Oct. 17, 2023 1:15p
(WGTD)---School districts are awaiting further word on just how much money they’re going to have to shell out to comply with a new state mandate on reading instruction.
A bill, passed by the Republican-led legislature and signed by the Democratic governor, prohibits the use of anything other than a specified phonics-based curriculum. The Wisconsin State Reading Association believes the method is unproven.
Speaking on WGTD's Education Matters program, Association President Ryanne Deschane, says that despite a $50 million appropriation there’s no guarantee that school districts won’t be forced to bear at least some of the costs of making the switch. "There are going to be costs to send principals, teachers and reading specialists to training," said Deschane, adding that the costs could balloon if subs need to be hired to fill in for staff sent to training. "It's just a really bigger issue than what people are understanding," she said. "It's not a quick fix like it's being promoted to be."
Both the Racine and Kenosha school districts say they’re waiting for guidance from a newly-appointed panel.
Kenosha Unified spokesperson Tanya Ruder says there’s a guideline in the new law that calls for “intensive” training. Racine Unified spokesperson Stacy Tapp says her district may be forced to hire additional staff.
Deschane—the State Reading Association President—says she believes the real winner is a for-profit, textbook company.
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