WDE’s path to literacy proficiency

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow spoke on the literacy initiatives that are being acted upon by the Wyoming Department of Education. 

According to Balow, during standard reviews the WDE felt the proficiency numbers of K-3 literacy could be improved upon. A state-wide plan was developed and working with the Wyoming Legislature, a bill was written that would pass to become Wyoming State Statute 21-3-401. 

The statute sets a goal of 85% of all students reading at grade level upon completion of third grade and requires each school district to have a reading assessment and intervention program.

The WDE also applied for and received The Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant from the U.S. Department of Education. That grant awarded Wyoming with $8.6 million in the first year, and as long as the state remains eligible it could be awarded up to $43.3 million over the next five year time period. 

Balow told listeners at this point the programs and grants available are voluntary, but the WDE will focus efforts on school districts with the lowest literacy proficiency rates.