A court froze Wyoming’s Education Savings Accounts for a year. Here is what it cost families, what the Supreme Court found, and what comes next.

Eighteen-year-old Lexi Arguello died after an abortion at the Planned Parenthood 47 miles from Cheyenne. Colorado law does not require anyone to inspect it.

The sourced numbers behind WFA’s Stop the Silence video, plus every Wyoming pregnancy resource center, the Abortion Pill Rescue Network, and help after abortion.

Lexi Arguello was eighteen when she died after an abortion at the Planned Parenthood 47 miles from Cheyenne. It took a court order before anyone learned why.

5 Ways Wyoming Can Reform Teacher Education With so many aspects of Wyoming’s education system needing reform, the scope of challenges can feel overwhelming. However, one strategic place to begin is at the root: the University of Wyoming’s College of Education. By strengthening the foundation of teacher preparation programs, we can cultivate more well-rounded, knowledgeable, and competent educators, setting the stage for lasting improvements in K–12 student success. Educators who are deeply grounded in core disciplines like math, science, English, and history shape the trajectory of entire communities. When teachers are well-prepared, they help ensure that future generations of Wyomingites—from ranchers and farmers to doctors and lawyers—have the skills needed to navigate life with confidence and competence. By investing in teacher training at the University of Wyoming, we lessen the pressure on local school systems to depend exclusively on state standards and bureaucratic mandates to guarantee teacher performance. Effective teachers can deliver meaningful instruction and foster higher academic achievement without being constrained by checklists or excessive testing requirements. The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal published the Blueprint for Reform: Teacher Preparation , which highlights these issues within higher education and outlines actionable steps for improvement. By applying these recommendations at the University of Wyoming’s College of Education, we can better prepare future teachers and ultimately strengthen outcomes for K–12 students across the state. Below are five ways Wyoming can reform teacher preparation: 1. Return to the Basics: Build Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Phonemic awareness—the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate sounds in spoken words—is the first step in learning to read. Once children master this skill, they can progress to phonics, where letters and groups of letters are connected to sounds and used to decode words. Together, these skills give children the tools to “crack the code” of written language, laying a strong foundation early in their learning journey. Applying these concepts has been repeatedly proven as one of the most effective methods for learning to read . Unfortunately, many Wyoming students are not benefiting from these proven methods. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), literacy rates in the state continue to decline. Thirty-two percent of students read below the basic level—meaning nearly one in three Wyoming students cannot read at grade level. Only 27 percent demonstrate proficiency, and just 9 percent achieve advanced reading skills. These sobering statistics highlight a critical need: educators must be trained to teach reading using proven, research-backed methods —beginning with phonemic awareness and continuing through systematic phonics. By equipping teachers with the skills to build strong literacy foundations, we give students a greater chance at long-term academic success. While Wyoming students score slightly above the national average in English on the NAEP assessment, the difference is small. Nationally, 40 percent of students perform below the basic level of proficiency, and Wyoming’s results are only marginally better. These numbers are daunting, reflecting a nationwide literacy crisis in which our state is far from immune. Language proficiency is the cornerstone of student success. To master subjects like math, science, and social studies, students must first be able to read, write, and comprehend effectively. In the American education system, logic, reasoning, and comprehension are cultivated through English. Without strong literacy skills, students risk falling behind not just in English, but across every area of learning. One factor contributing to Wyoming’s literacy challenges may be the inconsistent or insufficient emphasis on teaching phonemic awareness in our schools. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) reviewed the University of Wyoming’s teacher preparation programs and found that, while four of the five core components of the science of reading are covered, phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in spoken words—is not addressed adequately. This omission is critical, since phonemic awareness is a foundational skill for early reading success. Some attribute the gap to the growing burden of state-mandated standards and regulations. With so much content, compliance, and assessment to manage, essential instructional skills—like phonemic awareness and phonics—are too often sidelined. The result is that new teachers enter classrooms less prepared to help students master reading. To reverse this trend, the University of Wyoming should take proactive steps to reintegrate phonemic awareness into its curriculum. This would include offering a dedicated course in the science of reading and ensuring that all elementary education teacher candidates are equipped with the tools they need to teach reading effectively from day one. By doing so, Wyoming can strengthen early reading outcomes and reduce the long-term costs of remediation in its schools. 2. Strengthen Core Content Knowledge Strengthening reading instruction is the first step, but it cannot stand alone. Teachers must also have a solid grounding in core academic subjects to help students connect what they read to the broader world. Without strong content knowledge, even the best literacy instruction falls short. Another NCTQ report highlights gaps in the University of Wyoming’s undergraduate teacher preparation program, particularly in the core content knowledge required of candidates. The review found that essential subject areas—such as Economic Principles and Exchange, The Economy, and U.S. History: 20th Century and Beyond—are not adequately covered. To prepare well-rounded educators, teacher training must extend beyond English, math, and science. Subjects like history, geography, and economics are equally important in shaping informed citizens and effective teachers. The University of Wyoming should require coursework in modern U.S. history and ensure stronger grounding in economics for its elementary education teacher candidates. 3. Depoliticize Teacher Preparation Teacher education programs should eliminate politicized curriculum requirements—such as DEI-focused programming—that can divert attention from student-centered, evidence-based instruction. Wyoming is already moving away from DEI policies, and the University of Wyoming has an opportunity to align with this shift. Concerns remain that DEI and Critical Race Theory concepts continue to influence faculty perspectives and course content at the University. To ensure Wyoming’s teachers are unbiased and focused on academic fundamentals, a re-evaluation of current teaching approaches at the University of Wyoming is warranted. Research—including the James G. Martin Center’s comprehensive report on the politicization of education schools —shows that ideological content can narrow the focus of teacher preparation and undermine academic rigor. With the passage of HB 0147 , which prohibits DEI programs and institutional discrimination in Wyoming’s public institutions effective July 1, 2025, the University should respond proactively. A comprehensive content audit—conducted in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Education—would help ensure that teacher preparation aligns with the state’s standards and expectations for elementary education. While individual beliefs cannot—and should not—be dictated, institutional policies can be refined to keep teacher preparation centered on academic excellence, rather than on ideological trends. 4. Expand Teacher Pathways The Praxis II examination , currently required for teacher licensure in Wyoming, does not measure mastery of the profession, but rather a minimum competency in teaching subjects. Wyoming should consider new pathways into teaching, including alternative licensure programs—or perhaps even, as some legislators have proposed, eliminating licensure altogether. Alternative certification offers practical options. States like Florida and Michigan administer their own teacher certification exams, and the American Board provides an online pathway that has been adopted in 15 states. These models demonstrate that strong alternatives exist beyond the Praxis system. In the 2025 legislative session, Wyoming lawmakers considered HB0100 , which would allow school districts and charter schools to employ teachers without a state-issued certificate or permit, provided candidates pass a background check and meet locally established hiring policies. The bill placed full discretion in the hands of districts, without requiring a degree in education—or even a degree at all—so long as candidates could demonstrate sufficient knowledge or experience in the subject area they were hired to teach. If Wyoming reconsiders this approach, it could significantly expand the pool of capable teachers, particularly in rural areas, and encourage districts to operate in a more free-market environment. By competing for strong educators, school systems would gain flexibility to hire the best talent available, helping to revitalize Wyoming’s education system. 5. Strengthen Accountability The University of Wyoming’s College of Education must be held to higher standards in how it prepares future teachers. To foster meaningful change, accountability should include mandated coursework in areas such as economics, history, and the science of reading. Regular evaluations by the University’s Board of Trustees—reviewing programs and course syllabi—would help ensure alignment with best practices in literacy instruction and core content knowledge. Additionally, separating teacher preparation coursework from the broader undergraduate degree requirements could allow for a more focused, effective training experience. As members of the Great Wyoming Family, we have a duty to steward our communities and our future well. Providing the best education to our children requires giving the best preparation to our educators. Whatever paths our students pursue as adults, they should be able to rely on the strength of a solid education—and we must ensure they receive it.

Where are they now? Now that the 2025 Wyoming Legislative Session is over CLICK HERE to find out which Pro-Family bills have become law and which ones are still awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Sometime this spring, the Wyoming Supreme Court will face a decision of grave importance, both for the rule of law in our state and for countless lives that are not yet born. As you may know, very soon, the Wyoming Supreme Court will hear arguments on the legislation that was passed in 2023 that would ensure babies are cherished and protected in our state. Sadly, abortionists chose to sue the state in an effort to stop the legislation. Last year, a judge in Jackson delivered a verdict that abortion was “healthcare” and was therefore protected by the Wyoming constitution. There are two major issues with that ruling: Elective abortion, the deliberate killing of a human being, is not healthcare. A baby is a person, created in the image of God and the life of both patients matters. The legislative branch makes and defines the law of the state. It is important that the Supreme Court steps in to curtail the idea that district court judges can function as single-person super-legislators. In times like these, we turn to the most powerful tool we have—prayer. That is why Wyoming Family Alliance is asking you to join us in committed, focused prayer in two ways: 

CLICK HERE to watch this week’s video update and forecast about bills that impact family values in our state.

With only a few weeks left, it’s an important time to pray and contact your local Wyoming Legislators to urge them to vote for Pro-Family bills! CLICK HERE to watch this week’s video update and forecast about bills that impact family values in our state.

Pro-Family Bills in Committee Last Week Last week was a relatively slow one for pro-family bills in the Wyoming Legislature as bills crossed over from their chamber of origin and began the process of being heard by the opposite side of the house.

VIDEO: Week-Four Updates of Pro-Family Bills in the Wyo Legislature Click here to watch Wyoming Family Alliance President & CEO Nathan Winters give a video update on the status of pro-family bills from the 4th week of the 2025 Wyoming Legislative Session. (10 min. 1 sec.)

PRIORITY WFA STANCE: Support WFA CATEGORY: Religious Liberty, Life TOPIC: Adoption FINAL STATUS: House: No report prior to Committee of the Whole Cutoff (1/7/25) SCHEDULE: No meetings or sessions currently scheduled SPONSOR(S): Representative Rachel Rodriguez-Williams CO-SPONSOR(S): R epresentative(s) Abby Angelos , Jeremy Haroldson , Paul Hoeft , Chip Neiman , Ken Pendergraft , Daniel Singh Senator(s) Evie Brennan , Lynn Hutchings , Bob Ide , Jared Olsen , Tim Salazar LEGISLATOR CONTACT INFO: CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR: Click the names of Sponsors and Co-Sponsors above to see their details and contact information. Click this link to contact your local legislator ; TELL THEM TO VOTE YES ON HB0149 SUMMARY: AN ACT relating to children; providing legislative findings; specifying protections for specified adoption and foster care providers and parents; prohibiting discriminatory actions associated with adoption and foster care ; specifying remedies and causes of action; making conforming amendments; providing definitions; and providing for an effective date. View Full Text of the Bill: https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0149 WFA COMMENTARY: Check back soon for WFA’s comments on why we are supporting this bill. WFA UPDATES: Updates on this bill will be posted as they arise.

The children of a Wyoming Family Alliance staff member proudly fly their Wyoming and American flags at Lion’s Park in Cheyenne. (Photo by Erin Mason) A brief recap of the 2024 election from WFA President Nathan Winters The 2024 election season will be remembered as a turning point for Wyoming and the nation. Across the board, pro-life and pro-family candidates and causes triumphed. Wyoming Family Alliance covered the state with its election resources to ensure that those who cherish life, family, religious liberty, and educational freedom could stay informed and vote wisely for candidates who will uphold their values. As we unpack what happened over the course of the electoral season, here are some key takeaways from Wyoming Family Alliance President Nathan Winters: On President Donald Trump’s Victory The clear message from last night is that Americans are in distress and want a new course for the country. Cutting through the media spin, President Trump ran on a strong platform addressing core issues hurting our families: increased prices, an open border, and woke ideology that’s harming kids. But getting our nation back on track isn’t just about reversing course from the last four years. Together, we must make a renewed push to build up the family because our nation is only as strong as our families. If we hope to pass on the American promise to the next generation, we must start by ensuring children are secure in the knowledge and blessing of being loved in a home with their married mom and dad. We must pray for President Trump and his transition team as they prepare for the work ahead. Senator Barrasso and Representative Harriet Hageman Wyoming is well-served by her Congressional delegation. I am thankful for the miles they have driven across the state this year and the time and effort they spent connecting with Wyoming voters to understand their concerns. These Wyoming leaders truly understand what our families are facing and are willing to speak out for us. The Wyoming Legislature With this election, Wyoming will have a pro-life, pro-family Legislature. Once more, we will have a 29-2 Republican supermajority in the State Senate and maintain a Republican supermajority of 56-6 in the State House of Representatives. The challenge now is to encourage those who have been elected to stand for the long-term health of families in Wyoming by defending the preciousness of life, upholding the freedom of people of faith to live their lives without government overreach, and ensuring we are a state where families can thrive. Wyoming School Board Races This year was also pivotal for School Board races across the state. More awareness was raised about the need to vote for solid conservative school board members than in any previous year. It was a joy to support good candidates across the state, many of whom were elected. Still, there is much work to be done in this important arena, and we look forward to being part of it. The Final Takeaway This is the time to go on offense in Wyoming. As our state has awakened to the growth of government in our daily lives, we must look at innovative ways to restore the family and empower them to prosper. Onward!

By Nathan Winters, President & CEO of Wyoming Family Alliance Every Memorial Day, many of us stop to consider the price of freedom, often within our own families. This really struck home this week as I sat in line to board my plane at the Reagan International Airport in Washington, DC. I sat beside a young man who had just graduated from Advanced Infantry Training in the Army. Like so many young men who blossom under words of affirmation when they are doing big things, as I spoke with this young Private First Class heading out to his assignment in Texas, he opened up with just a few questions. What struck me as I talked to this 19- or 20-year-old man, who was a little nervous but excited, is that he was likely the same age as my grandad when he headed out to the Pacific theater in World War II. My grandad grew up on a pretty good-sized farm in the middle of nowhere, Arkansas. As a teenager, he was really good with large equipment and was even hired to help grade the local county road while he was in high school. December 7th, 1941, shocked the nation, and America went to war. When he got old enough, Grandaddy did too. He signed up for the Navy, and when they found out what he could do, they assigned him to the Navy Seabees and stuck him on a road-grader. He used to joke that he just did farm work on the other side of the globe. Truth be told, it wasn’t anything near that easy. After training, he shipped out of Long Beach, California, on April 25th, 1944. After a brief stop in Pearl Harbor in May of that year to pick up supplies, they headed directly to the island of Saipan. The main battle was over, but even as they rebuilt the runways, roads, and bridges, Japanese snipers would pop out of hiding, and he lost several teammates this way. He then shipped out of Saipan to Okinawa. The Japanese have called the Battle of Okinawa “Tetsu no Bofu” or the Typhoon of Steel. There were some 50,000 Allied casualties and around 100,000 Japanese casualties. Sadly, according to local authorities, at least 149,425 Okinawan people were either killed outright, died by coerced suicide, or were simply missing when the battle was over. I don’t know all that he saw, but I do know that for the rest of his life, he would sit up in bed in the middle of the night covered in sweat. When my dad was older, he asked my Grandad what woke him up. Grandad told about being able to see the face, the same face, night after night, of a Japanese man who popped out of a spider hole that had just been uncovered by a road grader and aimed a rifle at him before he was cut down. The strange thing is, after my grandad passed, my grandmother would scream almost every night at about the same time my grandad would have woken up. Two people carrying the scars of war long past. Grandad ended the war at a hospital in Hawaii, near death. He had contracted a disease from the jungles that left him in the hospital for nearly two months before he was sent home at the end of the war. In 1986, at the age of 62, Granddaddy got sick and, within 5 weeks, died because of a weakened immune system and the scars in his lungs. A late casualty of a great war. Stories like these are known in many American families because the American soldier has lifted the lamp of liberty on many distant shores. I believe that in the annals of world history, there is no title that has meant more to the cause of freedom than that of the American Warrior. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and those silent ones who have given their lives in clandestine warfare opposing evil in this world are heroes, and I want my children to know. Thankfully, many of them walk among us. But there are some who never made it back home. Today, we honor them.  This Memorial Day weekend, it is fitting that we remember.

The Final Verdict is in With Victories, Half-Victories, and Losses