Wisconsin Reports 36% of Young Students at Risk in Literacy Assessments
Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has revealed that approximately 36.8% of students in 4K through third grade are classified as “at-risk” in reading literacy assessments. This alarming statistic stems from the first year of annual literacy screenings mandated by Wisconsin Act 20, a law enacted in 2023 aimed at improving literacy education in the state.
The DPI’s recent report indicates that 97,414 students fell below the 25th percentile in reading skills assessments. Under the stipulations of Wisconsin Act 20, these students are required to receive a personal reading plan along with additional support. Schools are obligated to report their literacy screening results to the DPI, which compiles the data into an annual report. The first report covers the 2024-25 school year and shows a commendable response rate of 98%, with 428 out of 437 local education agencies submitting the required information.
State Superintendent Jill Underly commented on the findings, stating that they provide a crucial baseline for understanding literacy levels in Wisconsin. “These data are critical in helping schools guide instruction and intervention — not to define a student’s potential,” Underly emphasized. She expressed optimism about the commitment shown by school districts in addressing literacy challenges from the outset.
The report further details that 40% of students in kindergarten through third grade, totaling 86,228 children, have already begun receiving interventions. It is important to note that students in 4K are not mandated to have a personal reading plan, which may impact the overall statistics.
The implementation of Wisconsin Act 20 has faced delays in funding and execution, primarily due to disagreements within the state legislature. Initial funding of $50 million was allocated in the 2023-25 state budget to support professional development, training, and curriculum costs, but was only released after budget negotiations concluded earlier this year.
Underly reiterated the importance of sustained investment in educational methods to enhance reading skills. “With time and a sustained investment in strengthened classroom instruction and, as needed, additional reading support, we can move steadily toward our goal of making sure every Wisconsin child excels at reading by the end of third grade,” she noted.
Senator John Jagler (R-Watertown), who played a key role in advancing the legislation, acknowledged the report’s findings as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Wisconsin’s students. “This shows why this law was needed in the first place. Hopefully, education leaders will focus on getting these students the interventions they need,” Jagler stated.
As Wisconsin navigates these literacy challenges, the DPI’s report underscores the urgency for targeted support and resources to ensure that every child achieves proficiency in reading skills by the time they reach the end of third grade.
