Wyoming Test Scores Edge Up as State Pushes for Fewer, Smarter Assessments

Wyoming students posted modest gains on statewide exams this year, according to fresh numbers from the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE). Results from the Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress (WY-TOPP) and the Wyoming Alternate Assessment (WY-ALT) show proficiency ticking up 1–3% across math, English, and science — with English and science scores finally back to pre-pandemic levels.

“These results reflect the reforms and the incredible work of educators across our state,” said State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder. “Wyoming doesn’t settle for good enough – we continue to rise.”

What the Tests Cover:

• WY-TOPP: Taken by students in grades 3–10, covering math and English, with extra writing tests for grades 5, 7, and 9, plus science for grades 4, 8, and 10.
• WY-ALT: Tailored for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, aligned to extended standards.

Sheridan County School District 3 saw standout growth:

• ELA: 64.2% proficiency, up a whopping 12.3%.
• Science: 52.6% proficiency, a small but steady increase.

Superintendent Chase Christensen credited the district’s new ELA curriculum.

“This is really the point where things take off,” he said. “We expect exponential growth — moving from most students proficient to all students proficient.”

On the college prep side, Wyoming’s statewide average ACT composite score came in at 18.7 (out of 36). Lander students led Fremont County with an average 19.4, while some schools scored in the low teens.

The WDE is also rolling out an Assessment Reduction and Efficiency Plan. Key changes:

• Dropping the 3rd-grade writing test starting spring 2025.
• Shrinking grades 3–8 math tests by at least 30% by spring 2026.
• Making 9th-grade assessments optional.
• Moving high school math away from specific subjects toward comprehensive skills.
• Eliminating K–2 interim assessments.

Degenfelder said the goal is to keep results reliable while easing burdens on teachers.

Christensen, though, isn’t ready to skip 9th-grade testing.

“I want that extra year of data to make sure we’re headed in the right direction,” he said.

He added a note of caution:

“State assessments are useful for measuring how education is working at the state level. But what would be amazing is if they actually gave teachers the kind of data they need to make moves in the classroom.”

County 10 and the Sheridan Press contributed to this report.