ALASKA
A comprehensive overview of Alaska's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Alaska's dyslexia laws emphasize early literacy screening, structured intervention plans, and ongoing professional development for teachers. The Alaska Reads Act mandates individualized reading improvement plans for struggling students and requires teacher training in evidence-based literacy strategies. These efforts aim to ensure all students can read at grade level by the end of third grade.
ALASKA'S LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. Alaska Reads Act
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Summary: Signed into law on June 2022, the Alaska Reads Act mandates early literacy screening for all K-3 students and requires schools to implement individualized reading improvement plans (IRIPs) for students identified as at risk of reading below proficiency. The act aims to ensure that all students can read at grade level by the end of third grade through structured interventions and parental involvement.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Enhances communication between teachers and families regarding student progress. Families receive regular updates on their child’s reading abilities and are encouraged to participate in home reading activities.
2. SCR 16
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Summary: This resolution establishes a task force to examine the effects of current state statutes and regulations on reading proficiency outcomes, including the impact of dyslexia. The task force is tasked with evaluating instructional practices and making recommendations for improving reading outcomes statewide.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: The task force addresses educator concerns about the effectiveness of current reading strategies and provides a platform for family input on educational practices related to dyslexia.
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More: SCR 16
3. House Bill 64 (HB 64)
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Summary: This bill establishes a task force to address dyslexia and reading proficiency in Alaska. It focuses on examining effective instructional practices and the overall impact of dyslexia on educational outcomes.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: The task force's findings could lead to improved resources and support for families dealing with dyslexia, while also providing teachers with better tools to help their students succeed.
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More: HB 64
TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
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Alaska Reads Act Literacy Training: K-3 teachers and administrators must complete Alaska DEED-approved evidence-based training on literacy instruction, which includes components related to dyslexia, by summer 2025.
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Alaska Reads Act Endorsement: Educators can obtain an endorsement by completing 45 hours of DEED-approved professional development or passing approved exams.
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Professional Learning Opportunities: Alaska provides free professional learning opportunities based on the science of reading, including LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) courses, which cover dyslexia-related topics.
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State-Approved Screener: Alaska has adopted Amplify's mCLASS with DIBELS 8th edition as the state-sponsored literacy screener, which includes a dyslexia screener component.
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MORE ALASKA STATE RESOURCES
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