OPINION: Working together to improve Alaska’s educational opportunities and outcomes

As a father, former school board member, and state representative, I have always judged public policy by its impacts on families and the future. I am convinced the state of Alaska must do more to support public education, especially early learning. That’s why I accepted the challenge of guiding the Alaska Reads Act through the Alaska House of Representatives.

The overarching goal of the Alaska Reads Act is to expand access to high-quality pre-kindergarten across the state of Alaska and support all children being able to read proficiently by the end of third grade. This would be done by building upon Alaska’s already successful pre-K grant program and establishing a new evidence-based reading program to support Alaska’s lowest-performing schools. It will also put Alaska in a great place to take advantage of additional federal funding for pre-K and other forms of early education.

I have faith in the committee process, where representatives and senators work to refine, change, and often enhance the policy they are tasked to consider. Despite some recent criticisms, the Alaska Reads Act has been made better through thoughtful amendments in the House Education Committee, where the bill is currently being considered.

Legislative intent language was added to the bill affirming the right of students to learn to read in multiple languages. We made it very clear that nothing in the Alaska Reads Act limits a school district’s ability to focus on literacy education in multiple languages.

Another adopted amendment increases the number of struggling schools that could apply to receive direct state support from five to 10 schools. This means that schools most in need of support will be eligible for help from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to create and implement a reading program for children in kindergarten through third grade.

And finally, one of the most significant amendments to the Alaska Reads Act alleviates the burden placed on school districts by adding language directing the state of Alaska to appropriate additional funding for each struggling reader in kindergarten through third grade. This direct support to school districts will allow them to pay for the resources and materials needed to ensure children are reading at grade level by third grade.

These are only a few examples of the dozens of improvements made to ensure we can have education and learning successes throughout Alaska.

The legendary late Rep. Max Gruenberg, also known as the “Great Amender,” taught me the importance of working the process to make good laws and meaningful public policy. That’s what is happening with the Alaska Reads Act. I appreciate everyone working together to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Alaska’s most precious resources, our children.

Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, represents Dimond Estates, Foxridge, Taku, Campbell, Northwood, and Windemere in the Alaska House of Representatives.

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