As an Alaska Native principal in a rural school for many years, we made reading instruction our focus. In coordination with the state, we implemented a reading framework that after years of tweaking, and yes, monthly and quarterly testing, our students in grades K-5 were reading at grade level. It can be achieved. If our students are not proficient in reading by the third grade, research shows that 88% of students who failed to earn a high school diploma were already struggling readers in grade three. According to the Alaska Policy Forum, Alaska students have been ranked in the bottom 10 states in fourth grade reading scores for more than a decade.
To improve on educational outcomes, the Alaska State Senate is considering SB 111, titled “Early Education; Reading Intervention.” A similar bill in the house is HB 164. One piece of this legislation would establish state policy so that all districts will be required to have a reading framework in place to help our students. This levels the playing field so regardless of where a student lives they will have access to quality reading instruction as mandated by state policy. This will establish a standard that districts will have to follow and be held accountable for. If the state is willing to provide additional resources to our students, teachers and school districts, it needs to be implemented. For the sake of our children, call your legislators to endorse this legislation.
— Debra Van Dyke
Anchorage
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