Mike Bronson

15 years of data show that reading and math abilities dropped a full grade level statewide as the Base Student Allocation fell 22% in real dollars.

Such a heavy lift needs the governor and legislators to get on it and get ‘er done.

Although providing for student proficiency is a chief duty of the Legislature, its decisions have made the state’s schools largely inadequate under the constitution.

Some heavy lifting is required if Anchorage students -- and those in the rest of Alaska -- are to catch up with or exceed national averages.

OPINION: The states that have significantly raised their students’ literacy rates did it with the outspoken leadership of their governors and legislatures. It's time for us to demand better in Alaska.

OPINION: Although older Alaskans may deserve the government we voted for, it looks like the younger ones won’t get the education they deserve.

OPINION: Until the Alaska Legislature takes responsibility to cut its own spending on travel, offices and staffers, it's hard to take their talk of budget cutting seriously.