FAQ
Act 20
What is Act 20 and why does it matter for literacy in Wisconsin?
Act 20 is a Wisconsin law passed in 2023 that changes how reading is taught in our schools. It was created because too many children in our state were not learning to read well, and families, teachers, and community leaders called for change.
Act 20 ensures that every child is taught to read using the science of reading, which is based on decades of research about how children actually learn to read. The law does a few important things:
- Creates an Office of Literacy and a statewide team of literacy coaches to help schools strengthen reading instruction.
- Requires science-based reading instruction in all early grades and throughout teacher preparation programs, so that every educator entering the classroom is trained to teach reading effectively.
- Bans outdated practices like “three-cueing,” which often led struggling readers to guess words instead of decoding them.
- Requires regular reading checks in 4K through third grade so teachers and parents know early if a child needs extra help.
- Ensures parents are notified quickly when their child is struggling and that schools create a clear plan to support them.
In simple terms, Act 20 helps make sure every Wisconsin child gets the kind of reading instruction that works, so more kids can read with confidence and reach their full potential.