Standards, PD, & Resources

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

Standards Header - Wyoming Department of Education

November 25, 2020

IN THIS EDITION

  • Educator Input - Math Performance Standards
  • CARES Act Grants for Arts and Cultural Organizations
  • Poetry Out Loud
  • PAEMST Nomination Cycle Opens
  • 3D Science Workshops
  • PE & Health State Convention
  • Upcoming Wyoming Holidays to Celebrate
  • Wyoming History Day Website
  • Supporting Secondary Teachers with ESL Strategies
  • NCTE Promising Young Writers Program
  • Evaluating Bias in Instructional Materials
  • Equitable Learning in Science
  • Simulated Science Lesson in German
  • Computer Science Education Week
  • National Youth Science Camp
  • High School Computer Science Class
  • Smithsonian Science for Global Goals
  • Presidential Primary Sources Project
  • Scholarships for National Social Studies Conference
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EDUCATOR INPUT - MATH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Math symbols on a chalkboard

The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) seeks educator input to provide guidance for the selection of the Mathematics Performance Standards. Previously all Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) were deemed the Performance Standards to measure student proficiency.

The State Board of Education asked the Mathematics Standards Review Committee to identify a subset of PLDs to be the Performance Standards, on which students will be assessed through the district assessment system.

For Educator Input on Mathematics Performance Standards:
1. Review the Proposed 2018 Wyoming Mathematics Standards.
2. Download and use the Notes Document (optional) during the review process. This will make it easier for you to enter your responses into the survey.
3. Complete the Performance Standards Educator Survey.
4. This survey closes at 11:59 p.m., December 1, 2020.
5. Input collected will be shared with the Review Committee to provide guidance when making determinations on the Mathematics Performance Standards.

Contact Alicia Wilson, WDE Math Consultant, at 307-777-5036 or alicia.wilson@wyo.gov.

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CARES ACT GRANTS FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS

wyoming arts council logo

Application deadline: November 30, 2020

The Wyoming Arts Council, with support from the Governor's Office through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, has developed a financial assistance grant for arts and cultural organizations in Wyoming. 

Applications received by November 30, 2020 will be given full consideration, but the application process will remain open until funds are expended.

If you previously received CARES Act funding from the Arts Council, you are eligible to apply for this grant, but funds cannot be used to pay for the same expenses reimbursed as part of any other CARES funding received. 

For more information, contact Michael Lange at 307-275-4476 or michael.lange@wyo.gov.

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POETRY OUT LOUD

Poetry Out Loud Wyoming

Registration Deadline: January 27, 2021 

The Wyoming Arts Council hosts the annual Poetry Out Loud state competition each year. Students are given the opportunity to interact with the words of the masters through recitation, building a relationship with the works, and creating a sense of shared ownership.

Students are encouraged to brand their readings with their own technique of volume, pitch, pace, and personal point of view.

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PAEMST NOMINATION CYCLE OPENS

Logo for Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching

Nomination deadline: March 1, 2021

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest recognition that a K-12 mathematics or science teacher can receive in the U.S.

This year's awards will honor teachers of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM, including Computer Science) working in grades 7-12. Teachers may nominate themselves. 

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3D SCIENCE WORKSHOPS

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The Science and Mathematics Teaching Center at the University of Wyoming invites preK-12 teachers, leaders, coaches, instructional facilitators, and administrators to participate in virtual professional learning workshops focused on 3-Dimensional science learning in virtual settings.

Each session will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

  • For preK-12 educators: December 8, 10, & 17, 2020 - 3-Dimensional Science in a Virtual Setting
  • For preK-5 educators: January 13, 20, & February 3 - Adapting to 3D, Virtual Science Learning: How Can I Make What I Do More 3D?
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P.E. & HEALTH STATE CONVENTION

Leaving Your Mark - W.A.H.P.E.R.D. 2021

Proposal submission deadline: December 1, 2020

The Wyoming Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (WAHPERD) will offer its annual convention through a series of free online events. Sessions are scheduled from 4-7 p.m. for the following dates:

  • January 13, 27
  • February 10, 24
  • March 10​ 

A call for presenters has been issued. Attendee registration will open soon.

Contact Chris Babb, WAHPERD Convention Manager, at cbabb@landerschools.org


UPCOMING WYOMING HOLIDAYS TO CELEBRATE

Nellie Tayloe Ross

Per W.S. 8-4-101: Legal Holidays, the following Wyoming holidays are to be celebrated in schools in November and December.

November 29 is the birthday of Nellie Tayloe Ross, the first woman governor of any state in the U.S. Under Wyoming law, public schools shall appropriately observe Ross's birthday. Wyhistory.org offers details of her life.

Schools are also required to observe Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7 and Wyoming Day on December 10.

The latter marked the day in 1869 when the state approved the first law extending voting rights to women.


WYOMING HISTORY DAY WEBSITE

Female high school student at lectern discussing the United Nations during a Wyoming History Day event

The American Heritage Center launched a new Wyoming History Day website that has History Day information as well as digitized primary sources by topic.

The goal is to not only to assist History Day participants but teachers around the state searching for ways to enhance their lessons.

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SUPPORTING SECONDARY TEACHERS WITH ESL STRATEGIES

Jody Nolf

1 p.m., December 9, 2020

This free webinar will focus on language acquisition and engagement in secondary content areas. Jody Nolf will share strategies to help content area teachers and ESL teachers collaborate effectively.

Most importantly, you will be provided easy-to-use scaffolds that will work with all levels of learners in both traditional classroom and virtual classroom settings.

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NCTE PROMISING YOUNG WRITERS PROGRAM

Submission due February 15, 2021

The National Council of Teachers of English Promising Young Writers Program stimulates and recognizes the writing talents of eighth-grade students and emphasizes the importance of writing skills.

Some years can be described in a word, and the events of 2020 seem to have settled on one: change. Students are invited to write on the topic of change in a genre that best serves their message.

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EVALUATING BIAS IN INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Young students sitting on the floor looking at a teacher who is not in the frame

Students’ perceptions of their world, their understanding of and attitudes toward others, and their view of self are greatly influenced by an educator’s selection of instructional materials.

Classroom curricular resources sometimes reflect stereotypes and biases about diverse groups of students, personal identities, and nontraditional family structures.

A new report developed under a U.S. Department of Education grant identifies resources and tools for instructional teams to evaluate and assess bias in curricular materials.

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EQUITABLE LEARNING IN SCIENCE

ACESSE logo

Register by December 31, 2020

The University of Colorado and Advancing Coherent and Equitable Systems of Science Education (ACESSE) offer a series focused on creating more equitable learning experiences in science in the time of the pandemic.

The series is open to all middle-school teachers who share a commitment to equity and justice in science education. As part of the workshops, you will gain access to and learn to use a new online system for helping you understand your students’ experiences in your science classes.

The sessions begin January 21, 2021

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SIMULATED SCIENCE LESSON IN GERMAN

Signs written in German pointing to different school buildings on a German school campus

1 p.m., December 2, 2020

Delivering engaging and impactful content instruction in a virtual environment is a challenge but doing so for language learners is even more difficult.

In this session, you will engage in a science lesson delivered in German (no knowledge of German required).

Discover for yourself how targeted teaching techniques and explicit learner behaviors come together to make language and content learning come alive.

Leave with a concrete lesson example and a long list of strategies for use in implementing effective, integrated instruction in your virtual and face-to-face language-learning classroom. 

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COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK

December 7-13, 2020

Computer Science Education Week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.

This year's event will shine a light on the need for improved equity. Without access to rigorous computer science and STEM courses, underrepresented students have limited opportunities and aspirations to develop computing knowledge.

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NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE CAMP

Logo for National Youth Science Camp - West Virginia

Application deadline: February 28, 2021

Graduating high school seniors have the opportunity to represent Wyoming at the 2021 National Youth Science Camp. This no-cost experience includes lectures and hands-on research presented by scientists from across the nation, plus backcountry adventure trips and a visit to Washington, D.C.

Delegates must demonstrate superior academic proficiency in mathematics and science, exhibit leadership abilities and community involvement, and enjoy challenging themselves in the areas of biological and physical sciences.

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HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER SCIENCE CLASS

The Cheyenne Rotary Club and the Array School of Technology and Design are offering a free series of classes to support 9-12th grade students interested in the computer sciences.

Students may request a coupon code for the Introduction to Computer Science Fundamentals using JavaScript is self-paced and entirely online.

Students will gain a foundation of coding and other computer science skills necessary to jump start their education in this field and will walk away with a certificate of completion. 

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SMITHSONIAN SCIENCE FOR GLOBAL GOALS

Smithsonian Science Education Center

The Smithsonian Science Education Center is field testing new materials from the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project.  

The field-testing process invites educators from around the world to test the materials in their own learning communities and provide feedback. This feedback ensures that the final product accurately reflects the needs and goals of a global educational community. 

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PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY SOURCES PROJECT

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The 2021 Presidential Primary Sources Project series is open for registration. The project allows students and educators to hear directly from National Park Service rangers and presidential historians about our nation’s presidents and how they have shaped our country.

The program is a series of free 45-minute interactive videoconferencing programs for students in grades 4-12. 

Upcoming topics:

  • January 19: The Constitution and Presidential Powers.
  • January 21: The Symbiotic Relationship of Slavery and Indian Removal.
  • January 26: Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion.
  • January 28: A Young Theodore Roosevelt.
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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SOCIAL STUDIES CONFERENCE

Logo reading N.C.S.S. for the National Council for the Social Studies

Application deadline: November 28, 2020

The National Council for the Social Studies' First Timers Scholarship is being offered for the annual conference, to be held virtually December 4-6, 2020.

Priority will be given to applicants who have a diverse background and experiences, are in their first five years of teaching, and are working in a high-poverty school.

This year's keynotes include Charlie Sykes, Ken Burns, Samantha Power, George Takei, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Karen Korematsu.

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