Although many of us hoped to have more information by now, the DPI had nothing new to report about requirements of the Right to Read Act (2023 Wisconsin Act 20) earlier this month. WCRIS followed up with the DPI on behalf of our members.

As the DPI’s Council on Early Literacy Curricula slowly works on the list of recommended curricula, the department continues to refer all schools to its FAQ, which was published in September. It was last updated for public schools on Jan. 10.  

Some WCRIS choice schools have concerns that they’re falling behind or “missing something” as they watch their public counterparts hurry to prepare for the ensuing changes – especially when it comes to staff training. 

However, the DPI said the bustle is not on account of any pointed DPI communications. Districts may have already been making changes to their literacy programs or are simply anticipating what’s to come from the Right to Read Act based on the information in the FAQ. 

Though the DPI has only released information about required trainings for public school staff, private schools can voluntarily participate in the trainings listed in the eighth question of the FAQ.

If you’re trying to plan for next school year, the best thing you can do now is read the FAQ beyond the choice section. Since there are more public-school requirements, the DPI has indicated that they’re tackling those rules first, which could give choice schools a glimpse of what’s to come. 

It’s important to remember that the law requires more from public schools than it does from choice schools so not everything will apply.

As a reminder, the Right to Read Act affects public, charter and choice schools in grades K-3. If your private school doesn’t participate in any of the choice programs, you don’t need to comply. 

WCRIS is monitoring the activities of the DPI Council on Early Literacy Curricula and will keep you updated as we learn more. Once the council finishes its housekeeping procedures, WCRIS is prepared to activate its own Literacy Council to inform what we share with the state.

If you have questions or concerns about the Right to Read Act, please reach out to WCRIS.