2023 Wisconsin Act 20 (early literacy / WI Reads)
How schools fund reading intervention in Wisconsin
How schools fund reading intervention in Wisconsin
How schools fund reading intervention in Wisconsin
The state-level programs below are the streams Wisconsin districts most often use for evidence-based reading intervention purchases, alongside the federal streams available everywhere.
Act 20 Early Literacy Curriculum Grant (curriculum reimbursement)
Reimburses districts, independent charters, and choice schools up to 50% (prorated) of the cost of 5K-3 curricula purchased from the ELCC/DPI-approved list; covers universal instruction materials only — intervention materials and PD are explicitly excluded, so this stream does not pay for Tier 2/3 programs.
Act 20 Early Literacy Coaching Program (CESA-based)
Funds statewide early literacy coaches through CESAs to help schools implement science-based reading instruction and intervention practices; it provides coaching capacity rather than money districts spend on curriculum.
Federal Title I / IDEA (default for intervention purchases)
No dedicated Wisconsin state fund covers Tier 2/3 intervention curricula; districts typically use Title I, IDEA, or local curriculum budgets to buy intervention programs and related PD.
Approved-list note: Act 20 reimbursement is limited to the Early Literacy Curriculum Council (ELCC)/DPI-approved list, which covers universal Tier 1 curricula for grades 5K-3 only; there is no state-approved list governing Tier 2/3 intervention purchases.
