HB 343 allows Alaska high school students (grades 9-12) to earn course credit by passing assessments instead of taking classes, requiring school districts to offer this option at least three times yearly or upon parent request. It specifically mandates that school districts provide this assessment opportunity within three weeks of enrollment for students with parents who are active-duty military members or transferred under military orders to Alaska. The bill also ensures children under school age who were previously enrolled in military schools (like DODEA programs) can attend public schools in Alaska without additional barriers. Definitions clarify "military installation" to include bases, camps, and facilities under the U.S. Department of Defense or Coast Guard.
HB 248 requires Alaska school districts offering correspondence (online) learning programs to maintain student assessment participation rates equal to the district-wide rate for statewide tests. Districts failing to meet this standard risk having state education funding withheld until compliance is achieved. The bill defines key terms like "correspondence program student assessment participation rate" as the percentage of enrolled students taking required tests. This law takes effect on January 1, 2027, directly affecting school districts operating correspondence programs.
SB 209 establishes new assessment requirements for Alaska high school students to earn diplomas with "certified proficiency." It requires schools to administer proficiency confirmation tools in economics, science, social studies, language arts, and math for students in grades 8, 10, and 12, with the grade 12 assessment determining diploma eligibility. Students must achieve a "proficient" score in all subjects to receive a sealed diploma; districts must offer reassessment upon request for those who don't meet the standard. The law applies to students graduating on or after January 1, 2030, and updates graduation credit requirements (e.g., 21 units total, including specific social studies and economics credits).
HB 168 requires Alaska public high schools to implement a standardized civics education curriculum covering 14 specific topics, including U.S. founding documents, government branches, Alaska's constitution, and comparative global government systems. To earn a diploma, students must complete a semester-long civics course, pass a 100-question assessment based on the U.S. citizenship test, and either complete a civics project or provide evidence of prior passing scores. The bill mandates schools to document passing scores on student transcripts and allows limited exemptions for transfer students or those with disabilities. This directly affects all Alaska high school students seeking graduation, with requirements taking effect upon passage.
SB 197 requires all Alaska public schools to provide 60 minutes daily (or 300 weekly) of mathematics instruction for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It mandates school districts to use state-approved, evidence-based math materials and assessments, including a screening test within 30 days of each school term, to track student progress and identify those needing intervention. The bill also requires the Department of Education to create a teacher credential for K-8 math educators demonstrating competency in evidence-based teaching practices. These provisions directly affect school districts, educators, and K-8 students across Alaska by standardizing math instruction, assessment, and teacher qualifications.
SB 23 requires Alaska public high schools to implement a standardized civics curriculum covering U.S. and Alaska government, founding documents, citizenship rights, and global governance systems. Students must complete a semester-long civics course and pass two assessments: a 100-question test based on the U.S. citizenship exam and a civics project-based assessment to earn a high school diploma. The bill directly affects all Alaska public high school students, with exemptions for transfers after 10th grade, students with prior history credits, or those with disability waivers. Schools must document passing scores on transcripts and may allow retakes for the assessment.
