SBE, WDE proceed with collaborative assessment reduction
For the Record-Times CHEYENNE - The Wyoming State Board of Education (SBE) met virtually on August 6 and took action to remove the grade …
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CHEYENNE - The Wyoming State Board of Education (SBE) met virtually on August 6 and took action to remove the grade 3 Writing assessment from next spring’s administration of the WY-TOPP state assessment. Action was also taken to reduce the number of items on grades 3-8 Math WY-TOPP and to provide more focused instruction and in-depth assessment of critical math concepts.
The elimination of grade 3 essay writing from the current state assessment originated from Superintendent Megan Degenfelder’s Assessment Reduction & Efficiency Plan. This change allows teachers and students the time necessary to ensure that both writing and typing skills are present before students are assessed. While the removal of the grade 3 Writing assessment will take effect in the Spring of 2025, board members noted that the state Writing standards are currently under revision.
“Today, teacher, parent, and student voices were heard loud and clear in their desire for less state testing. I am thrilled by the partnership between the Wyoming Department of Education and SBE in what I hope are the first of many actions to reduce the assessment burden,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.
The board plans to hold ongoing conversations regarding how the state might improve student writing and assess these skills across grade levels and content areas after employers and postsecondary educators highlighted the importance of technical reading and writing skills during Wyoming Profile of a Graduate listening sessions.