Wisconsin lawmakers are moving ahead with new reading lessons.
The powerful Joint Finance Committee yesterday approved four new reading curriculums. Schools across the state do not have to use the four chosen lessons, but the state will not pay for any reading programs not on the approved list. Republican Mark Born says the new lessons are a must because over 60 percent of kids in Wisconsin cannot read at grade level. Democrats worry about local control, and say the state may be sued. The new reading lessons are part of a new state law aimed at boosting reading scores in Wisconsin by the fourth grade. Kids will see the new lessons starting next fall.