Non-choice Schools
Question: I’m a leader of a private school that doesn’t participate in any of the choice programs. Does the Right to Read Act apply to my school?
Answer: WCRIS confirmed only public, charter and choice schools are included in the regulations of 2023 Wisconsin Act 20. Private schools that don’t participate in the parental choice programs aren’t listed. And further, only specific provisions in the law apply to choice schools. Public schools have the most requirements.
As of last month, Wisconsin joins 36 states and the District of Columbia in passing a law related to “evidence based reading instruction,” according to Education Week.
The literacy landscape is clearly evolving. Even though non-choice private schools aren’t included in the law, your private elementary school may still be indirectly impacted by it in what parents expect of your literacy curriculum and teaching strategies.
Additionally, the law also calls for changes in certain educator preparation programs. As you hire new staff, they may have a different perspective for teaching literacy than what currently exists at your school.
Title Funds
Question: Can I use Title funds to pay for professional development about the science of reading?
Answer: This is a great question. WCRIS has asked the DPI to investigate if choice schools can use Title funds for professional development about the science of reading, since it’s our understanding that specific staff training isn’t required of choice schools under the Right to Read Act.
The DPI has published in its Right to Read Act FAQ that, public schools may NOT use Title II funds to meet or support requirements of the Right to Read Act. Because only some provisions of the Right to Read Act are applicable choice schools, the DPI is seeking clarification about choice schools’ use of Title funds at the request of WCRIS during this week’s scheduled call.
The department is working on an answer. Please stay tuned for official guidance from the DPI before making any decisions.
And as a reminder, since non-choice private schools aren’t subject to the Right to Read Act, they should be able to use Title funds for professional development about the science of reading, if they so choose.
Watch Current Events for Right to Read Act updates as they’re available.
