In May, 2021 the Governor announced the launch of an effort to lead Wyoming’s education system into the future. The RIDE Advisory group’s overarching goal is to help elevate Wyoming’s primary and secondary education system into a position of national leadership.
Innovation surrounds us – just consider all of the changes in our world over the last few decades. Computers, which filled entire rooms 40 years ago, now fit in the palms of our hands. We chat with friends and family over video links and can research any topic we wish with only a few clicks. Whole industries, in fact, have come and gone in very recent history, with change, development, and progress moving at a dizzying rate.
The one industry that hasn’t changed radically? Education. The basic structures and frameworks that organized and governed our nation’s first public schools over 200 years ago remain largely untouched. And what innovation we have seen in education only amounts to minor tweaks.
Wyoming is a rural state, where our landscapes and traditions harken back to a simpler time. While we cherish these aspects of Wyoming life, our economic future rests solely in the hands of our children, the kids who attend our schools today. How will we prepare these young people to develop industries, innovations, and economies that will drive Wyoming into future decades and centuries? What kind of people do we want them to be, and what skills will they need to lead us into the future? How will we ensure that our beautiful state is not left behind as the world moves forward?
These are the questions that keep us up at night. In fact, questions like these inspired Governor Mark Gordon to pull together a group of Wyoming leaders to form the RIDE (Reimagine and Innovate the Delivery of Education) initiative.
As Governor Gordon wrote in the RIDE charter: “Systematic change starts with communities building a vision for the future of education and engaging around their hopes for our students.” And we need your help to get started. We ask that you take some time to offer your insights through the RIDE survey. Tell us what’s working; tell us what’s not. Throw out the rule book and imagine schools that will truly pave the way toward a better future in Wyoming.
RIDE Advisory Group Final Recommendations
Governor Gordon established the Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education (RIDE) Advisory Group to recommend bold ideas for the transformation of Wyoming education.
RIDE 2024-25 Pilot Program Application and Information
We are inviting school districts in Wyoming to apply for a special collaborative opportunity to re-imagine K12 education.
Videos of Our Work
About the Program
“Innovation surrounds us – just consider all of the changes in our world over the last few decades. Computers, which filled entire rooms 40 years ago, now fit in the palms of our hands. We chat with friends and family over video links and can research any topic we wish with only a few clicks. Whole industries, in fact, have come and gone in very recent history, with change, development, and progress moving at a dizzying rate.
The one industry that hasn’t changed radically? Education. The basic structures and frameworks that organized and governed our nation’s first public schools over 200 years ago remain largely untouched. And what innovation we have seen in education only amounts to minor tweaks.”
Governor Mark Gordon
Board Members
