SOCIAL CHANGE&

EDUCATION in WYOMING

- Globalization

In the last 20 years the US has experienced:

- Urbanization- Advanced Technologies- Family Structure and Discipline Problems in Public Schools

- Immigration

SOCIAL CHANGES

DISCIPLINEDue to discipline problems, teacher attrition is as follows: • 30 % of those obtaining an education degree do not join the profession • 30 % of graduating teachers leave in first 3 years • 50 % of graduating teachers leave in 5 years (U.S. Department of Education)

EDUCATION

Our project explored the impact of social changes and discipline problems

on educators in Wyoming.

Wyoming employs 6,706 teachers in

379 schools which serve

85,578 students.

EMPLOYMENT

Wyoming ranks 16th in the nation, paying its teachers

an average salary of $53,074

COMPENSATION

197 of Wyoming’s teachers are National Board

Certified.

CERTIFICATION

Wyoming spends $13,976

per student in public K-12 schools

placing it 5th in the nation.

COST PER STUDENT

Wyoming has 0.746 schools per 1,000 students, placing it5th in the nation.

SCHOOL RATIO

On average, there are 12.41 pupils for every

1 teacher. (Only 7 states have a lower ratio)

TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO

Teacher Ratio0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

WyomingNew JerseyNorth DakotaVirginiaMaineRhode IslandDCVermont

79.5% of high school seniors

in Wyoming graduated in 2007.

GRADUATES

During the 2007-08 school year,

2,448 of Wyoming students were suspended and sent

home.

SUSPENSIONS

But what do these statistics really tell us

about CHANGE?DISCIPLINE?

STRESS?

How have discipline problems affected educators in

Wyoming’s public schools?

How are educatorsmanaging these problems?

We asked the teachers.

This is what they said.

Compare past teaching experiences to present circumstances.

What are your experiences with discipline problems in public schools?

In your observations, what factors have influenced discipline problems in public schools?      

How have you managed discipline problems in your classroom?    

What kind of support have you received in regard to discipline

problems?     

In your opinion, what are the effects of discipline problems on teachers?     

In your opinion, what steps are necessary to help address discipline problems in public schools?     

What else would you like to share with us?

     

IN SUMMARY:Discipline issues seem to be increasing in frequency and intensity and vary widely across the state.

IN SUMMARY:There is a need for more parent/family involvement with children's’ education.

IN SUMMARY:Many teachers are experiencing stress and burn-out.

IN SUMMARY:Some attrition comes because of other factors such as:- No Child Left Behind- Standardized Testing- Lack of Planning Time

IN SUMMARY:Administrative support is inconsistent.

IN SUMMARY:There is evidence that breakdown in the family structure and society is causing discipline problems in our schools.

So…

How are theCHILDREN?