Progress on the administrative rules for 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 (“Right to Read Act”) has been slow-going for many reasons. Read this article to get a glimpse of recent developments, which includes a lawsuit filed by Republican lawmakers about the Democratic governor’s partial veto of a bill pertaining to the funding for Act 20.
The article reveals the DPI intends to allocate $25 million of the $50 million it was given for the act for the curricula grants, which aren’t open yet. At the time of publication, the department stated it hasn’t received all of its money from the legislature and is still working on how to equitably distribute the grant dollars, underscoring its previous disclaimer of not being able to guarantee how much funding each school will receive.
The remaining dollars will be used to fund the required student screening assessments for public schools, professional development, literacy coaching program and the Director of the Office of Literacy position.
Although the act’s implementation is moving slower than schools had hoped, the DPI confirmed this week that the requirements will still begin in the 2024-25 school year, despite the active lawsuit.
If you missed yesterday’s WCRIS Lunch & Learn webinar about Act 20, watch the recording here. And keep an eye on Current Events for a round-up of everything we know about Act 20 going into summer break.
In the meantime, look back at all of WCRIS’ Act 20 coverage here. WCRIS encourages you to contact our office if you’re confused on which requirements apply to choice schools versus public schools.
