Education

The Committee will comprehensively review Wyoming Statutes and agency rules that govern the operation of charter schools in Wyoming. The Committee intends to receive reports and recommendations from state agencies for any necessary statutory changes. This study will be limited to the general operation and governance of charter schools, including reviewing available resources for the Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board. The Committee acknowledges the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration will undertake the study of operational funding for charter schools and the Select Committee on School Facilities intends to review the costs associated with charter schools' buildings and facilities.

The Committee will examine K-12 teacher recruitment and retention efforts in Wyoming and successful efforts in other states. This study will include alternative certification and preparation programs, and the WDE’s apprenticeship program. The Committee will review W.S. 21-7-601, that governed the Teacher Shortage Loan Repayment Program, which sunset on June 30, 2016, and the benefits and costs associated with that program while in operation. The Committee acknowledges the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration will study teacher salaries and personnel costs in recalibrating the education resource block grant model.

The Committee will study the reading assessment and intervention program under W.S. 21-3-401 and review evidence-based best practices in assessment and remedying reading difficulties. The Committee may consider potential amendments to the reading assessment and intervention program to align Wyoming with best practices and evidence-based research to improve student achievement.