For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), in coordination with the Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Majority Leader of the Wisconsin State Senate, on Thursday, Sept. 28, announced the members of the Early Literacy Curriculum Council.
The council, as required by 2023 Act 20, will “focus on reviewing and recommending instructional materials which will guide the grant program for districts electing to select evidence-based early reading programs,” a release from DPI said.
Among the nine members appointed to the council is Amy McGovern, Associate Director of Continuous School Improvement Services at CESA 9 in Tomahawk.
CESA 9 is part of the Cooperative Educational Service Agencies, designed to serve educational needs in all areas of Wisconsin by serving as a link both between school districts and between school districts and the state.
“Cooperative Educational Services Agencies may provide leadership, coordination and education services to school districts, University of Wisconsin System institutions, and technical colleges,” CESA 9’s website states. “Cooperative Educational Services Agencies may facilitate communication and cooperation among all public and private schools, agencies and organizations that provide services to pupils.”
CESA 9 is made up of 22 school districts in northcentral Wisconsin, including Tomahawk, Antigo, Merrill, Northland Pines, Prentice, Rib Lake and Rhinelander. CESA 9 services over 2,800 teachers and 35,000 students in 102 public school buildings. Also located within CESA 9’s boundaries are two Wisconsin Technical Colleges and one UW System campus.
Joining McGovern on the council are:
- Bill Hughes, President of Hughes Strategic Group
- Megan Dixon, 2nd Grade Teacher at Greendale School District
- Kari Flitz, Chief Instructional Officer of the Lincoln Academy
- Itzel Galindo, Executive Director of Ampact/Wisconsin Reading Corps
- Nancy Dressel, K-5 Curriculum and Instruction Specialist at Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
- Joe Garza, Superintendent at School District of New Berlin
- Katie Kasubaski, Wisconsin State Lead of Decoding Dyslexia
- Holly Prast, Assistant Superintendent at Kimberly Area School District
As required by 2023 Act 20, the Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly, the Senate Majority Leader and the State Superintendent each appoint three council members to serve for staggered three-year terms.
“I’m eager to get this important work started and that begins with convening this council,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “These individuals have a lot of work ahead of them, and I appreciate their willingness to lend their time and expertise.”
“Each of these appointees’ dedication and expertise will serve the council well on its mission to bring effective, science-based reading instruction into Wisconsin classrooms,” Sen. Devin LeMahieu stated. “I’m looking forward to reviewing the council’s plan to get our students back on track.”
“Learning the basic foundational reading skills is essential to every student’s educational success,” Rep. Robin Vos said. “Members of the Early Literacy Curriculum Council will play a crucial role in guiding school districts to improve our children’s literacy outcomes by recommending science-based curricula, a proven method to teach children to read. I want to thank each member for their willingness to serve on such an important council.”
Updates and additional information on the Early Literacy Curriculum Council and DPI’s work to implement 2023 Act 20 can be found on the DPI’s Wisconsin Reads webpage at www.dpi.wi.gov/wi-reads.