WUSD Sees Significant Gains in Student Literacy With the Science of Reading Aligned Practices

WHITEWATER, WI — The Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) has more than doubled the number of K-5 students reading at or above grade level following its second year of implementing Science of Reading (SOR) instructional practices.

Districtwide assessment data show that 62% of elementary students met or exceeded grade-level reading benchmarks in Spring 2025, compared to 31.5% of students in Fall 2023, at initiation of the new reading model. Our future graduation class of 2037, who are now in kindergarten, moved from 35% of students at or above grade level at the beginning of the school year, to 83% of students performing at or above grade level.

“These indicators suggest we are on the right path to achieving our goal of improved literacy outcomes for all students in WUSD,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. "We are thrilled to see such a positive impact on our students' literacy development since implementing the Science of Reading. The amazing staff of WUSD deserves all of the accolades, along with our fantastic students. I am proud to leave this in the hands of our amazing Principals, Director of Teaching and Learning, Multilingual Services Coordinator, and Director of Pupil Services, from here forward.”

The data comes from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment, which measures foundational reading skills such as fluency and comprehension.

District leaders credit the gains to a comprehensive literacy strategy that included staff training, the selection and implementation of a research-based, SOR-aligned universal curriculum, an intensive intervention curriculum, and support from literacy coaches, principals, and the district’s Department of Teaching and Learning. The district partnered with Schools Cubed to implement sustainable routines and structures that support the Science of Reading in classrooms."

The Science of Reading is rooted in decades of cognitive science research and emphasizes evidence-based instruction to help students build foundational reading skills. WUSD adopted the research-based approaches to ensure students are equipped for academic success and lifelong learning.

To learn more about WUSD’s literacy programming, please visit https://www.wwusd.org/page/science-of-reading.

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