Dear Friend:
Last week, Kids Win Wisconsin was featured on the front page of the Beloit Daily News!
Families across the state already understand why this matters. This quote really captures the essence of the severity of the literacy crisis here in Wisconsin:
"This isn’t a problem just in Beloit or Milwaukee. It is a Wisconsin problem," Kinser said. "We keep talking about affordability. If we have all these kids who are struggling to read, they aren’t going to be able to get the kind of jobs that are necessary to buy homes and thrive."
The data
Wisconsin once led the nation in education. Today, according to the Nation’s Report Card, only 1 in 3 fourth graders can read proficiently. For Black students, that number drops to just 8 percent.
Using Wisconsin’s lowered standards on the Forward Exam, only about 50 percent of students are reading proficiently statewide. That means one out of every two children is not on track for future opportunity, even after expectations were lowered.
Our focus
Kids Win Wisconsin is building a movement that puts kids first by informing families, mobilizing communities, and advocating for high academic standards and evidence-based policies to end Wisconsin’s literacy crisis and support student success.
What this looks like in action
Kids Win WI is focused on one clear goal. Ensuring 95 percent of kids can read well by the end of third grade so every child has real choices for their future, whether that means attending college, pursuing a meaningful job, or mastering a skilled trade.
How is your K-8 school doing?
Clear, accessible data helps families and communities understand how their elementary schools are performing and where support is needed. Explore the Kid's Win Wisconsin Literacy Data Tool to find your school and compare results.
We’re hiring family mobilizers
Kids Win Wisconsin is hiring Family Mobilizers who will:
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Build relationships with families and local partners
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Share clear, accessible literacy data
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Help communities take action to improve reading outcomes
View the Family Mobilizer job description and share it with someone who might be a great fit for this important role!
Thank you to the Beloit Daily News for highlighting this issue and to adults across Wisconsin who are ready to put kids first.
For our WI kids,
Brittany Kinser
Founder & CEO
Kids Win WI
