What is 2023 Wisconsin Act 20?
This is a law that was passed in the State of Wisconsin to support early literacy in Wisconsin schools. There are several components to the law that include science-based reading instruction requirements, teacher and administrator training requirements, and procedures to support students with reading needs. Detailed information can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Wisconsin Reads website. Most components of the law go into effect during the 2024-2025 school year.
Please see our SDoJ Act 20 website for more information.
What does Act 20 mean for curriculum and instruction in SDoJ?
Act 20 requires that schools provide instruction based on science-based literacy practices. The law also creates a list of recommended curriculum resources that schools and districts can use to inform their resource adoptions. The School District of Jefferson reviewed our current resources and practices in the spring of 2024 and created a SoR Crosswalk. During the 24-25 school year, we will be conducting a thorough review of the recommended resources from the Reading Council and DPI. This review may lead to adopting new resources for the 25-26 school year.
How is SDoJ ensuring training requirements for teachers and administrators is met?
Act 20 provides science-based literacy instruction training requirements for teachers of reading in Kindergarten to Grade 3. SDoJ has selected Cox Campus: K-3rd Structured Literacy Program in collaboration with CESA 6 Early Literacy team for in-person implementation training to meet this requirement. SDoJ has made the decision that all 4K-5 teachers will participate in this training.
District Reading Specialists/teachers, School Psychologist, Elementary Principals, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Director of Student Services are engaging in the leadership training requirements. SDoJ has selected CESA 6 Early Literacy Leadership Training (and completion of Cox Campus: K-3rd Structured Literacy Program) to satisfy this requirement.
How will SDoJ support students who need additional reading support?
Please see our Early Literacy Remediation Plan for more information
Act 20 implements a state-required literacy screener that will be required to be administered twice per year in 4K and three times per year in Kindergarten to Grade 3. Students in grades Kindergarten to Grade 3 who perform below the 25th percentile on the assessment also receive a follow-up (diagnostic) assessment to more specifically determine student needs. After this assessment, students are to receive a written personal reading plan to support their needs. While the law poses timelines, defines criteria, and changes documentation, SDoJ has previously implemented an Equitable Multi-Leveled Systems of Support (EMLSS) process that uses screening data, among other data points, to plan and provide support for students. In a personal reading plan, methods for accelerating the student’s learning will be provided. This may mean additional support provided within the classroom setting, a specific intervention, or a combination.
|