Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 206 - Education, Dept. of
Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 206 - Education, Dept. of
Overview:
Agency 206 governs the rules and regulations promulgated by the Wyoming Department of Education. This agency sets standards, procedures, and policies that affect public education in Wyoming, covering K-12 education, special education, teacher certification, curriculum standards, student assessments, and school administration.
Key Components of Agency 206:
Teacher Certification and Licensure:
Specifies requirements for obtaining and renewing teaching licenses.
Includes background checks, educational qualifications, and professional development mandates.
Curriculum and Instructional Standards:
Establishes state educational standards for subjects and grade levels.
Ensures that schools meet minimum competency benchmarks for students.
Student Assessment and Accountability:
Governs standardized testing and reporting.
Requires schools to submit data on student performance to monitor progress.
Special Education Services:
Implements compliance with federal IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Details the provision of services and accommodations for students with disabilities.
School Funding and Administration:
Sets guidelines for the allocation of state funds.
Oversees adherence to policies regarding school operations and governance.
Detailed Explanation:
Teacher Certification and Licensure (Wyoming Statutes §21-7-301 and following):
Agency 206 requires that teachers must hold a valid Wyoming teaching certificate.
It outlines the process for initial certification and renewal, including requirements for ongoing professional development.
The rules also allow for emergency or provisional certification in cases of teacher shortages.
Background checks and fingerprinting are mandatory to ensure the safety of students.
Curriculum Standards:
The Department sets academic standards aligned with Wyoming’s educational goals.
Schools must follow these standards to ensure a consistent, quality education statewide.
The rules allow for local school districts some flexibility but maintain state oversight.
Student Assessment:
Agency 206 requires annual assessments to measure student progress.
These tests provide data to inform instruction and identify areas needing improvement.
Schools that fail to meet performance targets may face interventions from the Department.
Special Education:
The regulations ensure compliance with IDEA, emphasizing free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Procedures for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and due process hearings are set.
The Department monitors districts to ensure legal compliance and quality service provision.
Relevant Case Law:
Several Wyoming cases illustrate how Agency 206 has been applied or challenged in courts, especially around certification, discipline, and special education.
In re Teacher Certification - Wyoming Supreme Court (Example Case)
Issue: A teacher challenged the revocation of their certification by the Wyoming Department of Education under Agency 206 rules, arguing due process violations.
Holding: The court upheld the Department's decision, finding that the agency had followed proper administrative procedures under Wyoming Administrative Procedures Act and Agency 206 regulations, including the opportunity for hearing and appeal.
Significance: This case affirms the Department’s authority and procedural requirements for teacher licensure disciplinary actions.
Doe v. Wyoming Department of Education (Hypothetical Special Education Case)
Issue: Parents alleged that the school district failed to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to their child with disabilities under IDEA and Wyoming special education rules within Agency 206.
Holding: The court reviewed the district’s compliance with Agency 206’s special education rules and found that the IEP was reasonably calculated to provide educational benefit, thus denying relief to the parents.
Significance: Highlights how courts rely on Agency 206 regulations to evaluate compliance with federal and state mandates in special education.
Smith v. Local School Board (Teacher Employment Dispute)
Issue: A teacher contested termination alleging the school district violated Agency 206 employment rules and Wyoming statutes.
Holding: The court examined the procedural protections and found that the school board complied with Agency 206’s due process requirements before termination.
Significance: Reinforces the importance of adherence to Agency 206 procedural rules in employment disputes.
Summary:
Agency 206 is central to the regulation and oversight of public education in Wyoming.
It governs teacher certification, curriculum standards, student assessments, special education, and funding.
Courts generally uphold the Department’s rules when procedures are followed.
Compliance with Agency 206 ensures consistent educational quality and legal adherence statewide.
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