The Janesville School District's Legislative Committee meeting on August 23, 2023, focused on significant changes to literacy education in Wisconsin, particularly the establishment of the Wisconsin Reading Center. The state plans to invest $50 million to create this new office, which will hire reading coaches and promote a phonics-based approach to reading instruction.

The meeting highlighted the shift from balanced literacy methods to a "science of reading" approach, which emphasizes phonics over other strategies. The state superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will nominate a director for the new literacy office, pending Senate confirmation. This initiative includes the formation of a Council on Early Literacy, which will recommend science-based literacy curricula for K-3 students. The council will consist of nine members appointed by key legislative leaders and the state superintendent, ensuring no conflicts of interest in the selection process.

Currently, only 20% of Wisconsin schools utilize a phonics curriculum, which research indicates is more effective than other methods. The new legislation aims to improve literacy rates, particularly among students at risk of falling behind. While the original proposal included provisions for holding back students who do not meet reading benchmarks, this was amended to focus on creating personalized literacy plans for those students instead. These plans may include summer classes for incoming fourth graders who do not meet third-grade reading standards.

The DPI will also provide grants to schools to help cover the costs of new curricula, with a reimbursement rate of 50% for eligible expenses. Literacy coaches will be assigned to schools based on their reading proficiency scores, with a focus on those with the largest gaps in achievement. The law mandates that DPI assign a specific number of coaches to various regions, ensuring equitable distribution of resources across the state.

Additionally, the legislation introduces new literacy assessment requirements for students in grades K-3, replacing previous assessment protocols. Schools will be required to report data on at-risk students and provide necessary interventions. A complaint process will be established for parents to address noncompliance with reading assessment and intervention requirements.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of addressing literacy challenges in Wisconsin, particularly the achievement gap between Black and white students. The new initiatives aim to enhance reading instruction and support for students, with a strong emphasis on phonics and evidence-based practices.