WISCONSIN: Only 30% of fourth graders reading at grade level
- The end of childhood
- Oct 11
- 1 min read
Oct 9, 2025, Madison, WI, Channel 3000: Wisconsin reading crisis highlights need for dyslexia awareness and early intervention
October marks Dyslexia Awareness Month, bringing renewed focus to Wisconsin's reading crisis as the state grapples with historically low reading scores and the widespread impact of the most common learning disability.
With only 30% of Wisconsin fourth graders reading at grade level, education advocates emphasize that understanding and addressing dyslexia has never been more critical. The neurological disorder affects 1 in 5 people, yet many parents and educators remain unaware of its signs and effective treatment methods.
"With the reading levels so low, we have to bring in importance to what dyslexia is and what we can do to help the children with this neurological disorder become readers," said Priscilla Gresens, president of the International Dyslexia Association Wisconsin branch.
Understanding dyslexia
Contrary to common misconceptions, Gresens said dyslexia is not a vision problem but a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes written language. While the origins of dyslexia remain unknown, she said treatment methods are well-established and effective. . . .
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