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Contracts part of department's focus on Act 20
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today announced new partnerships with public and private schools to expand early literacy support through the hiring of literacy coaches.
As part of ongoing efforts under 2023 Wisconsin Act 20, the DPI will place literacy coaches into 50 public schools and four private schools over the next two years. A map showing the districts and private schools across the state to receive coaches is available on the DPI’s website. The initiative is designed to strengthen reading instruction and improve literacy outcomes for students statewide.
"Improving literacy takes sustained effort," State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. "This work is about doing what’s best for kids and making sure every student builds the strong reading foundation they need to succeed. That means ensuring educators have the time, support, and coaching necessary to meet students where they are."
The program is supported by more than $9 million approved by the Joint Committee on Finance in June 2025. Through a competitive application process led by the DPI, schools were selected in accordance with state statute. Selections were based on a balanced set of factors, including early literacy needs (measured by third grade reading results on the Forward Exam), geographic distribution, and each school’s existing (or demonstrated commitment to building) systems needed to support a coach's success.
Under the initiative, participating schools and districts will hire the literacy coaches directly through contracts with the DPI, allowing coaches to serve as embedded members of school communities. By working alongside educators, literacy coaches will help strengthen classroom instruction, support school-wide literacy systems, and build long-term capacity within districts. The model also provides continuity for coaches and ensures sustained support for teachers.
"When we invest in our teachers, we invest in kids," Dr. Underly said. "High-quality instruction starts with well-supported educators. Literacy coaching provides the tools, feedback, and ongoing support educators need to help every student succeed."
Literacy coaches will work closely with teachers to improve reading instruction, with the goal of increasing the number of Wisconsin students who meet or exceed grade-level reading expectations by the end of third grade.
A full list of participating schools and districts is available on the DPI's website. Additional information on the DPI’s early literacy efforts can also be found on the DPI's Act 20 website.
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Contact: Media.Inquiries@dpi.wi.gov
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