Reading Improvement Efforts in Wisconsin
Under the direction of Dr. Jill Underly, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has engaged in several efforts to support schools in delivering high-quality reading for all learners. Highlights include the State Superintendent's Reading Advisory Council, a diverse group of Wisconsin community members committed to strengthening literacy learning in Wisconsin's schools and supporting and implementing 2023 Wisconsin Act 20. This website will be updated with information about all efforts to implement 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 and to improve reading.
Latest Updates
January 6, 2025: Early Literacy Listserv Update
Model Promotion Policy and Related Frequently Asked Questions
(updated 12/30/24) Districts, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in the Private School Choice Programs (PSCP) must consider a student’s reading ability when promoting students from 3rd to 4th grade. If a student is not yet meeting reading expectations at the end of 3rd grade and the student is promoted to 4th grade, the district, independent charter school, or private school has the responsibility to continue supporting the student – beyond 3rd grade – to develop proficiency in reading. Visit Promotion Policy for DPI's model policy and related frequently asked questions.
Early Literacy Curriculum Council's List of Recommended Early Literacy Curricula 12/6/24
The Department of Public Instruction has adopted the following list of early literacy curricula as required by Wisc. §§118.015(1m)(b). This list includes the two curricula recommended by the council for use in school year 25-26 (marked with *) and the four curricula previously recommended by the council.
- Bookworms Reading and Writing K-3 (Open Up Resources, 2022)
- Core Knowledge Language Arts K-3 (CKLA, Amplify Education, 2022)
- EL Education K-3 Language Arts (Open Up Resources, 2017)
- * HMH Into Reading with Amira (HMH, 2023)
- * Wit and Wisdom with Geodes (Great Minds, 2023) and Fundations® (Wilson Language Training®, 2020)
- Wit and Wisdom with Geodes (Great Minds, 2023) and Really Great Reading (Countdown 2017, Blast Foundations 2014, HD Word 2015)
Find DPI's letter to the Joint Committee on Finance here. Visit the Act 20 Curriculum section of the Resources for Act 20 page for additional information.
State Superintendent Underly’s Early Literacy Budget Proposal
Dr. Underly announced a $42 million budget proposal focused early literacy priorities.
Midyear Early Literacy Screening for 5K through grade 3
In 5K through grade 3, screening with aimswebPlus is required beginning midyear. The midyear window is open from December 1 through January 31. Visit the Pearson-Wisconsin aimswebPlus website for information about training, rostering, and other topics.
The weekly DAC Digest (District Assessment Coordinator communication published on Wednesdays) includes information about updates to the Pearson-Wisconsin aimswebPlus website and timely information about screening with aimswebPlus.
Early Literacy Curriculum Council (ELCC)
Visit ELCC Meetings for agendas, recordings, and minutes.
Updates to Guidance and Resources
Diagnostic Assessment: Wisconsin CESAs created guidance to support selection and administration of diagnostic assessment, including steps in diagnostic assessment and a list of diagnostic assessment tools organized by subskill. Visit Early Literacy Assessment and scroll to “Diagnostic Assessment”.
Family History Survey: The sample family history survey is available in multiple languages. Translated versions of other required family/caregiver communications will be available soon.
For students with IEPs: Visit https://dpi.wi.gov/wi-reads/act-20-students-ieps for information about applying the requirements of Act 20 to improve literacy outcomes for students with disabilities.
For English and/or multi-lingual learners: Visit https://dpi.wi.gov/wi-reads/english-learners for guidance about screening in Spanish.
For Choice Program and Private Schools: Updated frequently asked questions are found at https://dpi.wi.gov/wi-reads/act-20-faq. Scroll to “Choice Program and Private School Requirements”.
DPI Submits Required Report to Joint Committee on Finance (10/15/24)
The report is available for your review.