Whitewater Times

The Lake Geneva Schools district has informed parents and caregivers about new requirements under Wisconsin Act 20, a law enacted in July 2023. The legislation is designed to ensure all public school students in Wisconsin are proficient readers by the end of third grade.

According to Erin Zigler, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the district, "Wisconsin Act 20 is a law that aims to ensure that all Wisconsin public school students are proficient readers by the end of third grade. The law requires schools to:

Assess early literacy skills in grades 4K - 3rd grade, using AIMSwebplus Pearson. The assessment evaluates students’ phonemic awareness, decoding skills, alphabet knowledge, letter-sound knowledge, and vocabulary.

Provide all teachers with professional development training in science-based early reading instruction.

Adopt an approved reading curriculum that meets all required reading instruction elements. We have adopted Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), which meets all of the state requirements.

Provide every child below the 25th percentile with additional support he/she needs to develop strong reading skills. Beginning in January 2025, this support will take the form of a Personal Reading Plan (PRP)."

The district explained that Personal Reading Plans (PRPs) will be created for students who are struggling with reading or not meeting grade-level benchmarks. Teachers will assess students to identify those who could benefit from these plans and set individualized goals focused on improving specific reading skills such as phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension.

"Personal Reading Plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of students struggling with reading or not meeting grade-level benchmarks. Key aspects include:

Assessment and Identification: Teachers will conduct assessments to identify students who may benefit from a PRP. This ensures that we understand each child's strengths and areas for growth.

Individualized Goals: Each PRP will set specific, measurable reading goals tailored to the child’s current level. These goals will improve phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension skills.

Targeted Support: The plans will include strategies and resources to support reading growth, such as additional reading interventions, resources for home support, and personalized instruction.

Regular Monitoring: Teachers will progress and monitor students toward the goals outlined in the PRP.

Family Involvement: We encourage your involvement in this process. You will receive updates on your child's progress and suggestions for activities you can do at home to reinforce their learning."

Zigler emphasized the importance of early intervention through these plans: "The PRPs aim to ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a confident and competent reader. Early intervention is crucial, and PRPs provide a structured way to address individual needs. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child's reading progress, please feel free to reach out."

The district also provided information about these changes in Spanish for families whose primary language is not English.