Act 20
Act 20 is a Wisconsin state law that supports early literacy. This law requires all Wisconsin public schools and private institutions to instruct 4K to 3rd-grade students in science-aligned literacy and all public schools to assess reading levels to achieve proficiency in reading before 4th grade.
It prioritizes professional development for educators in evidence-based reading instruction and emphasizes early identification of struggling readers. Act 20 also reinforces the use of literacy assessments and supports to ensure young students meet critical reading benchmarks, aiming to improve long-term academic success.
Act 20 Implementation
- Required Teacher Training
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Assessments
- Family Notification and Communication
- Personal Reading Plan
- Promotion Policy
- Early Literacy Remediation Plan
- Early Literacy Skills Information and Other Resources
Required Teacher Training
To comply with Wisconsin Act 20, all K-3 staff must begin the required training by July 1, 2025. This training covers key literacy areas, including:
- Phonemic Awareness
- Decoding Skills
- Alphabet Knowledge
- Letter-Sound Knowledge
- Oral Vocabulary
- Rapid Naming
- Phonological Awareness
- Word Recognition
- Spelling
- Vocabulary
- Listening Comprehension
- Oral Reading Fluency & Reading Comprehension (as developmentally appropriate)
After reviewing options, the OASD selected Keys to Literacy for teacher training and CESA 6 Early Literacy Leadership for administrators and literacy coaches. Training took place for administrators during the 2023-24 school year (as well as 2024-25 for administrators that recently joined our district). Training began for teachers during the 2024-25 school year. All K-5 teachers, including special education and ESOL, were involved in the training. This mandatory initiative upholds our commitment to high educational standards and student success.
Curriculum and Instruction
ACT 20 indicates that Wisconsin schools provide science-based early literacy instruction in both universal and intervention settings. This instruction must be systematic and explicit, covering:
- Phonological awareness
- Phonemic awareness
- Phonics
- Background knowledge
- Oral language development
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Comprehension
- Reading fluency
School boards retain authority over curriculum selection, but materials must align with ACT 20’s science-based literacy standards. The law also prohibits three-cueing instruction as defined in the statute.
After reviewing English Language Arts (ELA) curricula with strong science-based literacy instruction, the OASD Board of Education approved the field study of Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) for grades K-5.
Assessments
Early Literacy Screener
The statewide reading readiness screener, Pearson aimswebPlus, will be administered two to three times per year:
- K-3 Students: Assessed three times per year (fall, winter, spring)
- 4K Students: Assessed twice per year
Parents and caregivers will receive assessment results within 15 days via mail.
Diagnostic Assessments
Students scoring below the 25th percentile on the universal screener will receive a diagnostic assessment.
The Oshkosh School District has selected the i-Ready Assessment as the diagnostic tool. Diagnostic assessments will be completed within 10 days of the early literacy screener, with results sent home afterward.
The OASD Family Literacy Guide to support reading success at home (grades K-3) details the specific literacy skills assessed. Additional assessments may be administered as needed to support individual instructional needs.
The OASD Act 20 Assessment Guide shows in detail which early literacy skills are assessed in each diagnostic assessment. Additional diagnostic assessments may be administered as needed to support a child’s instructional needs.
Family Notification and Communication
Before early literacy screening begins, families of all 4K-3 students will receive a letter explaining the screener’s purpose, the literacy skills assessed and how results will be shared.
Screening results will be sent to families via mail with a phone call or conference with the teacher. If a student is identified as “at risk,” families will receive an additional notification with diagnostic assessment results and details about their child’s Personal Reading Plan.
Personal Reading Plan
A Personal Reading Plan (PRP) will be created for students scoring below the 25th percentile on the early literacy screener. The PRP outlines targeted support to help them progress toward reading readiness and includes:
- Assessment data and identified literacy skill needs
- Literacy goals and benchmarks
- Reading support strategies
- Progress monitoring
- Additional instructional services
- Parent/caregiver support strategies
Families will receive the PRP via a phone call or conference with the teacher within 10 days of a new assessment, with progress updates every 10 weeks.
Promotion Policy
Early Literacy Remediation Plan
Starting in the 2024-25 school year, all Wisconsin public schools, independent charter schools and schools participating in the choice program must develop and publish an Early Literacy Remediation Plan for grades 5K-3 on their website.
*The Oshkosh Area School District’s Early Literacy Remediation plan will be available on the district website by June 2025.
Early Literacy Skills Information and Other Resources
Early Literacy Resources
The OASD Family Literacy page (this page) includes the following literacy resources to support your child’s reading development at home.
OASD Family Literacy Guide to support reading success at home (grades K-3)
Parent Resource Hub (University of Florida Literacy Institute)
We value our partnership with families! Parents and caregivers are encouraged to collaborate with your child’s teacher and support staff to reinforce literacy goals and strategies.
Families can complete a family history survey to provide additional insights for reading plans. A survey link was sent to all families of students requiring a Personal Reading Plan.
Dyslexia and Related Conditions
For information on dyslexia and related conditions, visit the DPI’s literacy page.
Additional Resources
- Recommendations to Support Literacy at Home
- Recommendations for Community Literacy Services and Resources
- Special education policies and procedures
Recommendations to Support Literacy at Home
(Click this link to view the information below as a printable Google Doc: Recommendations to Support Early Literacy Learning at Home)
Supporting your child's early literacy development at home is essential and can set the foundation for lifelong reading success. The following recommendations are grounded in the Science of Reading, an evidence-based approach to how children learn to read effectively. These strategies are designed to be simple, engaging, and practical for families.
1. Focus on Oral Language Development
Talking and listening are the building blocks of reading.
- Talk often: Engage in conversations throughout the day. Ask open-ended questions, narrate your activities, and describe objects or events.
- Expand vocabulary: Introduce new words in context, and explain their meanings. For example, if you’re cooking, describe the actions like “stirring” or “simmering.”
- Sing songs and nursery rhymes: These help with rhythm, rhyme, and auditory memory.
2. Read Aloud Daily
Reading aloud exposes children to rich language and storytelling.
- Choose quality books: Select age-appropriate books with engaging illustrations and diverse content.
- Model expression: Read with enthusiasm, varying your tone to make the story engaging.
- Discuss the book: Ask questions about the story, characters, and illustrations to build comprehension.
3. Build Phonological Awareness
Phonological awareness helps children recognize and manipulate sounds in words.
- Play with rhymes: Encourage children to create rhyming pairs (e.g., cat-hat, dog-frog).
- Clap syllables: Practice clapping or tapping out the syllables in words (e.g., "ba-na-na" has three claps).
- Practice sound matching: Ask your child to identify words that begin with the same sound, like "sun" and "sock."
4. Develop Print Awareness
Help your child understand how books and print work.
- Point out print: Show how to follow text from left to right and top to bottom.
- Label the environment: Use labels around the house (e.g., "door," "chair") to connect words to objects.
- Handle books: Encourage your child to turn pages and explore books independently.
5. Strengthen Phonics and Word Recognition
Phonics teaches the relationship between sounds and letters.
- Practice letter names and sounds: Use flashcards, magnetic letters, or apps to teach the alphabet and its corresponding sounds.
- Play word games: Introduce simple games like "I Spy" using initial sounds (e.g., “I spy something that starts with ‘b’”).
- Blend and segment sounds: Practice combining sounds to form words (e.g., /c/ /a/ /t/ = cat) and breaking words into individual sounds.
6. Foster a Love for Reading
Cultivating a positive attitude toward reading is crucial for motivation.
- Create a reading space: Set up a cozy area with books easily accessible to your child.
- Be a role model: Let your child see you reading for enjoyment.
- Celebrate progress: Praise their efforts and successes, no matter how small.
7. Limit Screen Time and Encourage Hands-On Learning
Excessive screen time can interfere with language and literacy development.
- Engage in hands-on activities: Use puzzles, crafts, and drawing to build fine motor skills essential for writing.
- Choose educational programs: If using digital media, select high-quality educational content that reinforces literacy skills.
8. Partner with Educators
Collaboration with your child’s teacher can enhance their learning.
- Share observations: Talk about your child’s interests, strengths, and challenges.
- Ask for resources: Request book lists, activities, or guidance to support learning at home.
- Stay informed: Attend workshops or webinars on literacy strategies.
Early literacy development requires consistency, patience, and encouragement. By integrating these science-backed practices into your daily routine, you are creating a strong foundation for your child's success in reading and beyond.
Families - If you have any questions or need additional resources, please reach out to your child's teacher or school.
Thank you for your partnership in fostering your child’s literacy journey!
Recommendations for Community Literacy Services and Resources
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We are dedicated to supporting your child’s literacy journey and believe in working collaboratively with families to foster reading success. In addition to the resources provided through your child’s school, we have compiled a list of community services and programs available in Fond du Lac that can provide additional literacy support.
1. Oshkosh Public Library
- Programs Offered: Storytime sessions, and summer reading programs.
- Location: 106 Washington Avenue Oshkosh, WI 54901
- Contact: (920).236.5208
- Website: https://www.oshkoshlibrary.org
2. Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh
- Programs Offered: After-school academic programs that include reading and literacy support.
- Location: 501 E Parkway Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901
- Contact: (920) 233-1414
- Website: https://bgcosh.org/
3. YMCA of Oshkosh
- Programs Offered: Literacy-focused youth programs and summer enrichment activities.
- Location: 3303 W. 20th Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54904, Contact (920) 230-8439)
- Location: 324 Washington Avenue Oshkosh, WI 54901, Contact: (920) 236-3380
- Website: https://www.oshkoshymca.org/
4. OASD Summer School
- Information is shared by the school district each spring
- Website: https://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/district/school-curriculum/summer-school
How You Can Help:
- Connect with these resources to explore how they can support your child’s literacy development.
- Let us know if you’d like additional assistance or recommendations tailored to your child’s needs.
If you have questions about these services or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. Together, we can ensure your child has access to the tools and support needed for literacy success.
Thank you for being our partner in education!
Special education policies and procedures
The district website has information about special education policies and procedures, click here to view.