Keep an eye on House Bill 0037

The education of our young people is one of the most critical pieces we, as a society, are responsible for.

Our educators mold the minds of future generations and each child, each teacher, each school district is different in regards to needs and resources. We all have similar goals in Wyoming, however, the needs of smaller school districts is vastly different from the needs of larger districts in the state.

With the Wyoming State Legislature’s opening day right around the corner, one bill to keep an eye on is House Bill 0037 – Teacher accountability.

What HB0037 will do is eliminate teacher accountability standards that were part of the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act, effectively taking the standards out of the hands of the state and placing them with each individual school district.

Should it pass, HB0037 will allow each district to determine what they want their educators to “look like.” What qualities are best for our students? What educational levels and advanced education do we want our teachers to have? What can we do to help our educators grow?

The Hot Springs County School District would be able to create teacher assessments themselves and refine the system to meet the individual needs of the district, not some random, statewide assessment system.

What an opportunity for our students and an opportunity for the district to fulfill its promise, “Ensuring that all students are prepared for any path they choose.”