Republicans propose $50M bill to help kids read, state's top education official opposes aspects of it

MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- Republican lawmakers introduced legislation aimed at improving reading scores across the state to help students who are struggling to read as debates continue nationally over how they should be taught. 

The proposal would embrace what's called the "science of reading," an approach that emphasizes phonics-oriented lessons in public schools. 

A group of Republican Representatives and Senators proposed spending $50 million to create the Office of Literacy in the state Department of Public Instruction to oversee a reading coaching program to improve literacy outcomes, but the effort has already received pushback from state's top education official.   

That's because the bill also includes a retention policy that would hold back third grade students from advancing to the next grade if they score in the lowest proficiency category on reading assessment, a provision DPI is widely opposed to. 

"We are supportive of a literacy bill, but this version of the bill includes a retention policy requirement, and that is a non-starter for us because, as drafted, it is harmful to our learners, families, and communities," State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said in a statement. 

Rep. Joel Kitchens, a lead sponsor of the bill, said he worked with DPI to draft the proposal, which Underly confirmed but she said the current bill "differs considerably from versions we had previously seen.” 

"We don't want to hold kids back, if we are catching them early and starting them on the path and when they get to that grade, they'll have several opportunities to take the test," said Kitchens. 

Students would also have to take more literacy tests which can identify "at-risk" readers, under the bill. In 2021, Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a bill that would have tripled the amount of literacy tests because at that time it did not include a funding mechanism. Kitchens said he expects a different outcome this time. 

"I think his feelings have changed a lot since then," Kitchens said. 

Nearly 70% of Wisconsin students failed to test proficient in reading assessments, according to the 2022 National Assessment of Education Progress. Sixty-seven percent of fourth grade students failed the test at proficient or above in reading. Similarly, about 67.6% of eighth grade students were not proficient or above. 

Sen. John Jagler (R-Watertown) said the proposal aims to help teachers be trained in both how to use screening tests and identify struggling readers. 

"I want to say a message to the teachers out there, this is not your fault," Jagler said. "I mean looking at what is happening nationwide there's a great realization that the curriculum districts have is just flawed and it's wrong." 

 A spokeswoman for Evers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the bill.