Winters looks at teacher accountability bill

The Wyoming State Legislature is into its second week with a lot of business to take care of in Cheyenne.

Representative Nathan Winters will be taking a look at a couple of specific bills coming up, House Bill (HB) 37 and HB 76.

HB 37 effectively removes the state’s education department’s rules on teacher accountability, leaving accountability standards up to each individual school district.

“I will listen to the debate on this issue,” Winters said. “I know there will be several bills presented this year that will allow for implementation of the ‘Every Student Succeeds Act.’

“I know that the citizens of Wyoming have consistently rejected the idea of the one-size-fits-all approach that has pervaded past accountability programs.”

One issue that may come up during debate is educational excellence issues between school districts.

In other words, “Johnny is getting a better education in Thermopolis than Suzie is in Worland because Thermopolis’ accountability standards are higher.”

There is also the possibility that amendments could be added that would give general standards for districts to begin with and then add their own, higher standards to the general suggestions from the state.

HB 76 would require school districts to add an American Indian education program to their curriculum.

While it could be an excellent addition to learning, the worry is that it may mean eliminating other programs in the curriculum to make space for the new instruction.

“I certainly agree,” Winters said. “This could be an excellent program, but I do not want to add something at the expense of another important subject.

“I believe that this decision should not be a requirement, but a choice at the local level.”