Closing Wisconsin’s Literacy Gap: The Key to a Stronger Democracy

We are thrilled to announce that Vice President Kamala Harris will be speaking at a rally in Green Bay this Thursday, Oct. 17. The campaign is offering you exclusive content creator access, providing a unique opportunity to capture and share this powerful event.

As someone who now sees themselves in this role, I can personally say it has been an empowering experience—one that allowed me to truly connect with the energy of the movement and share that feeling with my family. This is more than just an event; it’s a moment to reflect on and be part of something bigger, something that resonates far beyond the rally itself.

You can feel it. The beat, the energy, the excitement, and the hope are all around. We have found it—"A New Way Forward." 

As we sit and wait for VP Kamala Harris to speak in Green Bay, it feels like we are on the edge of something transformative, a turning point for our future. This same energy and hope must be carried into addressing the educational challenges facing Wisconsin’s students today.

At this moment, as we rally for change, it’s clear that one of the most pressing challenges facing our state is ensuring every student is equipped with the tools to succeed—beginning with literacy.

Literacy is the foundation of democracy, empowering individuals to critically engage with the world, make informed decisions, and actively participate in the democratic process. Unfortunately, in Wisconsin, too many students are being left behind.

A Crisis in Literacy: Wisconsin’s Students Falling Behind

Recent data reveals that 71.2% of students with disabilities in Wisconsin are not meeting English Language Arts (ELA) standards. 


This is not just an educational crisis—it’s a threat to the future of our state and democracy. Without strong literacy skills, our students will be unable to fully engage with the world, from understanding voting ballots to interpreting policies that directly impact their lives.

Why Dictionaries Matter: A Tool for Building Language Proficiency

A new way forward must begin with equipping students with the fundamental tools they need. Something as simple as a dictionary—such as Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary—may seem small, but it is a powerful tool in building language proficiency. It helps students expand their vocabulary, deepen their comprehension, and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for democratic participation.

Addressing the Challenges

Of course, moving forward comes with challenges. Funding is key, but through a combination of state support and community-driven initiatives, we can prioritize investments in literacy. It’s also important not to rely solely on tools like dictionaries—comprehensive literacy programs, teacher training, and individualized approaches are essential for real progress. To overcome systemic barriers, we need to advocate for equal access to resources, especially in underserved areas. Teachers, too, will need ongoing support and proper training to ensure they aren’t overwhelmed by these changes. While progress might take time, patience and commitment are essential to achieving lasting results.

Call to Action: Addressing the Literacy Crisis for a Stronger Democracy

As we look to "A New Way Forward," we must prioritize closing the literacy gap in Wisconsin. Addressing this crisis requires better reading instruction, more resources in schools, and access to tools that support language development. By doing so, we not only improve educational outcomes but also empower students to become informed citizens who can contribute to the future of our democracy.

Sincerely 

Shawn Anthony Robinson PhD

Below are some pictures










Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unpacking Systematic Barriers for Black Boys with a Learning Disability in Special Education

Image
Special Education classrooms are a melting pot of students who are creative, innovative, and waiting for an opportunity to shine. These are the generalized qualities the students come with as their hard-wired gifts. Students all still need to learn how to read through direct, explicit and systematic instruction, and that will only happen through effective  literacy instruction that is culturally responsive  and teacher training. Literacy should be the great equalizer for students to become academically independent. Not every student will get exposed to quality literacy instruction which pushes them to reach their full potential or positions them to achieve their freedom. However, it should be at the top of the list for educators, policymakers and administrators to train teachers to excel in literacy instruction.  Although the demographics of classrooms are changing to reflect increasingly diverse students, what remains unknown in Special Education is why there is a persistent underrep
Read more

Learning to Read – The Key That Opened The Door

Image
As a young kid, I had always struggled with reading and avoided it at all cost. Reading should be an activity that one does for pleasure and opens their mind to endless dreams. However, reading was not an activity I enjoyed. I was engaged in behaviors that were destructive in order to avoid it. I had to attend an alternative program for two years of high school because I could not control my temper. I was angry for many reasons, but the main one was that I was not able to read.   I was not diagnosed until the age of 18 and graduated from high school reading at an elementary level. My options were very limited. Yet, my life changed in 1996 when my mentor, an angel, Dr. Robert T. Nash literally saved my life and gave me HOPE as a student who was in Special Education. He and his colleague Dr. Kitz told me I was one of the most illiterate students they had meet, but that it was not my fault. They both said the system failed me. Dr Nash saw talent in me, told me I had a gift, but w
Read more

From Rally to Reality: Fighting for Literacy and Democracy in Wisconsin

Image
On October 10th, I received an email from the Harris-Walz campaign inviting me to their rally in Green Bay (GB), Wisconsin. One line stood out: “The campaign would love to consider you for exclusive content creator access!” I was intrigued but also confused—I’ve never thought of myself as a content creator. Still, curiosity got the best of me, and I filled out the form. A few days later, I received my “Table A” access instructions, and suddenly, I was on my way to my first political rally at age 46.  Governor Tim Walz, Evers, and Whitmer I brought my two boys, ages 10 and 7, to the rally, making it a family event. From the moment we arrived, the energy was palpable. After skipping the long line, we were greeted by campaign staff who treated us like VIPs. My boys were wide-eyed as they watched the security teams and law enforcement around us. It was exciting for them, but it was also a reminder for me—this was their introduction to democracy in action.  As I listened to the speeches abo
Read more