The law calls for a multi-faceted overhaul of the state’s elementary school reading curriculum. It aims to improve reading proficiency by emphasizing phonics and prohibits some methodologies, such as one in which young readers use clues to learn unfamiliar words. Critics say that leads to more guessing and lower rates of reading proficiency.
The law, known as 2023 Act 20, requires districts to use phonics-based curriculum — a potentially pricey change, based on when districts last updated their materials. Elementary school teachers also are required to go through updated professional development and training, which can cost hundreds of dollars per teacher.
The law also requires school districts to develop ways to screen how well students read and get them back on track, as well as reporting that information back to the lawmakers. Students who score below the 25th percentile would get personalized reading plans, which often requires the hiring of reading specialists.
Lawmakers set aside $50 million to help school districts cover the cost of assessments and reimburse them for up to half of the cost of new curriculum, for which there are four options approved for purchase. But new curriculum can cost a million dollars or more per school district, depending on the number of students, said Dan Rossmiller, executive director of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, and there are 420 public school districts in the state.
“It’s a good thing that our state recognized that reading instruction was not where it needed to be, but it’s really unfortunate commentary that we didn’t put our money where our mouth is, or if we did put some money where our mouth is, we didn’t put enough,” Rossmiller said.
School districts could be sued if they don’t comply with the law.
——-
Legislation and Reading: The Wisconsin Experience 2004-
——-
Madison Schools: More $, No Accountability
The taxpayer funded Madison School District long used Reading Recovery…
The data clearly indicate that being able to read is not a requirement for graduation at (Madison) East, especially if you are black or Hispanic”
My Question to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Teacher Mulligans and our Disastrous Reading Results
2017: West High Reading Interventionist Teacher’s Remarks to the School Board on Madison’s Disastrous Reading Results
Madison’s taxpayer supported K-12 school district, despite spending far more than most, has long tolerated disastrous reading results.
“An emphasis on adult employment”
Wisconsin Public Policy Forum Madison School District Report[PDF]
WEAC: $1.57 million for Four Wisconsin Senators
Friday Afternoon Veto: Governor Evers Rejects AB446/SB454; an effort to address our long term, disastrous reading results
Booked, but can’t read (Madison): functional literacy, National citizenship and the new face of Dred Scott in the age of mass incarceration.
When A Stands for Average: Students at the UW-Madison School of Education Receive Sky-High Grades. How Smart is That?
