The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) held a virtual town hall meeting Thursday to gather public input on the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

The meeting, which was the first of five that are being held this month and in August, focused on standards and assessment.

"Even though we have a new federal law that's being implemented and we're transitioning into it, we really want to make sure that that implementation is focused on Wyoming's goals," said WDE spokeswoman Kari Eakins.

"If we're making positive strides in a direction, then we want to make sure that we make it so that schools and teachers can keep making those positive strides in that direction," Eakins added.

The remaining town hall meetings will take place at 4 p.m. on July 14, August 4, August 11 and August 16.

To join via teleconference, go to www.uberconference.com/wdeuberconference, dial (888) 670-9530 or (307) 438-9905, and enter the pin 38533 when prompted.

The WDE is also accepting public comment through an online form through September 1.

"Our goal is to strengthen and leverage our accountability system as we implement ESSA," said Superintendent Jillian Balow. "We will need meaningful input from all stakeholders to get that accomplished."

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