Cultivating connection across community to put learning at the center.
Literacy, said John Hoyt, delegate and future president of the University of Wyoming, “will ensure the prosperity and success of the commonwealth.” Ultimately, the architects of Wyoming’s constitution wove the equal access to a high-quality education into the state’s DNA.
These delegates didn’t merely seek merely literacy, a robust secondary education and an affordable university. They sought a pluralistic prosperity. That’s what community building blocks looked like 1889. Wyoming 2030 asks: How do we learn from our history and our now to rebuild strong communities? What is essential, what must we adapt and what do we need to leave behind?
Wyoming is emerging from the Covid-19 Pandemic while we face crushing budget challenges. What has or has not changed during the pandemic? How do we cultivate connections across community to support young people in their learning and ensure every student has access to the high-quality education – a value that is woven into Wyoming’s DNA? Over the course of our 90 minutes together we will hear perspectives from respected national education policy leaders, our state superintendent and voices that point to innovative strategies that go beyond seat time to dynamic, connected and quality learning.
As with each of our discussions, we will begin with four short presentations to set the stage and then invite several front row participants to join the conversation. A broader listening audience will have the opportunity to make comments via the chat, participate in polls and ask questions. Bob Beck with Wyoming Public Media will moderate.
PRESENTERS
Terry K. Peterson, PhD: Senior Fellow, Riley Institute and College of Charleston; Consultant to the CS Mott Foundation
Jillian Balow: Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction
Michelle Sullivan: Director, Wyoming Afterschool Alliance
Joan Evans: State Outreach Consultant, Sinclair Companies