.

nysc

LAW DAY ART CONTEST

law art contest

Entry Deadline: March 31st

This annual contest provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about our legal system, justice, get creative and win prizes. Individual and groups submissions are welcomed.

The Law Day Art Contest is open to students, student groups, and classes attending a public or private high school, or being home schooled, within the United States and in grades 9-12 or the equivalent. Students are allowed to submit an art piece which may be represented in two dimensions. Students are encouraged to use their creativity and create art pieces in any medium desired (including but not limited to drawings, paintings, films, photographs, graphic novels, comics, etc.). This year's theme is "The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy."

You can find out more and submit artwork here.


LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE CONTEST

letters about literature

Deadline: January 9th

Although the high school deadline has passed, there’s still time for students in grades 4-8 to enter the 2017 Letters About Literature contest. Level 1 (grades 4-6) and Level 2 (grades 7-8) entries will be accepted through the postmark deadline of January 9th. Students are asked to read a book, poem, or speech and write to the author (living or dead) about how the book affected them. Learn more and find guidelines and a teaching guide here