MADISON, Wis. (WSAW) – State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly announced a budget proposal which will provide funding to school districts as they work to support emerging readers and implement mandated early literacy initiatives.

Under the proposal, the state would increase aid to implement early literacy instruction programs, fund intensive summer reading programs and invest in community-based early literacy support, including high-dose tutoring programs.

2023 Wisconsin Act 20implemented in public schools across the state this school year, aims to increase literacy rates among students by using science-based early literacy instruction. As of October 30, The Joint Finance Committee refused to release the nearly $50 million passed the legislature, which aimed to support the districts in implementing this requirement starting this year.

“Because so many of our educators work every day to implement this science-based, data-driven approach to teaching literacy, the Joint Committee on Finance relies on funding to help improve outcomes,” said Dr. Underly . “The early literacy priorities included in my budget proposal are needed to build on this year’s Act 20 funding — which we still need. We go above and beyond to support our districts in helping our children learn to read so they can read to learn. We need the legislature to step up now and again during next year’s budget.”

The proposal, which is part of Dr. Underly’s 2025-27 Biennial Budget Request, was highlighted during a visit to Highlands Elementary School in the Appleton Area School District.

Dr. Underly’s Early Literacy Budget Proposal:

• 22 million dollars to increase the number of literacy coaches from the 64 required under Act 20 to 100. These coaches help schools build their capacity to teach reading in kindergarten through third grade using science-based early reading instruction .

• 10 million dollars provide grant funding to community organizations (including mentoring programs) to help strengthen early literacy outcomes, build confidence and develop critical learning skills.

• 5 million dollars to develop strong readers by funding additional staff and resources for local school districts needed for intensive reading programs, which are required under Act 20, for students leaving third grade who have not completed a personal reading plan and met expectations regarding the reading portion of the Wisconsin Pre-Examination.

DPI’s budget request will be published in full in November. Additional investments in K-12 public education include Dr. Underly’s announcement Tuesday for a proposed budget of almost 60 million dollars to help school districts solve staffing challenges and retain teachers. Dr. Underly previously announced as well a $311 million proposal for school mealsand a $304 million proposal to support the mental health of Wisconsin’s youth.

For more information on DPI’s early literacy work, click here.

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