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English Language Arts

Alaska did not adopt the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards. However, Alaskan stakeholders found our previous standards to be lower in rigor than other states’ standards and to lack clarity in terms of what students should know and be able to do. We wanted to increase our standards’ rigor so that Alaska’s high school graduates are better prepared for college education, technical training, and careers after high school. In 2012, the State Board of Education & Early Development adopted new academic standards for English Language Arts.

Standards

Standards and Targets by Grade

Grade Level Standards Learning Targets
Kindergarten PDF | Word Word
1 PDF | Word Word
2 PDF | Word Word
3 PDF | Word Word
4 PDF | Word Word
5 PDF | Word Word
6 PDF | Word Word
7 PDF | Word Word
8 PDF | Word Word

High School Standards

Conceptual Category Standards
Reading Standards for Literature PDF | Word
Reading Standards for Informational Text PDF | Word
Writing Standards PDF | Word
Speaking and Listening Standards PDF | Word
Language Standards PDF | Word

High School Standards Assessed

Early Learning

Special Education

Alaskan students who take Dynamic Learning Map assessments are instructed and assessed on Essential Elements (EEs). EEs are grade-level-specific expectations about what students with the most significant cognitive disabilities should know and be able to do. EEs are related to college- and career-readiness standards for students in the general population. 

For more information, please visit the Special Education page.

Essential Elements

Evidence-Based Resources

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development supports school district efforts to invest in proven strategies that have an evidence base for effectiveness toward improving outcomes for children in our schools.

Please Click here to Learn More.

    Assessments

    The Alaska English Language Arts and Mathematics Standards are specific rigorous expectations for growth and development in students’ skills across grades. The AK STAR summative assessment for ELA and Mathematics is administered in grades 3 – 9. The assessment is designed to measure a student’s understanding of the skills and concepts outlined in the Alaska English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Standards.

    (NEW!) AK STAR: Alaska System of Academic Readiness. Please check back regularly for updated standards resources, helpful instructional material, and other useful information.