The Proof is in the Pudding

Every spring, students in third through 10th grades participate in the Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress (WY-TOPP) which gauges students’ abilities based on Wyoming Content and Performance Standards (WYCPS).

The test is produced and offered through an outside evaluation agency. Writing, mathematics, science and language arts are tested over several days to evaluate the progress of students year to year.

Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD2) saw mixed results from the Spring 2024 testing.

Over all grade levels, students showed a 39.10% proficiency level in math and a 56.70% proficiency level in English. The one class which stood out with gains in performance was the sixth grade with a 21.10% positive change showing 64.90% proficiency in math and a 30.60% positive change with an 80.60% proficiency in English.

“The bottom line is math scores have to get better,” said CCSD2 Superintendent Darrin Jennings. “We [teachers and administrative staff] will use the data and develop our best plans to help each student improve.”

Although teachers are the daily monitors of each students’ progress, parents can supplement at home to help students’ achievements according to Jennings.

“Parents can help every day by getting back to the basics,” said Jennings. “Read to your kids and practice simple math facts. WYTOPP assumes a baseline that can begin at home and then translate to progress in the classroom.”

According to CCSD2 Curriculum Director Ryan Searle, the system is predicated on the collaboration of teachers, students and parents.

“We want our kids to be learners, thinkers, and problem solvers,” said Searle. “We will take this snapshot and triangulate the data to try to get the best picture of each student.”

The CCSD2 administration does not believe in teaching directly to this standardized test as they say Wyoming standards are sound. If the standards are taught and the goal is to meet Wyoming standards, the rest will fall into place.

This type of approach has proved successful as the CCSD2 2024 junior class placed fourth in the state with composite scores in the American College Testing (ACT) spring exam.

“No doubt, if we gear our teaching to the Wyoming State Standards, our students will get better,” said Jennings.

The district does reach out to different teaching communities in Wyoming to develop techniques which have been successful across the state.

“We have a great professional community in Wyoming,” said Searle. “The WYTOPP is a linchpin to use as an indicator for students to get enrichment activities or possibly an intervention to improve.”

The goal of the district is to develop critical thinkers who are able to excel outside of the classroom. The WYTOPP is a mere snapshot into the academic development of each student, and the significant achievement of last year’s junior class on the ACT proves the school district’s approach to learning.