Reading readiness assessments and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
One of the main impacts of SB41 is the requirement for schools to report the number of pupils identified as at risk of reading difficulties to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) by January 1 of each academic year. The bill ensures that these reports are summarized and presented to relevant legislative committees by April 1, increasing transparency and accountability within education systems. Additionally, the bill introduces a one-time appropriation of $500,000 to assist DPI in establishing a data tracking system for the assessments, highlighting a commitment to evidence-based educational practices.
Summary
Senate Bill 41, introduced in February 2023, focuses on enhancing reading readiness assessments for students enrolled in four-year-old kindergarten through second grade in Wisconsin. This legislation mandates that school boards and independent charter schools carry out these assessments annually by November 15. The assessments are designed to evaluate essential literacy skills such as phonemic awareness and letter sound knowledge. The bill aims to ensure that children at risk of reading difficulties are identified early and receive necessary interventions, thereby improving literacy outcomes across the state.
Contention
Despite its supportive goals, SB41 does introduce points of contention regarding the implications for local versus state control in educational assessments. Some educators and administrators may be concerned about the additional administrative responsibilities imposed by the requirement to track and report data. Debates may arise regarding the adequacy of the appropriated funds to meet the logistical needs of implementing these new tracking systems effectively and whether the bill adequately addresses the diversity of needs among different school districts.
Reading instruction in public schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs, an early literacy assessment and intervention program, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Reading instruction in public schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs, an early literacy assessment and intervention program, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Phasing out parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program, repealing the achievement gap reduction program and the student achievement guarantee program, creating a new student achievement guarantee program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Phasing out parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program, repealing the achievement gap reduction program and the student achievement guarantee program, creating a new student achievement guarantee program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)