Wisconsin Parents Say the DPI is Dragging its Feet on Implementing New Reading Curriculum

Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 -- 9:01 AM

(Corrinne Hess, Wisconsin Public Radio) A group of Wisconsin parents say the Department of Public Instruction is dragging its feet on implementing new curriculum that aims to improve children’s reading skills.

According to Corrinne Hess with the Wisconsin Public Radio, in 2023, lawmakers passed legislation known as Act 20. It required schools to shift away from “balanced literacy” curriculum to a phonics-based model known as “the science of reading” beginning this school year.

The law also prohibits the use of curriculum in kindergarten through third grade that uses three-cueing instruction, which means encouraging children to use clues like pictures to guess unfamiliar words.

Act 20 was championed by parents who are part of Decoding Dyslexia Wisconsin, who say using the science of reading approach helped their own children learn to read.

On Dec. 13, parents from Decoding Dyslexia, the Wisconsin Reading Coalition, WI Reads and the International Dyslexia Association’s Wisconsin branch sent a letter to DPI.

It said they’re concerned with the implementation of Act 20, the failure to develop a plan for training future teachers with the Universities of Wisconsin, and the lowering of academic standards on statewide testing.

“Our school district leaders have lacked guidance and direction on how to effectively implement evidence-based instructional practices that will result in improved student outcomes,” the letter states. “These issues must be promptly addressed before the intent of Act 20 and the goodwill of our educators and citizens are squandered.”

Katie Kasubaski, who heads the state’s Decoding Dyslexia group, said she feels hopeful because many school districts across the state are implementing science of reading into their curriculum.

“But I’m still really disappointed that DPI is putting politics above kids,” said Kasubaski, who served on a DPI reading committee after being appointed by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, “We just want kids to learn how to read, and we also want DPI to follow the law.”

DPI did not answer specific questions regarding parents’ concerns, but in a statement said lawmakers are making it impossible to comply with the law. Despite Act 20 having bipartisan support, the $50 million needed to develop an office of literacy and recruit dozens of literacy coaches has not been released by the legislature.

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