School Finance Synopsis

 

  Previous page                                        Next page  

 

 

 

 

B. The Basket of Educational Goods and Services

 

The Legislature has by law established a basket of educational goods and services constituting the proper education to which Wyoming students are entitled.  The basket is comprised of a defined common core of knowledge and skills, largely based upon subject area content standards developed by the State Department of Education and school districts under a process initiated in 1990.  These content standards were subsequently integrated into the school accreditation process under jurisdiction of the State Board of Education.

 

The common core of knowledge and skills is defined by statute as follows:

 

Common Core of Knowledge	Common Core of Skills
·        Reading/language arts	·        Problem solving
·        Social Studies	·        Interpersonal communications
·        Mathematics	·        Keyboarding and computer applications
·        Science	·        Critical thinking
·        Fine arts/performing arts	·        Creativity
·        Physical education	·        Life skills, including personal financial
·        Health and safety	management skills
·        Humanities
·        Career/vocational education
·        Foreign cultures & languages
·        Applied technology
·        Government and civics including state and federal constitutions

 

 

The basket is by law also required to include programs designed to address the special needs of identified student populations.  Special needs student populations specifically identified by statute include children with disabilities (special education programs),  economically disadvantaged children, students with limited English proficiency and gifted and talented students.

 

Student performance standards constitute a second component of the basket, which are based upon mastery of the content standards.  Coupled with student performance standards are mandatory statewide graduation requirements patterned after the minimum entrance requirements imposed by the University of Wyoming board of trustees.  The required graduation components are defined by statute and include the successful completion of:

 

            (1)  Four school years of English;

            (2)  Three school years of mathematics;

            (3)  Three school years of science;

            (4)  Three school years of social studies, including history, American government and economic systems and institutions.

 

All basket components are implemented and enforced by rule and regulation of the State Board of Education, to be of sufficient quality to prepare students for future post-secondary education or employment opportunities and participation as citizens.  Enforcement of school district delivery of the basket is provided through the accreditation process, which provides a barometer on statewide program consistency and adequacy.

 

Student Assessment.  Student progress and performance is measured through a comprehensive assessment system involving both a statewide assessment and individual school district assessments.  The Wyoming comprehensive assessment system (WyCAS) is designed to compliment local district assessments and consists of both standards-based and norm-referenced testing instruments.  The statewide tests are closely aligned to the education program standards, assess math, reading and writing and are administered at grades four, eight and eleven.  Local district assessments assess the remaining components of the basket or common core of knowledge and skills, and grades other than four, eight and eleven.

 

The entire assessment system is designed to provide a cohesive array of detailed information on school-level achievement.  In addition, the system is structured to ensure that both state and local assessments focus on the uniform statewide program standards, that assessment results are reported in a compatible manner and provides information to the State Board as necessary to determine whether the required basket is being delivered to students.  The State Board annually reports to the Legislature on student performance as assessed by the system, as well as on school improvement plans directed at addressing deficiencies in program content and delivery.  In addition, the State Department of Education reports results of the statewide assessment to the general public through a uniform reporting system depicting student performance levels on a state, district and individual school basis.

 

The school accreditation process integrates assessments into accreditation processes and activities, and provides a mechanism for the state to ensure consistency and uniformity in delivering educational programs given environmental and other changes.  In addition, the State Board is required to evaluate and review the uniformity and quality of the basket at least once every five years.  This requirement provides a mechanism to modify basket components to reflect societal and other demands imposed upon education.  Findings and recommendations on the educational program and student performance standards are reported to the Joint Education Interim Committee, which in turn submits recommendations to the Legislature.