Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 206 - Education, Dept. of
1. What it is
The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is the state agency responsible for overseeing public education in Wyoming. Its rules and regulations are compiled in Agency 206 of the Wyoming Administrative Code (WAC). These rules implement Wyoming law related to K-12 education, public schools, school districts, and educational programs.
The goal is to ensure quality education, compliance with state standards, and accountability in schools.
2. Who it Regulates
The Department of Education’s rules apply to:
Public school districts – all K-12 public schools in Wyoming.
Charter schools – if authorized under Wyoming law.
School administrators and teachers – in relation to certification, training, and professional conduct.
Students and families – indirectly, through policies affecting curriculum, safety, and educational programs.
3. Key Areas Covered in WAC Agency 206
Agency 206 rules cover a wide range of education-related topics. Major areas include:
A. School Governance
Rules on school districts:
How districts are created, merged, or dissolved.
Responsibilities of district boards.
School board authority:
Hiring staff, approving budgets, setting local policies (within state law).
B. Teacher and Administrator Certification
Requirements for teacher certification:
Education degrees (usually a bachelor’s or master’s in education or specific subject area).
Completion of an approved teacher preparation program.
Passing state-approved exams (subject knowledge and pedagogy).
Administrator certification:
Requirements for principals, superintendents, and other school leaders.
License renewal:
Continuing professional development or training hours are required.
Background checks and ethical standards must be maintained.
C. Curriculum and Academic Standards
Sets statewide academic standards for reading, math, science, social studies, and other subjects.
Specifies graduation requirements, including:
Required courses
Minimum credits
Testing and assessments
Provides rules for special programs, including:
Special education
English language learners
Career and technical education
D. Student Services and Rights
Rules to ensure student safety and welfare, including:
Anti-bullying policies
Health and safety standards
Attendance requirements and truancy policies.
Policies for student assessments and accountability.
E. Funding and Accountability
Explains how public schools receive funding from the state.
Sets reporting and auditing requirements for school districts.
Accountability rules for schools that do not meet academic or financial standards.
F. Educational Programs and Innovation
Rules for alternative education, early childhood programs, and charter schools.
Standards for implementing innovative teaching methods while still meeting state requirements.
G. Discipline and Ethics
Rules for teacher conduct, including:
Professional ethics
Disciplinary procedures for misconduct
Rules for school discipline to ensure due process for students.
4. Board and Administrative Authority
The Wyoming State Board of Education works alongside the Department to:
Approve rules and policies.
Set statewide education standards.
Issue teacher and administrator certifications.
The Department of Education staff implement the rules, monitor compliance, and provide guidance to districts.
5. Key Goals of Agency 206
Ensure high-quality education across all public schools in Wyoming.
Standardize teacher certification and professional conduct.
Protect student rights and welfare.
Provide accountability for schools, both academically and financially.
Support innovation while maintaining compliance with state law.
6. Summary
Agency 206 is essentially the rulebook for Wyoming’s public education system. It governs:
How schools operate.
Teacher and administrator qualifications.
Student rights and safety.
Curriculum, funding, and accountability.
It ensures that all students in Wyoming get a safe, standardized, and quality education, and that schools and educators are held accountable.
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