Madison, WI – Today, Assembly Bill 321 was signed into law as 2023 Wisconsin Act 20. Act 20 invests $50 million into early literacy development by transitioning the current teaching approach to science-based reading instruction. Senator Duey Stroebel (R – Cedarburg) issued the following statement:
“I was proud to author the Right to Read Act, which was signed into law as 2023 Wisconsin Act 20. Act 20 will help address the ongoing literacy crisis that we face here in Wisconsin by providing critical supports and resources for both students and educators. Wisconsin will now align with 31 other states that already utilize the Science of Reading approach.”
“With nearly 70% of Wisconsin’s 4th graders not reading at grade level, the Right to Read Act will get Wisconsin back on track to close achievement gaps in reading and language arts. Act 20 authorizes 64 full-time equivalent literacy coaches to be distributed to school districts across the state. Moreover, the Right to Read Act bans the failed three-queuing model of reading instruction that has been used for decades.”
“I am thankful for Representative Kitchen’s persistent efforts to get this important piece of legislation across the finish line. This bipartisan plan could not have been accomplished without the countless hours put in by staff to craft a well thought out product as well as the input from DPI and other stakeholders. The Right to Read Act will transform the way we teach reading in Wisconsin, helping better prepare our students for college and career readiness while setting them up lifelong success.”
Senator Stroebel represents the 20th Senate District which includes parts of Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac, Calumet and Sheboygan Counties.
