Wyoming: College and Career Policies

In 2005-2006, PAWS became the official statewide assessment used to measure individual student achievement against the Wyoming Content and Performance Standards in mathematics for grades 3 – 8 and 11. Beginning in 2013, the PAWS was administered in grades 3-8 in math. PAWS is designed to be instructionally supportive and include clear targets for instruction as well as informative reporting categories. PAWS reports provide skill-level categories aligned to the Wyoming Content and Performance Standards as organized by the Wyoming Assessment Descriptions.

In 2012, a committee of teachers was formed to begin a two year revision process of the Physical Education Standards. Because the changes to the 2008 standards document were not substantive, diligence was taken to fully evaluate and revise the entire document during the 2012-2014
revision process.

Wyoming has not adopted any professional development standards.

New Science Standards were adopted in 2016.

Wyoming requires 3 years of science courses for graduation.

In 2008, a science assessment was implemented for grades 4, 8, and 11. Beginning in 2013, the PAWS was administered in grades 3-8 in reading, math, and grades 4 and 8 in science. PAWS is designed to be instructionally supportive and include clear targets for instruction as well as informative reporting categories. PAWS reports provide skill-level categories aligned to the Wyoming Content and Performance Standards as organized by the Wyoming Assessment Descriptions. Accommodations are allowed on the PAWS for students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), for students on a 504 Plan, and for English Language Learners (ELL).

Wyoming Social Studies standards are effective in 2014, and meant to be fully implemented by districts for the beginning of the 2017-18 school year.

Wyoming requires 3 credits of social studies to graduate.

The State Board of Education has full authority to adopt standards.

Wyoming requires teachers to complete professional development hours in order to renew their certificate.

Wyoming Foreign Language Content and Performance Standards amended on May 8, 2013 shall be fully implemented on or before the first day of the 2016-2017 school year.

Wyoming requires 4 credits of social studies to graduate.

In 2005-2006, PAWS became the official statewide assessment used to measure individual student achievement against the Wyoming Content and Performance Standards in reading and writing for grades 3 – 8 and 11. Beginning in 2013, the PAWS was administered in grades 3-8 in reading. Writing is now assessed through the PAWS. PAWS is designed to be instructionally supportive and include clear targets for instruction as well as informative reporting categories. PAWS reports provide skill-level categories aligned to the Wyoming Content and Performance Standards as organized by the Wyoming Assessment Descriptions. Accommodations are allowed on the PAWS for students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), for students on a 504 Plan, and for English Language Learners (ELL).

Electives are not required for graduation. However, demonstrating proficiency in certain elective areas will earn an endorsement on the high school diploma.