Act 20

Introducing Act 20: Advancing Early Literacy in Wisconsin

We are excited to share details about Act 20, a transformative piece of legislation designed to enhance early literacy throughout Wisconsin. Act 20 is a state law requiring schools to assess early literacy skills for students in grades 4K-3 to ensure all children receive the appropriate support to build strong reading skills.

Kenosha Unified School District has developed an Early Literacy Plan that aligns with Act 20. This plan provides a robust framework to support and improve reading instruction in the early grades. It also builds upon our existing practices, ensuring every child has the resources to succeed academically.

Our educators are committed to refining literacy practices. Act 20 offers an opportunity to sharpen our skills and strategies, enabling us to better meet our students’ diverse needs. The law emphasizes collaboration among families, educators and community members to foster literacy development.

 

Parent Letter

aimswebPlus Early Reading Screener 2025

Key Components of the Core Instruction

Teachers will provide daily lessons tailored to each grade level, focusing on building essential reading skills. These lessons utilize engaging, high-quality materials to make learning effective and enjoyable.

Key Components of the Assessments

Screener

All students in Grades 4K-3 will take a reading screening assessment to determine potential needs in the fall, winter and spring (there will be no winter assessment for 4K).

Diagnostic

The diagnostic reading assessment includes the following areas:

  • Rapid Naming: Measuring how quickly students can identify objects or symbols.
  • Phonological Awareness: Understanding and manipulating sounds within words.
  • Word Recognition: Identifying familiar words.
  • Spelling: Writing words accurately.
  • Vocabulary: Understanding word meanings.
  • Listening Comprehension: Interpreting spoken language.
  • Oral Reading Fluency (when appropriate): Reading smoothly and accurately.
  • Reading Comprehension (when appropriate): Understanding and analyzing text.

 

Bilingual Programs and Screener Assessments

Schools can administer the screener in the language of instruction. Kenosha School of Language is our only dual language program and is approved to administer assessments in Spanish, provided it meets state requirements and is DPI-approved.

What Happens if a Student Scores Low?

Students scoring below the 25th percentile nationally on the early literacy screener will take a diagnostic reading assessment. This assessment identifies specific challenges and allows for personalized support, referred to as a Personal Reading Plan. This plan will include:

  • Specialized instruction during literacy blocks
  • Targeted skills and strategies to help improve their reading skills
  • Regular progress monitoring by their teacher, with adjustments as needed

Family Notifications

Collaboration between home and school is vital for student success. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, families will receive the following information:

  • Assessment results, including the child’s overall score in each literacy category, percentile rank (if available), and definition of “at-risk” and the associated score threshold
  • If your child receives a Personalized Reading Plan, you will receive a copy and be asked to acknowledge that you received it. Updates regarding your child’s progress will be shared electronically every 10 weeks after the plan begins.

By working together, we can ensure your child receives the support they need to succeed as a reader. Thank you for being a valued partner in this important effort.

Looking Ahead

As we implement Act 20, we will inform you how these changes impact your child’s education.

Together, we can ensure every student achieves literacy success.

Thank you for your partnership and support as we work toward improving literacy outcomes for all students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit Wisconsin Department of Instruction’s Act 20 FAQ for more information.