Star Assessments and FastBridge Approved in Wisconsin as Diagnostic Assessments for Early Literacy

Star and FastBridge help to identify next steps for struggling K‒3 students, supporting Act 20 requirements.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (JULY 23, 2024) ‒ Renaissance, a leader in pre-K‒grade 12 education technology and resources, announced today that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has approved Star Assessments and FastBridge as Diagnostic Assessments for Early Literacy, in accordance with Act 20 requirements.

Act 20 mandates that struggling students in kindergarten through grade 3 must receive diagnostic testing by mid-year 2024‒2025 to determine instructional next steps. According to DPI, school boards and independent charter schools that purchase and implement a diagnostic assessment from the list provided by DPI will be eligible for funds through a reimbursement process.

Nearly 70 percent of Wisconsin schools are already using either Star Assessments or FastBridge to assess students’ literacy skills and to better target instruction and intervention. Founded in 1986, Renaissance is a Wisconsin-based company with headquarters in Wisconsin Rapids. Renaissance remains one of the largest employers in the central part of the state.

“We are pleased to support Wisconsin administrators, teachers, students, and parents in our home state as we address the literacy needs of our children,” said Laurie Borkon, Vice President of Government Affairs at Renaissance. “Our employees have generations of children in Wisconsin schools, and we are proud to play an even larger role in helping to ensure that every student learns to read successfully.”

Wisconsin educators are invited to learn more about Star Assessments and FastBridge by visiting renaissance.com.

About Renaissance

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 100 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student.