2023 Wisconsin Act 20’s sweeping overhaul of early literacy instruction is the first of its kind in the state, but one of many in the country. Act 20 is the Badger State’s contribution to the popular “science of reading” movement, which – among other things – emphasizes phonics and discredits other literacy instruction strategies.
Since July 2023 when the governor signed the law, there has been disagreement on approved curricula; a partial veto of funding; a resulting lawsuit; and, most recently, a counterclaim in that suit.
The logistics of such an all-encompassing bill and legislative disagreements have disrupted the rule-making process, leaving public, charter and choice schools anxious for the 2024-25 school year.
WCRIS has been tracking this early literacy movement long before Act 20 was even drafted. See the sidebar for various Act 20 resources for Wisconsin private K-12 schools. This page will be updated as more information is released by the DPI about the implementation of Act 20.
The Latest
- DPI clarified that the required end-of-year English Language Arts assessment is the Forward Exam. Learn more in the Choice Program section of the DPI’s FAQ.
- WCRIS has compiled the answers to our principals’ most frequently asked questions about Act 20. Go here. (members only)
- The DPI named the director of its Office of Literacy who will oversee Act 20’s implementation. Read more.
