AK Reads FAQ

1.  What is the Alaska Reads Act?
The AK Reads Act was passed in June, 2022 and has several components to it including a requirement for a district reading intervention program. The goal of the Alaska Reads Act is to support all students reading on grade level by the end of third grade. This applies to all Alaskan students in public and homeschool settings. For additional information see the Alaska Reads Act website.

2.  When does the Alaska Reads Act take effect?
The AK Reads Act will be in effect for the 2023-24 school year.

3.  How does the Alaska Reads Act impact my elementary student?
The AK Reads Act includes a requirement for a district reading intervention program. That means K-3 students will be assessed with a literacy screener three times per year to determine areas of proficiency. Many schools already give an assessment to their K-3 students in the fall, winter, and spring. Students who are identified as being below proficient will receive an individualized Reading Achievement Plan (RAP). Students who have a RAP will receive additional reading instruction outside of core instruction time. Students who score below the 20th percentile will qualify for additional reading instruction outside of the school day. 

4.  What is a Reading Achievement Plan?
The Reading Achievement Plan (RAP) is a specific improvement plan tailored to a student’s individual needs in reading. This plan identifies specific areas needing improvement and lays out the steps the school will take to support your student’s reading growth.  The RAP is created by a team that includes the child’s teacher and parents/guardians, among others. 

5.  What if my student has not made progress by the end of the school year? 
According to the Alaska Reads Act, Kindergarten-2nd grade students who show a reading deficiency at the end of the school year will be considered for retention. This conversation will take place during the second semester and will include the parents/guardians, teacher, and principal. Parents/Guardians will make the final decision.

In 3rd grade, students who have a reading deficiency will be retained unless parents agree to twenty hours of reading instruction over the summer before the student enters 4th grade.

6.  What is the district doing to prepare for the Alaska Reads Act? 
The district has been working with a core group of volunteer educators to develop the structure, documentation, calendars and communication that will be needed for a successful rollout of the Alaska Reads Act in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.  This includes the development of the RAP and communication to the community and teachers.  Additionally, the district is completing a District Reading Intervention Plan this spring that will be approved by Alaska’s Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).