Alaska's Last Literacy Blueprint

Alaska's last literacy blueprint was written in 2011. A lot has changed in 12 years. Since then, Alaska adopted new English Language Arts standards to reflect the advanced literacy students need to be ready for college and careers. The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) adopted the Alaska Native Cultural Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools. The State Board of Education and DEED worked with educators and community members from across the state to create Alaska's Education Challenge, which placed third-grade reading proficiency as a state priority. Region 16 Comprehensive Center and DEED created Alaska's Reading Playbook, which defines the Science of Reading and provides strategies to teach phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. DEED created the Alaska Strategic Reading Plan based on input from partners and stakeholders. Most recently, the Alaska Reads Act became law. DEED has implemented the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant, and we also have two new assessments: mCLASS by Amplify and the Alaska System of Academic Readiness (AK STAR). mCLASS by Amplify helps educators identify students K-3 who might be at risk for reading difficulties. AK STAR helps provide an accurate picture of proficiency at the end of the school year. All of this change can get hard to track -- and that's where the blueprint comes in! This document is designed to provide partners, stakeholders, and communities with one document that summarizes our collective literacy efforts statewide. Throughout the blueprint, you will find links where you can access more information on current and historical literacy work in Alaska. The blueprint also provides a snapshot of current student demographics and assessment results.