In 2023, Wisconsin state legislature passed the Right to Read Act, also known as Act 20, with the intention of better supporting literacy by reforming early literacy education. Act 20 required all Wisconsin schools to choose from three curriculums for implementation in grades k4 – 3 in the 2024-25 school year. One of the programs, the Expeditionary Learning (EL) Literacy Curriculum, is part of a larger educational framework already familiar to Shorewood families. Despite this tall order, the Wisconsin legislature has not provided funding for this mandatory curriculum change. “How do we fund it with inflationary costs and a state funding model that doesn’t change?” Mike Joynt, Director of Teaching and Learning at Shorewood Schools, reflected.
A Foundation for Literacy
The district reached out to SEED and SEED donors answered the call. In 2024-25, SEED directed $100,000 towards providing over 6,000 essential classroom texts. In addition to these texts, classrooms were equipped with decodable texts, a powerful tool that helps students decode words phonetically. These texts are a cornerstone of the new EL curriculum, allowing students to build strong foundational reading skills.
Investing in Our Educators
To ensure an easy transition to the new curriculum, SEED also supported professional development opportunities for teachers with a $27,000 grant. This past summer, a group of educators had the chance to visit a district that had already implemented the EL literacy program, gaining valuable insights and practical strategies from experienced teachers. Additionally, teachers received specialized training to deepen their understanding of the curriculum and its implementation. “We had EL coaches come in and help us with what they call unpacking the curriculum. Sitting down with a group of teacher leaders from each grade and working with EL coaches to figure out just how to navigate the materials,” Joynt explained.
A Commitment to Equity
The new curriculum aligns perfectly with Shorewood’s focus on equity and inclusion. One of the Expeditionary Learning program’s pillars is the concept ‘Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors’ which conveys the importance of seeing oneself in media, as well as seeing the experiences of others. The carefully selected classroom texts feature diverse characters and stories that reflect the experiences of all students, fostering empathy and a sense of belonging.
A Brighter Future
Without SEED’s support, the district would have been limited in its ability to fully implement the EL curriculum. Joynt explained that with SEED’s help, “We were able to purchase kindergarten through eighth grade materials and that was the right thing to do for students because it provides a consistent high-quality educational experience” from elementary school through the middle school years.
SEED is proud to be a partner with the district, empowering young minds and shaping a brighter future for Shorewood students.
Our Annual Campaign is open now. Please help our students by making a donation and consider joining our team! SEED is powered by volunteers. It wouldn’t happen without you! Send an email to shorewoodseed@gmail.com to inquire about volunteering.