Superintendent Degenfelder Launches Civics Education Center In Collaboration With UW

CHEYENNE - Today the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) launched the Civics Ed Centerin collaboration with the University of Wyoming - Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program. The project marks the completion of a goal within the Develop Citizenship for Students initiative in Superintendent Degenfelder's WDE Strategic Plan.

"Above all else, our job in public education is to prepare students for jobs and to be good American citizens, instilling in them a patriotic appreciation for our system of government and a sense of obligation to participate, to sacrifice for the future of our country. We must bring back patriotism in schools, and this initiative is a critical tool in that effort," said State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder.

The center is the result of the work of a subcabinet of education stakeholders who were appointed by Superintendent Degenfelder from across Wyoming to represent the interest of students, parents, school districts, and communities. The goal of Enhancing Civics Education and Engagement is intended to support the work being done by districts, schools, and community organizations through researching resources and making them readily accessible.

"By bringing together a dedicated group of stakeholders, we have put together resources - those highlighting excellent work being done by Wyoming-based organizations as well as national sources - that we believe will build new collaborations between educators and community groups to advance civics education in our state," says Jean Garrison, Co-Director, Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program.

Through an intensive six month process, the group developed a broad collection of national, state, and local resources. This spring, the final step in the work was taken on by the UW Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program team. This included aligning the resources with the Wyoming Content and Performance Standards and the State Board of Education's Profile of a Graduate, and developing the online location within the UW WyoLearn platform.

The subcabinet will continue its work with goals focused on the development of citizenship in Wyoming students. Members include Dr. Jean Garrison, Dr. Jason McConnell, Ashley Bright, Leah Curtsinger, Matt Strannigan, Becca Steinhoff, Tom Grogan, Bill Lambert, Rindy West, Erin Lindt, Amberlee Beardsley, Bryce Mittelstadt, Jessica Case, and Andy Pannell.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
[email protected]