Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
July 29, 2026: Dr. Joe Gothard, Becky Kundert, and Sonia Spencer - Literacy: It Takes a City
--submitted by Kevin Hoffman
Fellow Downtown Rotarian and Madison Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joe Gothard; Becky Kundert, Senior Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction; and Sonia Spencer, Senior Strategic Partnerships Coordinator explained how Madison schools will be meeting literacy goals and curriculum requirements mandated in Wisconsin’s Act 20.
While progress has been made, approximately 60% of students are not proficient readers for their grade level. The way reading will be taught is based on the science of reading. Teachers will receive professional development to train the theory, methods, and measurement of the new approach. This is an important and large-scale initiative, and the community (including Rotarians!) are encouraged to volunteer to become tutors, mentors, and partners in this effort. Volunteers can work through several programs and organizations to serve all age groups.
Guest speakers start at 27:52 minutes.
July 29, 2026: Dr. Joe Gothard, Becky Kundert, and Sonia Spencer - Literacy: It Takes a City
--submitted by Kevin Hoffman
Fellow Downtown Rotarian and Madison Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joe Gothard; Becky Kundert, Senior Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction; and Sonia Spencer, Senior Strategic Partnerships Coordinator explained how Madison schools will be meeting literacy goals and curriculum requirements mandated in Wisconsin’s Act 20.
While progress has been made, approximately 60% of students are not proficient readers for their grade level. The way reading will be taught is based on the science of reading. Teachers will receive professional development to train the theory, methods, and measurement of the new approach. This is an important and large-scale initiative, and the community (including Rotarians!) are encouraged to volunteer to become tutors, mentors, and partners in this effort. Volunteers can work through several programs and organizations to serve all age groups.
Guest speakers start at 27:52 minutes.
