In alignment with this statutory authority, the WDE will conduct a formal rulemaking process in partnership with districts to develop and finalize the Chapter 57 rules to support implementation. These rules will provide clear and consistent guidance to support statewide implementation of the requirements outlined in statute.  The rules will address all required components, including assessment selection, instructional expectations, professional development requirements, defined terminology, and systems for monitoring, support, and corrective action. 

The process will include draft development, consultation with school districts, structured stakeholder engagement, internal and legal review, and a formal public comment period conducted in accordance with state rulemaking requirements. Following adoption, the WDE will provide guidance and technical assistance to support school districts in implementing these requirements. The promulgation timeline shows how proposed rules move through review, public input, and final adoption.

Status Update

March – June 2026

Throughout the spring of 2026, district leaders, the 55 members of the Superintendent’s Literacy Cabinet, educators and leaders drawn from districts across the state, and a diverse group of additional education stakeholders and advocacy groups contributed rule suggestions, recommendations, and proposed revisions well in advance of formal promulgation. This structure was designed to surface key themes early, build alignment around priority areas, and address potential concerns.

The abbreviated emergency rules establish the Department’s authority and foundational definitions, a phased implementation start and baseline submission requirement, the universal screening, dyslexia screening, and diagnostic assessment framework for districts, including approved screener criteria and an alternative screener review process, so districts can select and purchase screeners over the summer for fall administration and begin the work on District Language and Literacy Plans.

Chapter 57 Abbreviated Emergency Rules are available here.

July – August 2026

With the Emergency Rules complete, the Department is transitioning to permanent Standard Rules creating a Language & Literacy Leadership Coalition. Operating concurrently with the public comment period, the Coalition will follow a structured review process culminating in an August 27, 2026, filing. Because these rules are already grounded in substantial stakeholder input, this phase emphasizes validation, refinement, and consensus-building rather than initial development, further strengthening the quality, transparency, and responsiveness of the final rules.

To support this work, each district superintendent has been invited to designate one literacy representative to serve on the Coalition, creating a structured, two-way partnership with the WDE Language & Literacy Director. Representatives participate in monthly Coalition meetings, with additional meetings scheduled as needed during critical milestones, including the promulgation of the Standard Rules.

Between Coalition meetings, each representative convenes a district workgroup that includes the Superintendent, District Literacy Team, Curriculum Director, Speech-Language Pathologists, Multilingual Specialists, Special Education educators, and other appropriate stakeholders to gather district feedback. This structure ensures every recommendation reflects informed local collaboration while bringing diverse district perspectives into a unified statewide process. 

Important Note: Final rules recommendations will be strengthened by the collective expertise of Coalition members together with the broader voices of educators, families, communities, and external language and literacy experts.

Contact
Dr. Claudia Ladd

CLSD Language and Literacy Director

Educators