WEA Provides Testimony to Select Committee During July 22 meeting - Read testimony
Recalibration Update
July 19, 2010
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The Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration continues to meet this summer preparing their recommended changes to the school funding model.
The 2011 Legislature will “recalibrate” the model in accordance with the 1997 Wyoming Supreme Court ruling that requires a cost-based system of school funding and a review of the model at least every five years.
The Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration will meet in Lander July 21-22. According to their work schedule, the Committee will:
· begin examining components of the model that need modification;
· review school expenditure data related to at-risk programs, administration, core courses, class size, etc.;
· consider accountability mechanisms including: core accountability indicators, measurement methodology, district support from the state; and
· consider means/methods of obtaining educator input throughout the recalibration process.
WEA President Kathryn Valido will be providing expert testimony during this meeting on July 22nd. Also representing WEA will be Vice President Debbie Bovee, a practitioner representing large school districts, and Craig Williams, a practitioner representing small school districts.
We strongly encourage you to attend the Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration meetings (Click here to view the entire agenda).
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Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration
Recalibration Website
WEA website
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The Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration met June 24th in Casper. During the meeting the committee heard presentations on instructional facilitators and ideas on accountability options, and then decided upon a work plan for the remainder of the process.
Representative Debbie Hammonsprovided the committee with information on the value of Instructional Facilitators. The presentation detailed how instructional facilitators are being used in Worland to improve student achievement. Superintendent of Schools for Hot Springs County #1, Martin Kobza, also commented how important the facilitators have been in Hot Springs County School District #1.
Dr. Allan Odden of Lawrence O. Picus and Associates provided a review of approaches to establishing focused accountability systems for improving instruction and student achievement. Dr. Odden stated that Wyoming school districts do not spend their resources in alignment with the Wyoming School Funding Model, and indicated that too many dollars are spent in ways not clearly linked to student achievement.
He went on to suggest that the state create a definition of effective teaching that could be used to structure a statewide system to measure teaching practice. This new measure along with student data would be used to establish consequences for teachers and administrators.
A work plan adopted by the committee sets a framework for what the committee hopes to accomplish in their monthly meetings. All of this will conclude with finalization of legislation and Select Committee recommendations during a December meeting.
The Wyoming Education Association considers recalibration a number one priority! WEA President Kathryn Validoand WEA Government Relations Director Ken Decariaare working with legislators to ensure WEA priorities and concerns are understood. Valido and Decaria are also leading teams of members and staff who will help communicate information and organize events as the needs arise.
Recalibration Update
June 16, 2010
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The Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration will meet in Casper June 24-25. A presentation about Instructional Facilitators, and a discussion about accountability systems and options, are among many items on the agenda (click here to view the entire agenda).
During the May 19 -20 Select Committee on Recalibration meeting, committee members began to discuss and review reports and listen to consultants. Much of their discussion revolved around academic achievement and accountability for school district expenditures and how they match the funding model.
The Committee is also taking a close look at what components are included in the block grant, and what components are funded outside of the school funding model. The WEA believes funding should remain in the block grant model because it allows school districts the flexibility to spend the funding based on their specific needs. “You can’t just average Wyoming’s schools,” Senator Kathryn sessions commented during the meeting.
Since the Wyoming Supreme Court required a cost-based system of school funding in 1997, the Legislature has been charged with “recalibrating” the model at least every five years.
The court called for regular recalibration of the funding system to ensure it continues to meet the expectations of Wyoming’s citizens and takes into account changes in teaching and learning. It also must adjust for changes in the cost to deliver the components of the funding model. The Select Committee on Recalibration will meet once a month in order to prepare recommendations for the 2011 Legislature.
Naturally, the Wyoming Education Association considers recalibration a number one priority! WEA President Kathryn Validoand WEA Government Relations Director Ken Decariaare working with legislators to ensure WEA priorities and concerns are understood. Valido and Decaria are also leading teams of members and staff who will help communicate information and organize events as the needs arise.
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Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration
Recalibration Website
WEA website
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At the Capitol
Virtually every decision that affects education is made in the political arena. That's why the WEA works year-round to ensure that the voices of students and educators are heard at the state Capitol. We're there when you can't be, fighting for pro-education legislation, monitoring the state agencies that set the rules and regulations, and and keeping tabs on how new laws affect what happens in your classroom.
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