Reading readiness assessments and making an appropriation. (FE)
One notable change introduced by AB40 is the requirement for schools to report the number of pupils identified as at risk of reading difficulty to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) by January 1 each year. Previously, this reporting was not mandated, which may have led to inconsistencies in data collection and intervention strategies. The bill also compels DPI to submit this information to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by April 1, fostering increased accountability and transparency in education.
Assembly Bill 40 addresses the assessment of reading readiness for pupils in four-year-old kindergartens through second grade in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that school boards and independent charter schools conduct annual reading readiness assessments by November 15 of each school year, assessing skills such as phonemic awareness and letter sound knowledge. This legislative action aims to establish a standardized timeline for these assessments, ensuring that schools adhere to specific guidelines to identify students at risk of reading difficulties more effectively.
A significant aspect of AB40 is its provision of $500,000 in one-time funding to the DPI. This funding is aimed at developing a system to track the data necessary for compliance with the bill's requirements. However, the allocation of financial resources and the impact on existing budgets could be points of contention among lawmakers. These discussions are likely to revolve around whether the funding is sufficient and if it will adequately support schools in meeting the new assessment standards.
In summary, AB40 represents a strategic move toward enhancing literacy skills among early learners while simultaneously increasing accountability in educational assessments. The requirement for timely assessments and mandatory reporting is expected to create a more systematic approach to identifying and assisting students who struggle with reading, ultimately aiming to improve educational outcomes across Wisconsin.