Wisconsin DOA selects vendor for statewide fundamental skills and universal reading screener assessments

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 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. The DPI will need to negotiate a final contract before July 15, 2024, with NCS Pearson that will include details about assessment administration, accommodations and accessibility options, trainings for teachers and administrators, and testing windows. These details will be announced before the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.

 

“Having an equitable universal screener in place is another important step forward in addressing the unique needs of Wisconsin’s youngest learners,” DPI Office of Literacy Director Dr. Barb Novak said. “As the department continues working with schools and districts across the state on implementing the requirements of Act 20, this screener will help educators in understanding each student’s literacy-related strengths and needs. It is critical that we continue coming together to achieve our goal of ensuring every child can read effectively and successfully.”

 

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, 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. For updates and additional information on the DPI’s reading improvement efforts, visit the department’s Act 20 webpage.