Education

All Alaska education news stories including child care, K-12 schools, university and policy.

A woman in a blue shirt and black cardigan gestures to floor plans on a table.

Anchorage middle schools prepare to include sixth grade starting this fall

Middle schools are rearranging floor plans, hiring teachers and adding portables to accommodate the students.
students

After a dozen years, statewide Yup’ik language spelling bee going strong

Yup'ik and Inupiaq spelling bees, like those held earlier this month in Anchorage, are a relatively new experience for students.

Dunleavy says correspondence school decision will have broad impacts. But will it?

A judge recently threw out two laws underpinning key aspects of Alaska's homeschool system. The impact of the decision is up for debate.
two people pose on stage, one holding a jersey

Anchorage’s Alissa Pili selected 8th in WNBA draft

Pili is the sixth Alaskan to make the WNBA. She now shares the record as the highest overall WNBA draft pick by an Alaskan.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy speaks to a microphone.

Dunleavy argues homeschool allotments are an ‘indirect benefit’ to private schools. Lawmakers disagree.

House Republicans and the bipartisan Senate majority each say the Alaska Constitution prohibits spending public money on private education.
a basketball hoop

Alaska House committee advances, expands proposal to bar trans girls from girls sports

An amended bill would add elementary, middle school and collegiate sports to limits in place for high school.

A judge has thrown out a key part of Alaska’s homeschool system. Here’s what to know.

A judge found unconstitutional the state's correspondence school allotment program, which pays for classes and supplies purchased by parents.
a courthouse

Alaska judge strikes down state’s cash payments to families using correspondence school programs

The decision on correspondence programs will become a "hot-button legislative item" in the final weeks of session, lawmakers said.
students

Bishop disputes feds’ claim that Alaska didn’t fund schools equitably during pandemic

Education Commissioner Deena Bishop says the state funded schools as usual and didn't disproportionately reduce districts' funding.
a man at podium

Dunleavy says new polling data shows Alaskans want education reform with BSA increase

The poll was commissioned by the governor and conducted by Dittman Research just one week after Dunleavy vetoed the legislature’s bipartisan education bill.
A group of students walking of their school wearing red and holding a sign that reads, "Prioritize my Education."

Alaska schools making drastic cuts in wake of governor’s veto, school administrators council says

Lisa Parady is the Executive Director of the Alaska Council of School Administrators and says the council's members are doing everything they can to avoid negative impacts to classrooms and students.
A student sitting on the shoulders of another student holding up a sign in protest.

Alaska students stage statewide walkout to protest education funding veto

Students protested Gov. Dunleavy’s veto of an education funding bill and the Legislature's failure to override the veto.
school bus in front of building

States beyond Alaska were surprised by COVID education grant requirement, expert says

State lawmakers got some perspective on a COVID-related education funding dispute between Alaska and the federal government on Wednesday.
crowberries

Alaska school year could start in September under new proposal

The later start date would allow students to spend more time on subsistence activities and working in construction or tourism jobs.
The sign for Alaska Pacific University stands in front of pine trees surrounded by snow.

Alaska Pacific University will partner with Seattle U to offer the state’s first dual MBA/law program

Alaska Pacific University will begin offering a dual law and masters of business administration program this fall. The program is in partnership with Seattle University.
Plaintiffs who sued the Mat-Su school district over their removal of 56 books without review.

Mat-Su schools book ban goes to federal judge for oral arguments

Parents and students sued the school district over the book removal of 56 books without review from school libraries last April.
a basketball hoop

Bills targeting trans people are on the rise nationwide and in Alaska — most focus on children

A state House committee has advanced legislation that would restrict the rights of Alaska trans kids.
a woman

Fairbanks school board president apologizes after criticizing lawmakers’ veto-override votes

Brandy Harty had suggested lawmakers caved to threats from Gov. Mike Dunleavy to vote against overriding his veto of increased school spending.
a school

Missteps from Alaska’s education department could cost the state millions in grants, feds say

A federal “high risk” designation could cost the state grant funding because it did not comply with requirements for pandemic relief funds.
The snowy facade of Inlet View Elementary School in Anchorage.

Voters to decide on Inlet View Elementary replacement, security upgrades on Anchorage school bond

The $62 million bond includes roof repairs, secure vestibules and a new Inlet View Elementary School.