JUNEAU – After more than a decade of work and collaboration by education advocates, Senator Tom Begich (D-Anchorage), and the Senate Education Committee, the Alaska State Senate unanimously passed the Alaska Reads Act, Senate Bill 111. The Alaska Reads Act seeks to expand universal, voluntary Pre-K and other early learning services, establishes a statewide K-3rd grade reading intervention program, and codifies support for virtual education.

“We have the opportunity to change the course of education in Alaska for the better. To improve education in our state, we must not look for a single solution but many. By expanding Pre-K and coupling it with evidence-based Kindergarten through 3rd-grade reading interventions, Alaska’s youngest students can start their educational career on a strong path,” said Sen. Begich. “These targeted and culturally sensitive approaches will not only help Alaska’s students to retain those early gains, but also put them on a more successful path throughout their lives – and doing it through a bipartisan effort shows the Senate’s commitment to improving education outcomes.”

Based on feedback from Indigenous language stakeholders, the Senate amended the Alaska Reads Act to ensure every component is culturally responsive and meets the unique needs of students across the state – urban and rural. As an example, reading specialists funded by this legislation would require Indigenous language training, an understanding of the community and culture, and live within the school district. Also, the reading tools used by educators can be in any language.  

“Through hundreds of hours of collaboration and committee work, we have taken input from rural and urban superintendents, parents, classroom teachers, and Indigenous early education advocates. We know that every dollar invested in high-quality Pre-K can save up to $7 in long-term government expenses by reducing the need for remedial education, and involvement in the criminal justice and public assistance systems,” concluded Sen. Begich.

Senate Bill 111 will head to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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