According to recent testing statistics, more than half of Alaska’s children fell short of math and English Language Arts competence standards. The Alaska System of Academic Readiness (AK Star) evaluated approximately 68,000 students in the 2023-24 academic year.
Results showed no improvement from the previous year. Only 35.5% of pupils in the Anchorage school district achieving competence in both courses. “We’re underperforming because we’re not meeting the standards set out, you know, by the State of Alaska, which was designed for Alaskan educators,” stated Deena Bishop from the Department of Education and Early Development.
Bishop emphasized that early educational challenges, like disrupted kindergarten classes during the COVID-19, played a significant role in these results. From the Anchorage School Board, Kelly Lessens explained that the third graders who are now struggling to learn are the same children who started out through Zoom.
Teachers report foundational learning gaps, especially in grades, affected by pandemic closures. COVID-19 disrupted educational practices, creating long-term issues in attendance and performance. According to Anchorage Education Association President Corey Aist, “COVID set a very bad precedent for attendance and expectations.”
Aist believes that poor learning environments and staffing crises are compounding these problems. Despite the setbacks, Bishop urged Alaskans to focus on future learning outcomes. She stated, “We need to engage kids, have them come to school, provide high-quality education, and support our teachers in doing so. Changes will be made. Student learning will increase.”
Investments in early education and supporting teachers are key strategies for addressing Alaska’s student proficiency levels. Aist called for action to combat staffing shortages and improve conditions in schools. He argued that competitive salaries and proper funding would stabilize classrooms.
“Education is an investment in our communities, in our state, and in our future population, and without that, we continue to drop down below,” stated Aist. Without it, the state risks further declines in student performance. Leaders agree that improving Alaska’s student proficiency will require targeted policy changes, a better learning environment, and significant financial investment.
This news article was originally published by Alaska´s News Source.
