The Office of Literacy works to support schools in delivering high-quality reading, literacy, and English language arts instruction and experiences for each Wisconsin learner 4K through grade 12 so that each Wisconsin learner is literate. This happens through reading and English language arts instruction and school library access and services. The Office of Literacy works to strengthen universal instruction and a multi-level continuum of support that includes strategic use of data and collaboration so that each learner receives what they need when they need it specific to literacy instruction. The Office of Literacy has duties specifically required by 2023 Wisconsin Act 20, as well as duties specifically related to school libraries (such as the annual School Library Plan).
Key responsibilities include:
- Standards and Instruction: The Office of Literacy supports periodic revision and on-going implementation of Wisconsin’s Standards for English Language Arts . The Office also collaborates with other content consultants to support periodic revision and on-going implementation of Wisconsin’s Essential Elements for English Language Arts . This includes issuing guidance about selection or creation, and implementation of instructional materials. The Office collaborates with all content consultants on the periodic revision and on-going implementation of Wisconsin’s Standards for Disciplinary Literacy, Wisconsin’s Standards for Computer Science, and Wisconsin’s Standards for Information and Technology Literacy .
- School Libraries: The Office of Literacy supports school libraries with evaluation resources, administration of the Common School Fund, Future Ready Library Planning, information and procedures to stop censorship, and proactive information about AI.
- Assessment: The Office of Literacy supports Wisconsin’s strategic assessment system. This includes contributing to statewide summative assessments, such as the Forward and ACT. It also includes all aspects of statewide early literacy screening as required by Wis. Stat. §118.016. Importantly, it also includes supporting formative assessment and adjusting instruction based on data through technical assistance.
- Professional Development: The Office of Literacy provides opportunities for educators – including school librarians - and the systems they work in to engage in continuous improvement of literacy and English language arts instruction with an emphasis on ensuring our systems serve students who are marginalized. This includes collaborating with partners and/or convening groups for learning; creating guidance and learning materials for use statewide; and opportunities to provide feedback on materials. In addition, the Office of Literacy, as requested, reviews submissions for program approval from educator preparation programs (EPPs) and portfolios for pathways to licensure through licenses with stipulations.
- Implementation of 2023 Wisconsin Act 20: The Office of Literacy includes the Director of the Office of Literacy, an appointed position created by statute, to oversee statewide early literacy coaches. Act 20 also includes early literacy screening and diagnostic assessment, parent/caregiver communication related to assessment, personal reading plans, district early literacy remediation plans, professional development training requirements for 5K – 3rd grade educators and administrators, requirements for Educator Preparation Programs, the Early Literacy Curriculum Council (ELCC), annual reporting requirements, and administration of related funds.
- Literacy Leadership: The employees of the Office of Literacy are statewide literacy leaders. Further, the Office of Literacy fosters shared literacy leadership in schools, libraries, and communities. This includes advocating for literacy policies and funding to advance learning for marginalized students; responding to requests from the legislature, Governor’s Office, and other state agencies; and engaging in on-going professional learning.