FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2024
IRG ACTION PRAISES JFC FOR FINAL READING CURRICULUM OPTIONS
Four highest-quality options approved, first step complete of major Act 20 reforms
DELAFIELD, WI – Today, the Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance completed the first step in improving Wisconsin’s shamefully low reading scores. We applaud them for boldly approving the four highest-quality curriculum options for kids as recommended by the Early Literacy Curriculum Council. Republicans on the committee voted to adopt the ELCC recommendations, and Democrats voted no.
IRG Senior Research Director Quinton Klabon stated:
“The Joint Finance Committee did the right thing by trusting teachers, school leaders, and dyslexia experts. All four curricula that the Early Literacy Curricula Council chose will indeed be financially supported for next school year.
IRG Action will continue to lead state oversight of this issue, including highlighting whether schools choose those highest-quality options and ensuring DPI’s creative interpretations of Act 20 don’t come to pass.”
WHAT IS IT?
Act 20, authored by Representative Kitchens and Senator Stroebel, passed in July 2023.
It is the first comprehensive reading legislation in decades. It will replace discredited reading curricula that have wrecked most public and private schools, upgrade teachers’ skills in classic, phonics-based methods, reflect those changes in university teacher programs, and get parents more involved if their child is behind in reading.
Leading K-8 reading states like Florida, Massachusetts, and Mississippi have used these methods to raise achievement greatly in a matter of years.
The Institute for Reforming Government has been a leading policy and reporting voice on this issue, being vocal in the Capitol every step of the way.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The first step is the most critical. JFC boldly picking the best curriculum options will maximize the academic and economic benefits of Act 20.
JFC’s actions mirror the choices of the Early Literacy Curriculum Council, experts and school leaders who picked the four options most likely to drive results for low performers and high performers alike. DPI mostly chose options that lower quality-of-life for teachers, bore high-performing students, and help low-performing students less.
Schools who are happy with their current curriculum or want one not on the list still retain their local control.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Wisconsin schools will review and replace curriculum over the coming weeks.
This is the most critical education reform since school choice. IRG Action will continue to lead on the issue. Our state’s future depends on it.
Have questions? Reach out to us at info@irgaction.com.
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IRG Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) advocacy partner to the Institute for Reforming Government.