Board approves first reading of KUSD reading policy and outlines early literacy remediation under Act 20

The Kenosha Unified School District board approved a first reading of a new district reading policy, Policy 6311, and heard staff outline an early literacy remediation plan developed to comply with Wisconsin’s Act 20.

Mary Hoover, KUSD coordinator for elementary English language arts, and Jay Kirby, coordinator for secondary English language arts, told the board the policy establishes district reading goals, assessment cadences and remediation steps required by state law. Students scoring below the 25th percentile on the district screener will receive additional diagnostic assessments and a personalized reading plan; students with the greatest needs will receive intensive “tier 3” interventions.

Hoover said the expanded diagnostic process now covers kindergarten through third grade and that “these are really, solid, beneficial assessments that are allowing us to really pinpoint where in the reading instruction students need that support.” She said the district completed a first round of identification and will finish a second round the following week.

The remediation plan also spells out parent notification and communication. “The current reading plans have a very healthy section of parent support, very detailed, bulleted outlined ways in which parents can help,” Hoover said, adding that parents will receive progress updates after 10 weeks of plan implementation and that February conferences will be an opportunity for face-to-face planning.

The board discussed supports for multilingual (ML/ESL) students. Hoover said KUSD coordinates delivery so that language-support sessions can be merged with reading-plan work and that CESA 6 has provided technical assistance and regular office hours to help districts implement the law.

The board also asked about dyslexia. Hoover said the district does not diagnose dyslexia but that the screening and diagnostic tools and the six reading-plan templates align with characteristics commonly associated with dyslexia; the district will use assessment results and reading plans to address needs whether or not a formal diagnosis exists.

A board member asked whether state earmarked funding could offset curriculum adoption costs. District staff said the state set aside funding and an approved-curriculum list could allow districts to apply for grants covering up to 50% of curriculum costs, but those grants would be prorated by demand; KUSD has not adopted a new core curriculum and therefore is not currently eligible.

The motion to approve Policy 6311 as a first reading passed. The district noted the remediation plan remains a work in progress pending additional state guidance on promotion and summer programs.