Overview of EMLSS
For Wisconsin schools and districts, implementing an equitable multi-level support system means providing equitable services, practices, and resources to every learner based on responsiveness to effective instruction and intervention. In this system, high-quality instruction, strategic use of data, and collaboration interact within a continuum of supports to facilitate learner success. Schools provide various types of support at differing intensity levels to actively and responsively adjust to the whole child's needs. These include the knowledge, skills, and habits learners need for success beyond high school, including developmental, academic, behavioral, social, and emotional skills.
Act 20 (Early Literacy Information) of 2023
What is 2023 Wisconsin Act 20?
This is a law that was passed in the state of Wisconsin to support early literacy in Wisconsin schools. There are several components to the law that include science-based reading instruction requirements, teacher and administrator training requirements, and procedures to support students with reading needs. Detailed information can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Wisconsin Reads website. Most components of the law go into effect during the 2024-25 school year.
Please see our HCSD Act 20 website for more information.
How is HCSD ensuring training requirements for teachers and administrators are met?
Act 20 provided science-based literacy instruction training requirements for teachers of reading in Kindergarten to Grade 3. HCSD has selected the Keys to Literacy: Keys to Beginning Reading program in collaboration with CESA 12. This includes in-person and online implementation training to meet this requirement.
District Reading Specialist/teachers, School Psychologists, Elementary Principals, Director of Curriculum and Programs, and Director of Students Services are engaging in the leadership training requirements. CESA 12 Literacy Consultants deliver this training in person to school leadership teams.
How will HCSD support students who need additional reading support?
Please see our Early Literacy Remediation Plan for more information.
Act 20 implements a state-required literacy screener (aimswebPLUS) that will be required to be administered twice per year in 4K and three times per year in Kindergarten to Grade 3. Students in grades Kindergarten to Grade 3 who perform below the 25th percentile on the assessment also receive a follow-up (diagnostic) assessment to more specifically determine the student's needs. After this diagnostic, students are to receive a written personal reading plan to support their needs. While the law posed timelines, defined criteria, and changed documentation requirements, HCSD has previously implemented an Equitable Multi-Level System of Support (EMLSS) process that uses screening data, among other data points, to plan and provide support for students. In the personal reading plan, methods for accelerating the student's learning will be provided. This may mean additional support provided within the classroom setting, a specific intervention, or a combination of both.