Wisconsin's Act 20 mandates that all public and private schools instruct students from 4K to 3rd grade using science-aligned literacy methods. Additionally, it requires all public schools to assess reading levels to ensure proficiency before 4th grade. Emphasizing evidence-based early literacy instruction, which applies to both classroom teaching and targeted support, Act 20 also mandates diagnostic assessments, personalized reading plans for struggling students, and tailored interventions. 

Here is the Act 20 Legislation

Following the 2022-2023 school year, which showed a concerning decline in reading proficiency with less than 39% of Wisconsin students reading at grade level, Act 20 was enacted. Recognizing that early reading difficulties can substantially impede a student's broader learning and development, this law encourages schools to adopt a "science of reading" approach, emphasizing evidence-based methods like phonics, with the goal of ensuring all children achieve grade-level literacy by the end of third grade.  The "science of reading" components include:

• Phonological and phonemic awareness: understanding sounds in words

• Phonics: learning how letters and sounds work together to make words

• Building background knowledge: connecting learning to the world around us

• Oral language development: practicing speaking and listening skills

• Vocabulary building: learning new words and their meanings

• Instruction in writing: developing skills to express ideas through writing

• Instruction in comprehension: understanding and making meaning from what is read

• Reading fluency: reading smoothly and accurately with expression