What Is Act 20

Act 20 is a state law that requires schools to assess early literacy skills for students in grades 4K-3. This helps ensure that every child receives the support they need to develop strong reading skills.

Key Components of the Assessment

The diagnostic reading assessment must include:

  • Rapid Naming: How quickly students can name objects or symbols.
  • Phonological Awareness: Recognizing and manipulating sounds in words.
  • Word Recognition: Identifying familiar words.
  • Spelling: Understanding and writing words correctly.
  • Vocabulary: Knowing the meanings of words.
  • Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken language.
  • Oral Reading Fluency (when appropriate): Reading smoothly and accurately.
  • Reading Comprehension (when appropriate): Understanding and interpreting text.

Act 20 prohibits schools from purchasing three-cueing models (including MSV) after July 21, 2023. However, this model remains in use for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students due to their specific instructional needs.

Wisconsin Reads

Under the direction of Dr. Jill Underly, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has engaged in several efforts to support schools in delivering high-quality reading for all learners. Highlights include the State Superintendent’s Reading Advisory Council, a diverse group of Wisconsin community members committed to strengthening literacy learning in Wisconsin’s schools and supporting and implementing 2023 Wisconsin Act 20. This website will be updated with information about all efforts to implement 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 and to improve reading. DPI Wisconsin Reads

Screener and/or Diagnostic Assessment

At WSD, the Aimsweb screener is used for students who are in 5K. 

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 will take the Diagnostic Assessment instead of the screener, as the accommodations required would invalidate the screener. WSD uses STAR CBM as the diagnostic tool.

Personal Reading Plan (PRP)

Students who score below 25% on the screener and/or who complete a diagnostic assessment will have a Personal Reading Plan (PRP) developed. This plan may closely resemble a students’ Individualized Educational Program (IEP) reading goal.

Family Notification

Within 15 days after the diagnostic assessment, families will be notified of their students’ scores. They will have the opportunity to be involved in the development of the Personal Reading Plan (PRP). Once the Personal Reading Plan (PRP) is developed, it will be shared with the family. The parents should sign and return the Personal Reading Plan (PRP) to the school. This is a notification and not a consent form.

Promotion 

If a 3rd grade student advances to grade 4 without completing their Personal Reading Plan (PRP), parents will be notified about the ongoing interventions. WSD’s Promotion Policy is currently under development and will be implemented September 1, 2027.