State superintendent statement on Joint Committee on Finance action on 2023 Wisconsin Act 20

MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly today released the following statement in response to action taken by the Joint Committee on Finance today in relation to a list of recommended early literacy curricula that would be eligible for partial reimbursement through the state through 2023 Wisconsin Act 20.

 

“Act 20 is about doing what is best for kids through evidence-based teaching and learning, and I stand behind the strong list of high-quality instructional materials the Department of Public Instruction submitted for potential state support. Today’s action to limit the curricula that will qualify for additional state funding is a missed opportunity, which will unfortunately limit the potential reach and impact of our bipartisan curricular changes for students across Wisconsin.

 

“To be clear, school districts are not limited to curricula approved for funding by the Joint Committee on Finance to comply with Act 20. The DPI's list of high-quality materials is robust, offers more support and flexibility, meets the definition of science-based early literacy detailed in Act 20, and mirrors materials recommended by other states undergoing similar changes.

 

“As we approach the 2024-25 school year, I remain hopeful school districts can access a strong array of resources and materials to help them implement Act 20. The department will continue supporting educators throughout the process as we reimagine the way our kids learn to read.”