Assessment, Accountability and Student Information

Proposed New Alaska Standards

Driven by a desire to better prepare graduates for college and careers, the department with the support of Alaska educators and stakeholders has proposed revised English Language Arts and Mathematics Standards to adequately prepare Alaskan students to compete globally. The new more rigorous academic standards clearly outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level to be globally competitive. The State Board of Education will take action on the new standards in June 2012 after a period of public comment from January – May 2012.

The department worked with professionals in the field of standards development to assist with the revision process. Karin Hess, senior associate, from the nonprofit National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment (NCIEA) took a leadership role throughout the process. Dr. Hess has over 30 years of deep experience at all levels of education: 15 years as a classroom teacher, and later as school administrator, curriculum and Title I director; state agency specialist; and national consultant in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

The proposed standards do not tell teachers how to teach, nor do they attempt to override the unique qualities of each student and classroom. They simply establish a strong foundation of knowledge and skills all students need for success after graduation. It is up to schools and teachers to decide how to put the standards into practice and incorporate other state standards, including the Cultural Standards.

The Proposed New Alaska Standards:

  • are aligned with college and work expectations.
  • include rigorous content and application of knowledge through higher-order skills.
  • build upon strength and lessons of current state standards.
  • equal in rigor to the national common core state standards.
  • relate to real world application.

Below is a diagram identifying the immediate shift from the Grade Level Expectations to the proposed new academic standards. Reviewing the diagram in isolation does not provide the full depth and breadth of the new standards. All educators are encouraged to review the proposed standards and know the shift of focus in terms of instruction.

Alaska Alignment to the Common Core Standards - As part of its review of the Common Core standards, Alaska compared its Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) for reading, writing, and mathematics to the Common Core standards.

Webinars on Proposed Standards

The department will host multiple webinars to examine the proposed Alaska standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The repeated webinars will be offered on the following dates and times. To register for one of the following webinars, click on the specified date. When the email pops up, please press send.

All webinars will be recorded for district convenience. For futher information, or to receive a copy, please contact Dena Iutzi-Mitchell.

English/Language Arts - 3:30 pm

Mathematics - 3:30 pm


Department Contacts

Any questions about the proposed standards can be directed to the department staff identified below.

Public Comment

Alaskans are encouraged to review the proposed standards. Feedback can be provided through the department’s website https://www.eed.state.ak.us/regs/comment.cfm or a letter can be addressed to Education Commissioner Mike Hanley. All public comment (January – May 2012) will be considered by the department and the State Board of Education.