WDE Seeks Public Comment on Alternate Assessment Participation Waiver Extension Request

The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) seeks public comment on theOne Percent Participation Waiver Extension Request for the Alternate ELA, Math, and Science Assessments. Public comment may be submitted online or via mail by 11:59 p.m. on December 4. Comments may also be submitted during virtual meetings on October 28 and November 3 and 5.

Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA), addresses students participating in alternate assessments aligned with the statewide assessment system's alternate academic achievement standards (AA-AAAS). Each state must submit a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education if it predicts exceeding 1% participation in the AA-AAAS in any subject.

After reviewing the 2025-26 assessment participation data, the WDE has determined that participation in WY-ALT ELA and Math in grades 3-10 and WY-ALT Science in grades 4, 8, and 10 may be over 1% of the total number of students assessed in that subject area for the 2026-27 school year. Pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34 (34 CFR), Section 200.6(c)(4), the WDE is requesting a federal waiver to exceed the 1% threshold for AA-AAAS participation in WY-ALT ELA, Math, and Science.

Educators and the public can attend a virtual public comment meeting and provide verbal input. The first 10 minutes will include an informational presentation, and the remainder of the time will be used to collect comments. Attendees may enter and exit the Zoom meeting at any time.

• 12-1:00 p.m. on October 28. Join via Zoom.
• 6-7:00 p.m. on November 3. Join via Zoom.
• 3-4:00 p.m. on November 5. Join via Zoom.

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Media Contact:
Dicky Shanor, Chief of Staff
307-777-7675
[email protected]