Forward Literacy is pleased that the Wisconsin Supreme Court has brought clarity to the literacy funding matter, allowing us to move forward in providing Wisconsin’s children with the essential tools they need to learn to read. As a strong supporter of this legislative package, Forward Literacy anticipates its successful implementation.
Background: In 2023, the Wisconsin legislature passed Act 20, a comprehensive early literacy reform bill. This legislation, inspired by successful models in states like Louisiana and Mississippi, included an allocation of $50 million to fund its initiatives. The recent Supreme Court decision addresses a partial veto by Governor Evers of Act 100, which designated the funding distribution for the $50 million.
Moving Forward: We commend Wisconsin school districts that have embraced Act 20 and implemented key components, such as curriculum changes, personal reading plans for struggling readers, and professional development for teachers and administrators. We are optimistic that these efforts along with additional funding will lead to improved literacy scores for all Wisconsin students.
