Wyo. Code R. 206-0002-34
General Agency, Board or Commission Rules
Chapter 34: Elementary Foreign Language Instruction Pilot Program
Effective Date: 04/25/2005 to Current
Rule Type: Current Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 206.0002.34.04252005
Rules on Elementary Foreign Language Instruction Pilot Program
Section 1. Authority. These rules are promulgated pursuant to 2004 Wyo. SESSION LAWS, CH. 115.
Section 2. Applicability. These rules set forth the requirements and application procedures elementary schools must follow in order to be eligible to participate in the Elementary Foreign Language Instruction Pilot Project. The rules describe minimum programmatic requirements, define timeframes for submitting the application and notification of eligibility, provide definitions, and identify supports to be provided to eligible schools by the Wyoming Department of Education. These rules become effective when filed with the Secretary of State.
Section 3. Promulgation, Amendment or repeal of Rules. Any amendment shall become effective as provided by the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act (W.S. 16-3-101 through 16-3-115).
“Department” means the Wyoming Department of Education.
(b) “International Elementary School” is a public elementary school in the state of Wyoming that has applied for and been accepted as a participant in the foreign language instruction pilot program.
“Language-proficient Person” is a person who meets programmatic requirements for proficiency in the Spanish language.
(d) “Foreign Language Paraprofessional” is a language-proficient person who has been hired to work with classroom teachers in an eligible school to provide language instruction and to reinforce and extend technology-supported materials provided by the Department and used in the pilot program.
“Pilot Program” describes the foreign language materials, structure, procedures, and assessments to be used by Wyoming international elementary schools.
(f) “Alternate Pilot Program” is a program utilizing alternate materials and staffing patterns found to be promising at the kindergarten through grade six level that also meets the requirements for instructional time and assessment set forth in these rules and Department guidelines for this pilot program. If possible, alternate pilot programs will involve classroom instruction delivered by teachers certified in foreign language instruction.
(g) “Guidance” means guidance and instruction issued by the Department which accompany the application for the grant described within these rules and include instruction on reimbursement.
(a) Schools applying to participate in the program described herein must assure the Department they will adhere to the following requirements:
(i) At a minimum, commit 80 minutes per week of foreign language instruction for each student in grades kindergarten through second;
(ii) At a minimum, commit 100 minutes per week of foreign language instruction for each student in grades third through sixth;
(iii) Assure the participation of classroom teachers, certified foreign language teachers, administrators, and foreign language paraprofessionals in initial pilot program training and ongoing professional development provided by the Department;
(iv) Participate in gathering data and assessing student learning in the foreign language taught, adhere to deadlines, and provide information to the Department in the manner prescribed in guidelines;
(v) Support and fully participate in the pilot program through school year 2009-2010, or until terminated by the Department.
(b) The Department will support participating schools with the following resources:
(i) Technology-supported instructional materials for grades kindergarten through sixth provided for at least one new grade level each year beginning in school year 2004-05;
(ii) Initial and ongoing training and professional development for teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals;
(iii) Assessment instruments measuring the foreign language skills of participating students, as well as support in identifying growth which may occur in math, language arts, and science through reinforcement provided through the foreign language curriculum;
(iv) A distance-learning program delivered through the Wyoming Education Network (WEN) for schools unable to acquire certified personnel to deliver foreign language instruction;
(v) A mentor for foreign language paraprofessionals and classroom teachers;
(vi) Funding equivalent to usual and customary wages (including salary and benefits) of a foreign language paraprofessional, as determined annually by the Department and published in guidelines. The exact amount of reimbursement will be dependent upon enrollment of the participating school.
(a) Additional schools may apply to participate in this pilot program each year the Department announces an application period. The entire pilot program will be limited to a maximum number of fifty (50) schools.
(b) Applications must be submitted to the Department on or before July 1 of the school year preceding implementation of the proposed program. Department guidelines will specify the application date each year.
(c) The Department will notify schools of eligibility no later than 30 days after the date set by the Department for submission of grant applications.
(d) Applications for the program authorized under this rule must include evidence of the school’s commitment and capability to provide expanded foreign language instruction through school year 2009-2010, inclusive of:
(i) Provision of minimum weekly levels of foreign language instruction prescribed by the Department in guidelines;
(ii) Commitment to participate in assessment, data collection efforts, and program evaluation set forth in Department guidelines;
(iii) Commitment to participate in initial and ongoing training of foreign language paraprofessionals, teachers, and administrators;
(iv) Indication of school administration and board support for project participation.
(a) Districts which have schools participating in the foreign language pilot program will be reimbursed for expenses allowed herein by submitting expense information at least quarterly to the Department in the format prescribed in guidelines.