Accreditation
A process to show schools and districts are systematically implementing effective practices. School districts in Wyoming undergo an external accreditation review every five years.
Assessment
Assessments or tests indicate how well students are learning certain subjects. The state uses certain tests to indicate the strengths and weaknesses of schools.
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Previously referred to as vocational education, CTE provides students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers.
CTE Concentrator
A student who completes at least three courses in a career pathway.
Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO)
CTSOs are non-profit education student associations that form a local, state and national network and prepare students for career-related areas. Wyoming has five CTSOs including DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, and Skills USA.
Comprehensive School Improvement Plan
A plan which all Wyoming schools must submit annually to show steps they are taking to improve school performance.
Cut Scores
Cut scores define the score ranges associated with each of the four performance levels (advanced, proficient, basic, below basic) in each grade. Similar to how a 90 percent (cut score) defines an A (performance level).
Digital Learning
Digital learning is any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student’s learning experience.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA is the most recent reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the principle federal law affecting K-12 education. It replaces No Child Left Behind.
Hathaway Scholarship Program
A statewide scholarship designed to provide an incentive for Wyoming students to prepare for and pursue post-secondary education within the state of Wyoming. The program consists of four separate merit scholarships, each with specific eligibility requirements, and a need-based scholarship for eligible students that supplements the merit awards.
Index of Education Quality (IEQ) Scores
The IEQ score provides an overall performance measure for schools and school districts that have completed the accreditation process. It is the aggregate score of all individual indicators and evaluative criteria. The score is calculated using a 4.0 scale. The highest possible score is 400.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A written statement of the educational program designed to meet a child’s individual needs. Every child who receives special education services must have an IEP.
Multi-tiered Systems of Support
A Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a school-wide prevention framework that integrates assessment and intervention to maximize student academic achievement and pro-social behavior.
Performance Levels
Performance levels are associated with score ranges on the test. All tested students receive a scale score as well as one of four performance level designations (below basic, basic, proficient, and advanced).
Proficiency
Proficiency is a measure of how thoroughly a student grasps the material and is able to demonstrate that knowledge on the test.
Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students (PAWS)
PAWS is the state test used in grades 3-8 to measure student performance for both the state and national accountability systems. Subjects on the PAWS include reading, math, and science (science is tested in grades 4 and 8 only).
Proficiency Rates
Proficiency rates are the percent of students within a school who score proficient and advanced on the test.
School Performance Report (SPR)
SPRs are the performance level determinations based on a school’s performance, according to WAEA indicators.
Standards
Standards aim to provide all Wyoming students an equal, quality education. They try to define what Wyoming students should know and be able to do.
Virtual Education Courses
Courses where a series of lessons are delivered to students through a web browser or mobile device, to be conveniently accessed anytime, anyplace.
WyCLASS
Wyoming Course Locator & Support Services (WyCLASS) is a website (http://wyclass.wy.edu/) created by the seven Wyoming Community Colleges and the University of Wyoming. WyCLASS provides a comprehensive listing of college courses offered by each of these institutions via distance delivery methods.
Wyoming Accountability in Education Act (WAEA)
WAEA is the Wyoming state education accountability system enacted by legislature in 2013, and established by the state board through the WDE.