Wisconsin Act 20 is a state law passed in 2023 to improve how reading is taught in Wisconsin schools. Its goal is to help children develop strong reading skills early in their education, giving them a foundation for success in school and beyond.

The law focuses on using proven, research-based methods to teach reading, regularly checking students' progress, identifying reading difficulties early, and providing additional support when needed.

What does Act 20 mean for my child?

Under Act 20, Wisconsin schools are required to:

• • Use reading instruction based on the science of reading, which is research about how children learn to read.
  • Assess early reading skills in grades 4K through 3rd grade.
  • Identify students who may need additional reading support.
  • Develop individualized reading plans for students who meet certain criteria.
  • Keep families informed about their child's reading progress.
  • Follow state requirements related to reading proficiency and promotion from third to fourth grade.

At Webster, our goal is to ensure every child receives the instruction and support needed to become a confident, successful reader.

Building Strong Readers Through Proven Instruction

At Webster Elementary School, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to become a successful reader.

Our reading instruction is based on the science of reading, a collection of research that explains how children learn to read and which teaching methods are most effective.

Students receive structured instruction that focuses on essential reading skills, including:

• Sounds and Letters: Learning how sounds connect to letters and words.
• Word Recognition: Learning to recognize and read words accurately.
• Reading Fluency: Developing the ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression.
• Vocabulary: Building an understanding of words and their meanings.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and making meaning of what is read.
• Writing and Spelling: Applying reading and language skills to written communication.

Webster uses Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) and the Sonday System Essentials to support reading instruction in our elementary classrooms.

Our teachers regularly review student progress and adjust instruction to meet individual learning needs. Students who need additional help may receive extra instruction in small groups or through specialized reading programs.

Our commitment is to provide consistent, high-quality reading instruction that helps every student grow and succeed.

How Do We Know if My Child Is Making Progress?

Reading screenings are short assessments that help teachers understand how students are developing important reading skills. These screenings help identify students who are progressing as expected and those who may benefit from additional support.

At Webster Elementary School, we use aimswebPlus to assess early reading skills.

When are students assessed?

4K: Twice per school year, in the fall and spring.
Kindergarten through 3rd Grade: Three times per school year, in the fall, winter, and spring.

Depending on their grade level, students may be assessed on skills such as recognizing letters, identifying sounds, reading words, vocabulary, and reading fluency.

How will I receive my child's results?

Families receive reading screening results following each assessment period. Results are shared through students' orange communication folders and/or at parent-teacher conferences, as outlined in the district's plan.

If a screening shows that a child may be struggling with reading, additional assessments may be completed to better understand their needs and determine appropriate support.

Why are these screenings important?

Early identification allows teachers and families to work together to address reading difficulties before they become larger challenges.

What Happens if My Child Needs Extra Reading Help?

Every child learns at a different pace. When a student needs additional help developing reading skills, Webster provides targeted instruction and support.

Under Wisconsin Act 20, students in kindergarten through third grade who score below the 25th percentile on the state-required reading screening receive a Personal Reading Plan (PRP).

A Personal Reading Plan is an individualized plan that identifies a student's reading strengths, areas needing improvement, and the steps the school will take to help them grow.

What is included in a Personal Reading Plan?

• Information about the student's current reading skills.
• Specific reading goals.
• Additional instruction and support to address identified needs.
• Regular checks to measure progress.
• Strategies and resources families can use at home.

How will families be involved?

Families receive a copy of their child's Personal Reading Plan and updates on their progress at least every 10 weeks.

Teachers and families work together to review progress, celebrate growth, and adjust support when needed.

What additional reading support is available?

Webster offers several research-based reading support programs, including the Sonday System, UFLI Phonics, Sound Partners, Orton-Gillingham, and Read Naturally Live.

Summer reading opportunities are also available to help students strengthen their skills and continue making progress.

Our goal is to provide each child with the support they need to become a successful, independent reader.

How Does Act 20 Affect Moving from Third to Fourth Grade?

Wisconsin Act 20 includes requirements related to reading proficiency and promotion from third to fourth grade. These requirements are intended to ensure students have the reading skills needed to be successful as they move into higher grade levels.

Students who have not met the required reading benchmarks may need additional support, including continued instruction through a Personal Reading Plan (PRP).

Certain exceptions and alternative pathways may apply under state law.

Webster's Third Grade Promotion Policy

The School District of Webster has adopted Board Policy 5411, which outlines the requirements and procedures for promoting students from third to fourth grade.

Families are encouraged to review this policy for additional information about reading expectations, promotion requirements, and available exceptions.

Families Are Important Partners in Reading Success!

At Webster, we believe that helping children become strong readers is a shared effort between our schools and families.

We are committed to keeping families informed, providing helpful resources, and creating opportunities to support reading development both at school and at home.

How can I support my child's reading at home?

Simple everyday activities can make a big difference! Consider:

• Reading together regularly, even for just 10–15 minutes.
• Talking about stories and asking questions about what you've read.
• Practicing letter sounds, words, and reading skills recommended by your child's teacher.
• Encouraging your child to read books that interest them.
• Celebrating progress and making reading a positive experience.

What if I have concerns about my child's reading?

Contact your child's teacher. Families can discuss reading progress, ask questions about screening results, and request additional information about available support.

Additional Resources

Explore the following resources to learn more about Act 20 and supporting your child's reading development:

• Webster's Act 20 Frequently Asked Questions for Families
• Webster's Walk to Read Information for Families
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction: Act 20
• Wisconsin's Informational Guidebook on Dyslexia and Related Conditions
• Wisconsin Act 20 Personal Reading Plan Toolkit

We encourage families to stay involved, ask questions, and work with us to help every child succeed.

Our Plan for Supporting Early Reading Success

The School District of Webster's Early Literacy Remediation Plan explains how we teach reading, measure student progress, provide additional support, and partner with families to help students become successful readers.

Developed in accordance with Wisconsin Act 20, the plan outlines our approach to early reading instruction for students in kindergarten through third grade, with additional information about our 4K programming.

The plan includes:

• Our approach to teaching reading.
• Reading screenings and assessments.
• Additional instruction and individualized reading support.
• Personal Reading Plans.
• Summer reading opportunities.
• Family communication and involvement.
• How we review student progress and improve instruction.

_{For assistance accessing the plan in another language, please contact the district's Title 3 Coordinator, Gracie Billings}

_{(715) 866-8210 or gbillings@webster.k12.wi.us}