Wisconsin DOA selects vendor for statewide fundamental skills

Dear District Administrators,

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is announcing NCS Pearson was selected to supply the statewide reading readiness screener under the requirements of 2023 Wisconsin Act 20. Bids for the universal screener were evaluated by Department of Administration experts following state procurement rules.

Act 20 requires each school board and operators of independent charter schools to assess early literacy skills of students using a reading readiness screener at multiple points throughout the school year from 4K to third grade. The state of Wisconsin is paying for this screener, so there is no cost for districts. Other screeners for additional grade levels or content areas will continue to be the responsibility of school districts.

In 4K, Act 20 requires a fundamental reading screener is administered twice per year. In 5K through grade 3, a universal reading screener must be administered three times per year. For the 2024-25 school year only, 4K administration may be delayed until spring, and 5K through grade 3 administration may be delayed until mid-year. In 2024-25, DPI will also ensure an optional fall assessment window is available for 4K through grade 3.

The DPI will negotiate a final contract before July 15, 2024, with NCS Pearson that will include details about assessment administration, accommodations and accessibility options, the availability of the screener in languages other than English, trainings for teachers and administrators, and testing windows. These details will be announced as soon as possible to help you plan your professional development programs. The DPI continues to develop additional resources that will be available before the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, including templates for local reading remediation plans, personal reading plans, and family notification letters. The DPI is also working with the Department of Children and Families to publish specific guidance on science-based early literacy instruction in 4K programs.

Finally, the DPI is working on establishing a list of recommended diagnostic reading assessments that meet the Act 20 requirements by July 15, 2024. Diagnostic reading assessments must be administered to those learners in grades 5K through grade 3 scoring below the 25th percentile on the universal skills screener.

We know that you are committed to implementing all the Act 20 requirements, but more than that, we know that you are committed to supporting the literacy development of all learners. The DPI is committed to this as well, and will continue to support you in this work.