Madison — Representative Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield) released the following statement after the conclusion of the Assembly floor session:
“I am grateful to my Assembly colleagues for leading on the issue of literacy and passing Assembly Bill 321 to address the literacy crisis throughout Wisconsin. I am appalled when reviewing statistics for Wisconsin’s literacy rate, sixty-four percent of fourth graders are not proficient in reading, meaning they do not read at grade level. Reading and literacy skills are the foundations for a quality education and success in their chosen career. It is clear the curricula used in many schools are failing our students. During the first few years of education, students learn to read; then they read to learn for the rest of their lives.”
AB 321 transitions our schools away from the current flawed curricula, used in some schools, to literacy instruction based on The Science of Reading. Also, this Bill provides professional development training for teachers from kindergarten through third-grade, principals, and reading specialists who will provide support to those in the classroom. Teachers will have access to the necessary tools for assisting struggling readers.
“The issue of literacy is not solely an education issue, rather an all-encompassing issue facing our society. An illiterate society puts our democratic republic at risk. Additionally, we need a literate society to have a future capable workforce. It is for these stated reasons, I adamantly supported AB 321.”
In addition to AB 321, the Assembly passed several other bills. Most notably AB 304, a sweeping bill to overhaul our liquor law, and AB 176, allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives. To find more information on legislation passed by the Assembly, visit https://insession.legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly.
Assembly Bills 321, 304, and 176 now head to the State Senate for consideration.
