State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly has put forth a budget proposal aimed squarely at improving early literacy among young students in Wisconsin, according to an announcement made today. In a move to reinforce the state's commitment to education, Underly has proposed a $42 million investment to support school districts with the implementation of early literacy initiatives—this despite ongoing difficulties with the state legislature, which is yet to release $50 million previously promised to school districts.
Under the umbrella of 2023 Wisconsin Act 20, which was incorporated into schools this current year to bolster literacy rates via science-based instruction, the funding conundrum continues. Dr. Underly noted at the news conference, viewable on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Facebook page, “The early literacy priorities included in my budget proposal are needed to build on this year’s funding for Act 20 – which we still need. We go even further to support our districts in helping our kids learn to read, so they can read to learn. By providing our school districts resources like coaches and student tutoring programs, we make sure our next generation of leaders have access to the things they need to succeed. We need the legislature to step up now, and again during the development of next year’s budget," as mentioned in the news release.
Dr. Underly's proposal encompasses an increase in literacy coaches from the 64 required by Act 20 to 100, with the aim of building schools' capacity to teach reading in kindergarten through third grade using science-based instruction. Additionally, the funding includes $10 million for community-based organizations to aid in early literacy and $5 million for intensive reading programs—specifically for students exiting third grade without completing required reading plans.
During a visit to Highlands Elementary School showcased in the proposed budget, Dr. Underly, together with Dr. Barb Novak, the DPI Office of Literacy Director, were found observing early literacy instruction in kindergarten classrooms. The proposal aims to strengthen local school districts by funding more staff and resources, not just meeting administrative requirements. The full budget request will be released in November and is expected to include other major investments in K-12 public education. Last week, Dr. Underly announced plans for $311 million for school nutrition and $304 million for youth mental health support in Wisconsin, as per the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's official website.
