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Kenosha Unified presents early literacy remediation plan and reading policy to comply with Act 20
Summary
District staff outlined an early literacy remediation plan and a new reading policy required by Act 20, noting state guidance pending for promotion policy and summer reading supports and that most implementation costs currently lack state funding.
District administrators presented an early literacy remediation plan and a companion reading policy at the special meeting, describing both as steps to meet requirements of Wisconsin Act 20.
The remediation plan details assessment and diagnostic screening, caregiver notification of screener and diagnostic results, support tiers and intervention plans (including Tier 3 interventions), dyslexia guidance, promotion policy considerations, summer reading support, and exit criteria. The district said it will use AIMSweb (AIMSweb Plus) for the early literacy screener and to help with diagnostics, which reduces some assessment costs.
Staff emphasized the plan is nearly complete but noted outstanding state-level decisions affect certain elements—most notably the promotion policy and how summer reading supports will be funded. District staff said the state had not yet released final guidance on some items and that the district is not receiving state funds to cover most of the work required by Act 20. According to the presentation, the only state-purchased item at present is the early literacy screener; necessary diagnostic assessments are the district’s responsibility.
Board members asked clarifying questions. One board member asked whether the state mandate included funding; staff replied the district had received no state funding for implementation and is absorbing most costs locally. A board member referenced possible future state curriculum funds (a reported $50 million discussed at WASB meetings) but was told district eligibility for those funds would generally be for schools purchasing a state-approved curriculum and that release of those funds had not been scheduled.
Staff said parent-notification protocols and student reading plans are included in the district documents and that they will bring the new reading policy (policy 63-11) back for the second reading consistent with board procedure once outstanding legal and state guidance questions are resolved.
