State superintendent statement on coming to agreement on reading instruction legislation

MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly released the following statement today on coming to an agreement with legislators to support AB 321 regarding overhauling reading instruction in Wisconsin schools.

 

“Over the past few months, we have had very productive conversations with legislators as we worked together on creating a reading package that puts the needs of our kids first. Today, we have reached an agreement on how to do that.

 

“By using evidence-based early reading strategies that include explicit and systematic phonics instruction, first and foremost, further training for our state’s educators to ensure they have the knowledge and resources needed to be successful in teaching early reading, keeping parents and caregivers continuously informed and consulted, and providing much-needed support for literacy to those schools that need it the most, we were able to get this important reading package over the finish line. We have a significant amount of work ahead of us to help change student outcomes, but this reading package is a big step in the right direction.”