Welcome to our first edition of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Reading Newsletter!

We are excited to have this platform for providing reading resources, upcoming professional development, and state initiatives in reading to you. Our goal with the reading newsletter is to keep you informed. In addition to the newsletter, please check in on the AKlearns.org website as we are building a reading webpage that will also house resources for you.

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development has developed a strategic plan for reading. The plan includes the requirements of Alaska Reads Act and provides further support in reading. The main goal of the strategic reading plan is to provide support to schools so that all students read at grade level by the end of third grade. While the focus is on third grade, support and resources include all grades. The strategic plan is organized into six categories: 1) professional development, 2) evidence-based curriculum materials, 3) early learning, 4) frameworks for success, 5) Science of Reading resources, data and communication, and 6) teacher preparation.

The strategic plan and Reads Act information will be shared across the state this year in an effort to support stakeholders in improved reading achievement. For more information or to request a presentation at your school/district, please contact Susan.McKenzie@alaska.gov.

The Alaska Reads Act (HB114) was passed by the 32nd Alaska State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Dunleavy in June 2022.  It created a statewide comprehensive K-3 reading policy designed to improve reading outcomes.  Learn about the how and why here. 

Today, HB 114 contains the Alaska Reads Act, which creates four new programs within the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED): an early education program, a comprehensive reading intervention program, a school improvement reading program, and a virtual education consortium.

DEED will have updated information on the Alaska Reads Act webpage soon. 

SAVE THE DATE!

Get excited for the Second Annual Alaska Science of Reading Symposium!  The 2023 dates have been set for April 28- 30 in Anchorage at the Egan Center.  It will be capped at 1000 participants.  Be sure to continue to watch for updates and registration information.    

The conference coordinators are enthusiastically developing a framework for this year that will appeal to all grade levels and all educators.    

Subscribing to this newsletter using the information below for monthly updates about the symposium, and all things reading, is one great way to keep up on #akreads information!  

Welcome to a new year of learning and teaching! We are excited to meet all the educational professionals across this great state! As you prepare to pour knowledge into your students, we want to support your learning as practitioners. Our focus this school year will be building knowledge across Alaska in the Science of Reading. Some of you may have heard this phrase, and some may not. As your State Academic Support Team, we want to help you build your depth of knowledge in reading.

The Science of Reading is a term used to reference the large body of scientific research surrounding the teaching of reading. This research includes cognitive, developmental, and school psychology, communication sciences, implementation science, neuroscience, linguistics, and education. This research provides evidence of what matters and works in reading instruction: the need for explicit and systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. So be on the lookout this year as we highlight the leading research to boost student reading proficiency!

Tracy Parker, K-3 Reading Specialist

Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages

AKLearns is one of our education webpages. We are working to get a reading page on that site to keep you informed about upcoming opportunities in professional development, links to resources and your “one stop shop” for evidence-based reading. 

Please visit AKLearns.org and bookmark it to check back frequently and view the PD calendar for upcoming sessions.  There will be many options throughout this school year. 

The Alaska Reading Playbook and related webinars can be accessed from AKLearns.org.  AKLearns is maintained in partnership with Region 16 Comprehensive Center.  

Keep an eye out for...

• Alaska Reads Act Guidance for School Districts
• RTI/MTSS Refresh Information for School Districts
• Curriculum Adoption Support
• Science of Reading Professional Development Opportunities
• Updated 2023 Alaska Science of Reading Symposium details
• Alaska Reading Strategic Plan Webinar

New!

Alaska Reading Playbook Course for Educators
Sept. 6-22 T/TH 4pm-5:30pm (6 Sessions)

Alaska Reading Playbook Course for Administrators
Sept. 14-26 W 10am-11am (3 sessions)

Important Links

AKLearns

AKLearns PD/Events Calendar

Alaska Reads Act - DEED will have more information on the Alaska Reads Act and implementation resources for districts and teachers on its website soon.

April 28-30  2023 Alaska Science of Reading Conference (Coming soon!)