HB 333 establishes a statewide Alaska technical readiness and career training system to fund career-focused education in public schools for grades 6-12. It directs school districts to spend at least 80% of vocational and technical instruction funding on direct student programs like classroom instruction, industry certifications, apprenticeships, and work-based learning - excluding administrative costs and general academic skills. The bill requires districts to develop programs with measurable student mastery, career pathways, and stackable credentials accepted for high school graduation or college credit. It amends funding formulas to include a dedicated vocational and technical instruction factor (1.025) and creates a new department system to support program development across districts.
HB 343 allows Alaska high school students (grades 9-12) to earn course credit by passing assessments instead of taking classes, requiring school districts to offer this option at least three times yearly or upon parent request. It specifically mandates that school districts provide this assessment opportunity within three weeks of enrollment for students with parents who are active-duty military members or transferred under military orders to Alaska. The bill also ensures children under school age who were previously enrolled in military schools (like DODEA programs) can attend public schools in Alaska without additional barriers. Definitions clarify "military installation" to include bases, camps, and facilities under the U.S. Department of Defense or Coast Guard.
HB 339 requires Alaska public school districts to implement a mandatory personal finance education program for students in grades 9-12. The program, which must cover 15 specific topics including budgeting, debt management, taxes, insurance, and retirement planning, must be approved by the state education department. Students cannot receive a high school diploma without completing this program, though exceptions apply for students transferring after grade 10. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, with the diploma requirement applying to graduates on or after January 1, 2027.
HB 358 creates a grant program to support career and technical education mobility for Alaska secondary school students. It establishes grants for pre-apprenticeship training and work-based learning opportunities, directly affecting high school students seeking career pathways. The bill requires the Department of Education to coordinate with businesses and labor unions to develop programs preparing students for apprenticeships or employment. Key provisions include funding for student mobility between educational programs and aligning training with workforce needs, as amended into Alaska Statute 14.07.020. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand career training access without specifying funding levels or outcomes.
SB 209 establishes new assessment requirements for Alaska high school students to earn diplomas with "certified proficiency." It requires schools to administer proficiency confirmation tools in economics, science, social studies, language arts, and math for students in grades 8, 10, and 12, with the grade 12 assessment determining diploma eligibility. Students must achieve a "proficient" score in all subjects to receive a sealed diploma; districts must offer reassessment upon request for those who don't meet the standard. The law applies to students graduating on or after January 1, 2030, and updates graduation credit requirements (e.g., 21 units total, including specific social studies and economics credits).
HB 237 requires all Alaska public schools to provide 60 minutes daily (or 300 weekly) of mathematics instruction for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It mandates school districts to use evidence-based instructional materials and assessments to monitor student progress, identify those needing intervention, and automatically enroll eligible students in advanced math courses. The Department of Education must provide districts with approved materials and assessments, while districts must implement teacher training programs focused on data-driven instruction and intervention strategies. This bill directly affects K-8 students, school districts, and math teachers across Alaska by establishing specific requirements for curriculum, assessment, and educator support.
HB 165 sets specific classroom size limits for Alaska public schools: 23 students for kindergarten through third grade, 26 for fourth through eighth grade, and 30 for ninth through twelfth grade. It exempts school districts with an average daily membership of 35,000 or less. The bill requires schools to notify parents twice yearly (November 30 and February 1) about classroom size limits, district-wide averages per grade, and their child's specific classroom size. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 12 requires Alaska public school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to any student who requests these meals, with no cost to the student. The state department of education must fund this through state appropriations and maximize federal funding available for school meals. This policy directly affects all Alaska public school students who request breakfast or lunch, ensuring meal access regardless of family income. The bill does not change eligibility criteria but mandates that districts offer these meals at no cost to students who ask for them.
HB 90 requires Alaska public schools to implement a financial literacy program for students in grades 9-12, covering 15 specific topics including budgeting, debt management, taxes, insurance, and the financial implications of Alaska Native corporation membership. School districts must provide a program equivalent to half a credit hour that meets these topics, and students must complete it to earn a high school diploma (with exceptions for students transferring after grade 10). The law applies to students graduating on or after January 1, 2027, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026. It mandates that the Department of Education provide a list of approved open educational resources for schools to use.
This bill requires all Alaska public school districts to create and implement K-12 educational programs approved by the state department. The programs must include instruction on the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S., as well as materials showcasing their cultural and economic diversity. School districts must develop these programs by the specified timeline, with the state department overseeing approval. The bill directly affects every K-12 student and school district in Alaska.
