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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2026
Alaska Students Make Strong Gains in Reading Proficiency for Third Consecutive Year
Juneau, AK - The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) is pleased to announce continued improvement in early literacy statewide, marking the third consecutive year of growth in mCLASS DIBELS 8 Composite Scores for students in grades K-3.
Data from the 2025-26 school year show fewer students finishing the year Well Below Benchmark and more students achieving At or Above Benchmark. By the end of the school year, 60 percent of Alaska students had reached At or Above Benchmark -the highest level recorded since the state started collecting information.
K-3 results from this year highlight major shifts in performance. The percentage of students Well Below Benchmark decreased from 39 to 26 percent, representing 4,264 fewer students in the lowest category. Students At Benchmark increased from 24 to 28 percent, and those Above Benchmark rose from 21 to 32 percent, adding 3,771 students performing at or above grade level.
Alaska students are keeping pace with their peers nationwide, demonstrating average or better growth on DIBELS 8 throughout the 2025-26 school year.
The assessment results and gains in students’ early literacy reflect the implementation of the Alaska Reads Act (2022), which focused state policy and practice on the Science of Reading, professional development for educators, high-quality instructional materials, accountability for student learning, and communication with parents and families.
“With these positive results on the foundational skills of reading, we can expect to see improvement in student outcomes in higher grades in the future as we ensure our youngest learners have the skills they need to become successful readers” said Commissioner Deena Bishop. “While we take time now to celebrate the progress in early literacy, we know long-term success requires consistency and sustained effort. Improving student achievement is a marathon, not a sprint or an education fad.”
AK STAR results, which measure student performance on Alaska’s academic standards, in grades 3-9, will be released in early September.
“The evidence is clear. Alaska’s primary teachers are making a positive impact on student learning,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “The Alaska Reads Act is the starting point for which to base future standards, and to ensure Alaskan students have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world. I am proud of the work we have begun, and am looking forward to seeing continued growth in achievement. Policies, and execution of those policies, make all the difference.”
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The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development provides information, resources, and leadership to support over 130,000 students in 505 public schools across the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to ensure an “Excellent Education for Every Student Every Day.”
Media Contact: Bryan Zadalis, Public Information Officer - (907) 465-2800
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