Department of Education and Early Development announces improvements in Alaskan reading scores

The Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) announced increases in student reading scores, for the second year in a row, July 2, attributing the success to the Alaska Reads Act.

In a press release from DEED, the overall increase from the 2024-2025 beginning year rate was 44% and the end of year rate was 60% -an increase which outpaces the national average for growth, according to preliminary data results. Those numbers compare to 2023-2024 beginning of year score of 41% and at the end of the year, the average was 57%.

“This is promising evidence for our Alaskan students and their teachers as all the hard work and focus they have put in is coming to fruition,” Commissioner Deena Bishop said in the release. “This achievement shows that the Alaska Reads Act was the right policy direction for our state, and more importantly, for our youngest learners. Congratulations!”

Designed to ensure all students’ ability to read at grade level by the end of third grade, The Alaska Reads Act was signed into law by Governor Mike Dunleavy in 2022. It incorporates evidence-based instruction and rigorous educational teaching standards.

“These results show why it's critical to tie clear goals and strong commitments to education policy,” Dunleavy said in the release. “The Alaska Reads Act proves that coupling funding with real reform works. We made the right decision, and students across Alaska are seeing the benefits.”