Secretary DeVos Approves Wyoming’s ESSA State Plan

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the approval of Wyoming’s consolidated state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

“Wyoming’s plan met the requirements of the law, and so I am happy to approve it,” said Secretary DeVos. “This plan should not be seen as a ceiling, but as a foundation upon which Wyoming can improve education for its students.”

Allowing states more flexibility in how they deliver education to students is at the core of ESSA. Each state crafted a plan that it feels will best offer educational opportunities to meet the needs of the state and its students.

The following are some of the unique elements from Wyoming’s approved plan as highlighted by the state:

• Balances achievement, growth and equity in its accountability system and helps to keep school relevant for all students by including a Post-Secondary Readiness Indicator that measures college, career and military readiness.
• Collaborates with institutions of higher education in the state to improve educator preparation programs and ensure a healthy teacher pipeline, including a focus on preparing educators for opportunities in districts and schools with a high concentration of low-income and minority populations.

“Our goal to significantly increase the percentage of Wyoming students who are college, career and military ready by 2020 is clearly articulated in our ESSA plan,” said Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “From kindergarten to graduation, Wyoming students will have access to opportunities and excellent instruction. Our ESSA plan is rooted in collaboration and consensus-building among our community education partners and the U.S. Department of Education. I am confident we have crafted a strategy that puts every Wyoming student on a path to success.”