MILWAUKEE – The following statement was issued by Dr. Howard Fuller, JoAnne Anton, and Mark Sain, co-chairs of the Milwaukee Reading Coalition:
We are encouraged to see Governor Evers prioritize literacy initiatives through the release of the independent instructional audit of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). The audit rightly emphasizes science-based reading instruction and structured literacy as foundational to student success.
While this audit only focuses on MPS, the reading problem in our city exists across all sectors – including private schools, charter schools and MPS schools. It is our hope that the Governor and the Legislature will support our efforts to ensure that public and private funds will be coordinated through the Milwaukee Reading Commission to support the professional development of teachers and principals in all three sectors in our city.
Milwaukee’s children deserve a future built on strong literacy skills. We stand by in support as MPS implements these recommendations, especially those centered on equitable access to high-quality reading instruction, professional development for educators, and meaningful engagement with families.
As a Coalition, we are ready to support MPS and the broader community in turning these findings into progress for every student.
