SB 111 — An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to public schools and school districts; relating to early education programs; relating to funding for early education programs; relating to school age eligibility; relating to reports by the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to reports by school districts; relating to certification and competency of teachers; relating to screening reading deficiencies and providing reading intervention services to public school students enrolled in grades kindergarten through three; relating to textbooks and materials for reading intervention services; establishing a reading program in the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to the definition of 'parent' in education statutes; relating to a virtual education consortium; and providing for an effective date.

8.6.

AS 14.03.078(a), as amended by sec.

7 of this Act, is amended to read:

(a) The department shall provide to the legislature and school districts by February 15 of each year by electronic means an annual report regarding the progress of each school and school district toward high academic performance by all students.

The report required under this section must include (1) information described under AS 14.03.120;

(2) progress of the department (A) toward implementing the school accountability provisions of AS 14.03.123;

and (B) in assisting high schools to become accredited;

(3) a description of the resources provided to each school and school district for coordinated school improvement activities and staff training in each school and school district;

(4) each school district's and each school's progress in aligning curriculum with state education performance standards;

(5) a description of the efforts by the department to assist apublic school or district that receives a low performance designation under AS 14.03.123;

(6) a description of intervention efforts by each school district and school for students who are not meeting state performance standards;

(7) the number and percentage of turnover in certificated personnel and superintendents;

and (8) a summary of the categories of certificated administrative employees employed by each school district that includes the ratio of (A) the number of certificated administrative employees in each category employed by each school district compared to the number of students enrolled in the school district on October 1 of the previous year;

(B) the total number of certificated administrative employees employed by each school district compared to the total number of teachers employed by the school district on October 1 of the previous year;

and SB0111B -5- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (C) the total number of teachers employed by each school district compared to the total number of students enrolled in the school district on October 1 of the previous year [;

(9) THE PROGRESS MADE TO IMPLEMENT THE READING INTERVENTION PROGRAMS ESTABLISHED UNDER AS 14.30.760 - 14.30.775, INCLUDING DATA ON HOW SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE USING IN-SERVICE DAYS FOR CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN READING INSTRUCTION;

AND (10) THE EFFECTIVENESS AND PARTICIPATION RATES OF THE PARENTS AS TEACHERS PROGRAM ESTABLISHED UNDER AS 14.03.420, INCLUDING MEASURES OF EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS THAT DEMONSTRATE THE EFFECTS OF THE PROGRAM ON SCHOOL READINESS].

* Sec.

9.

10.7.

AS 14.03.080(c)14.03.080(d) is amended to read:

(c)(d) A child under school age who is atfive least four years of age aton theor beginningbefore ofJune the1 schoolpreceding year[SEPTEMBER may1 beFOLLOWING] admitted to a public school in the schoolbeginning district of which the child is a resident at the discretion of the governing body of the school districtyear, if the child meets minimum standards prescribed by the board evidencing that the child has the mental, physical, and emotionalwho capacityis tounder performschool satisfactorilyage, formay theenter educationala programpublic beingschool offered.kindergarten.

A district'sschool educationaldistrict programshall mustallow prescribea that,child exceptwho foris studentsfour inyears anof earlyage educationon program,or underbefore schoolJune age1 studentspreceding advancethe throughbeginning of the curriculumschool oryear, gradeand levelwho achieves a passing score on an assessmentapproved by the followingdepartment, to enter a public school year.kindergarten.

A governing body may delegate the authority granted under this subsection to the chief CSSB 111(EDC) -6- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N school administrator of the school district.

11.8.

AS 14.03.080(c), as amended by sec.

10 of this Act, is amended to read:

(c) A child under school age [WHO IS AT LEAST FOUR YEARS OF AGE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR] may be admitted to a public school in the school district of which the child is a resident at the discretion of the governing body of the school district if the child meets minimum standards prescribed by the board evidencing that the child has the mental, physical, and emotional capacity to perform satisfactorily for the educational program being offered.

A district's educational program must prescribe that [, EXCEPT FOR STUDENTS IN AN EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAM,] under school age students advance through the curriculum or grade level by the following school year.

A governing body may delegate the authority granted under this subsection to the chief school administrator of the school district.

* Sec.

12.

(g) A child who is fiveat least four, but not more than five, years of age on or before SeptemberJune 1 followingpreceding the beginning of the school year,year and who ishas undernot attended a public school age,kindergarten may enter a public school kindergarten.early education program.

13.9.

(2) the number and percentage of students SB 111 -4- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (A) in grades kindergarten through three who demonstrated improvement on expected grade-level skills on the statewide screening or assessment tool;

(C) retained in grades kindergarten through three who did not progress SB0111B -7- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N to the next grade and the reasons thefor studentsretention; did not progress;

(E) in grade three who progresseddemonstrated sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four based on aan waiveralternative understandardized ASreading 14.30.765(f);screening or assessment;

(F) in grade three who progresseddemonstrated sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four based on a goodstudent causereading exemptionportfolio; under AS 14.30.765(h);

(G) in grade three who demonstratedprogressed sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four based on ana alternativewaiver standardizedunder readingAS screening14.30.765(f); or assessment;

(H) in grade three who demonstratedprogressed sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four based on a studentgood readingcause portfolio;exemption under AS 14.30.765(h);

(3) the performance on the statewide screening or assessment tool of students in a grade above grade three who didwere notretained progressin to grade fourthree or who progressed to grade four based on a waiver under AS 14.30.765(f) or a good cause exemption under AS 14.30.765(h).

14.10.

(a) The department shall (1) provide training and assistance to develop and improve district-widedistrict- wide early education programs that comply with standards adopted by the board under AS 14.07.165(a)(5).14.07.165(a)(5);

Theand department(2) shallapprove assess district-wide early education programs and approve programs that comply with the standards adopted by the board under AS 14.07.165(a)(5).14.07.165(a)(5), subject to the SB0111A -5- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W limitations in (d) of this section.

The department may review an approved program at any time and may revoke approval of a program if the program is not in compliance with the standards adopted by the board under AS 14.07.165(a)(5).

Unless(c) theThe legislaturedepartment appropriatesshall anotherrank amount,the totalperformance grantof fundingall CSSBdistricts 111(EDC)in -8-the SB0111Bstate Newin Textaccordance Underlinedwith [DELETEDthe TEXTaccountability BRACKETED]system 32-LS0485\Nand awardedperformance todesignations districtsrequired under thisAS subsection14.03.123. may not exceed $3,000,000 in a fiscal year.

(c) The departmentlowest shallperforming rankdistricts theare performanceeligible offor eacha districtgrant in the statefollowing infiscal accordanceyears: with the accountability system and performance designations required under AS 14.03.123.

When(1) approvingfor grants under (b) of this section, the departmentfiscal shallyear prioritizebeginning eligibleJuly districts1, with2021, lower performance, based on the department'slowest rankingperforming of5 districtsdistricts; under this subsection.

A(2) district is eligible for a grant if the departmentfiscal determinesyear anbeginning insufficientJuly number1, of2022, children in the districtlowest attendperforming high10 qualitydistricts; child care programs, including head start programs, early education programs provided by a local government, and early education programs provided by child development agencies, that (1) meet or exceed the standards adopted by the board under AS 14.07.165(a)(5);

and(3) (2)for wouldthe continuefiscal operatingyear afterbeginning developmentJuly of1, a2023, districtthe earlylowest educationperforming program.20 districts.

(d) IfThe the department doesmay notassess approve,at asany providedtime ina (a)district's of this section, the early education program ofand aapprove district awarded a grant under (b) of this section by the endprogram ofif the district'sprogram three-yearcomplies grantwith period, the department may provide a one-year remediation grant to allow the district one additional fiscal year to meet the early education program standards adopted by the board under AS 14.07.165(a)(5).

The number of district-wide early education programs that the department approves in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, may not result in a total cost of more than $3,000,000.

In the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, and all subsequent fiscal years, the number of district-wide early education programs that the department approves may not result in a total cost increase of more than $3,000,000 from the prior fiscal year.

If the number of programs eligible in a fiscal year exceeds the number of programs that the department may approve under this subsection, the department shall prioritize the approval of programs based on the department's ranking of districts under (c) of this section.

(e) If the department does not approve the early education program of a district awarded a grant under (c) of this section by the end of the district's three-year grant period, the department may provide a one-year remediation grant to allow the district one additional fiscal year to meet the early education program standards SB 111 -6- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W adopted by the board under AS 14.07.165(a)(5).

(e)(f) A student in an early education program may not be counted in a district's ADM under AS 14.17.500 or 14.17.905 unless the department has approved the program under (a)(a)(2) of this section.

(f)(g) A grant under this section is subject to appropriation, but may not supplant other early education funding available to districts.

(g)(h) In this section, (1) "ADM" has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990;

SB0111B -9- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (2) "district" has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990;

(3) "early education program" means a program,program the(A) primary function of which is educational, for children who are four and five years of age and who have not attended a public school kindergarten.kindergarten;

and (B) the primary function of which is educational.

SB0111A -7- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (C) reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect;

(D) increase identificationofidentification of health problems and developmental delays through regular screenings;

15.11.

CSSB 111(EDC) -10- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (a) The department shall (1) exercise general supervision over the public schools of the state except the University of Alaska;

SB 111 -8- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (6) accredit those public schools that meet accreditation standards prescribed by regulation by the department;

(8) exercise general supervision over early education programs [PRE-ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS] that receive direct state or federal funding, including early education programs provided by a school district for students SB0111B -11- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N four and five years of age, and approve early education programs provided by a school district under AS 14.03.410(a);14.03.410(a)(2);

SB0111A -9- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (12) provide educational opportunities in the areas of vocational education and training, and basic education to individuals over 16 years of age who are no longer attending school;

the regulations must include CSSB 111(EDC) -12- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (A) a notice provision that alerts the district to the deficiencies and the instructional practice changes proposed by the department;

16.12.

1511 of this Act, is amended to read:

(a) The department shall SB 111 -10- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (1) exercise general supervision over the public schools of the state except the University of Alaska;

(5) establish, in coordination with the Department of Health and Social SB0111B -13- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N Services, a program for the continuing education of children who are held in detention facilities in the state during the period of detention;

(8) exercise general supervision over early education programs that receive direct state or federal funding, including early education programs provided by a school district for students four and five years of ageage, [,and ANDapprove APPROVEearly EARLYeducation EDUCATIONprograms PROGRAMSprovided PROVIDEDby BYa Aschool SCHOOLdistrict DISTRICTunder UNDER AS 14.03.410(a)];14.03.410(a)(2);

SB0111A -11- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (9) exercise general supervision over elementary and secondary correspondence study programs offered by municipal school districts or regional educational attendance areas;

for the purposes of this paragraph, "plans" CSSB 111(EDC) -14- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N include educational specifications, schematic designs, projected energy consumption and costs, and final contract documents;

the regulations must include (A) a notice provision that alerts the district to the nciesie and the instructional practice changes proposed by the department;

SB 111 -12- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (B) an end date for departmental intervention, as described in AS 14.07.030(a)(14)(A) and (B) and (15), after the district demonstrates three consecutive years of improvement consisting of not less than two percent increases in student proficiency on standards-based assessments in language arts and mathematics, as provided in AS 14.03.123(f)(1)(A);

and (C) a process for districts to petition the department for continuing or discontinuing the department's intervention;

(17) notify the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education before intervening in a school district under AS 14.07.030(a)(14) or redirecting public school funding under AS 14.07.030(a)(15);

(18) establish a reading program to provide direct support for and intervention in the reading intervention programs of participating schools as described in AS 14.30.765 [AND 14.30.770].

* Sec.

13.

AS 14.07.020(a), as amended by sec.

12 of this Act, is amended to read:

(a) The department shall (1) exercise general supervision over the public schools of the state except the University of Alaska;

(2) study the conditions and needs of the public schools of the state, adopt or recommend plans, administer and evaluate grants to improve school performance awarded under AS 14.03.125, and adopt regulations for the improvement of the public schools;

the department may consult with the University of Alaska to develop secondary education requirements to improve student achievement in college preparatory courses;

(3) provide advisory and consultative services to all public school governing bodies and personnel;

(4) prescribe by regulation a minimum course of study for the public schools;

the regulations must provide that, if a course in American Sign Language is given, the course shall be given credit as a course in a foreign language;

(5) establish, in coordination with the Department of Health and Social Services, a program for the continuing education of children who are held in detention facilities in the state during the period of detention;

SB0111A -13- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (6) accredit those public schools that meet accreditation standards prescribed by regulation by the department;

these regulations shall be adopted by the department and presented to the legislature during the first 10 days of any regular session, and become effective 45 days after presentation or at the end of the session, whichever is earlier, unless disapproved by a resolution concurred in by a majority of the members of each house;

(7) prescribe by regulation, after consultation with the state fire marshal and the state sanitarian, standards that will ensure healthful and safe conditions in the public and private schools of the state, including a requirement of physical examinations and immunizations in pre-elementary schools;

the standards for private schools may not be more stringent than those for public schools;

(8) exercise general supervision over early education programs that receive direct state or federal funding, including early education programs provided by a school district for students four and five years of age [, AND APPROVE EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT UNDER AS 14.03.410(a)(2)];

(9) exercise general supervision over elementary and secondary correspondence study programs offered by municipal school districts or regional educational attendance areas;

the department may also offer and make available to any Alaskan through a centralized office a correspondence study program;

(10) accredit private schools that request accreditation and that meet accreditation standards prescribed by regulation by the department;

nothing in this paragraph authorizes the department to require religious or other private schools to be licensed;

(11) review plans for construction of new public elementary and secondary schools and for additions to and major rehabilitation of existing public elementary and secondary schools and, in accordance with regulations adopted by the department, determine and approve the extent of eligibility for state aid of a school construction or major maintenance project;

for the purposes of this paragraph, "plans" include educational specifications, schematic designs, projected energy consumption and costs, and final contract documents;

SB 111 -14- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (12) provide educational opportunities in the areas of vocational education and training, and basic education to individuals over 16 years of age who are no longer attending school;

the department may consult with businesses and labor unions to develop a program to prepare students for apprenticeships or internships that will lead to employment opportunities;

(13) administer the grants awarded under AS 14.11;

(14) establish, in coordination with the Department of Public Safety, a school bus driver training course;

(15) require the reporting of information relating to school disciplinary and safety programs under AS 14.33.120 and of incidents of disruptive or violent behavior;

(16) establish by regulation criteria, based on low student performance, under which the department may intervene in a school district to improve instructional practices, as described in AS 14.07.030(a)(14) or (15);

(17) notify the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education before intervening in a school district under AS 14.07.030(a)(14) or redirecting public school funding under AS 14.07.030(a)(15)14.07.030(a)(15); [;

(18) ESTABLISHestablish Aa READINGreading PROGRAMprogram TOto PROVIDEprovide DIRECTdirect SUPPORTsupport FORfor ANDand INTERVENTIONintervention INin THEthe READINGreading INTERVENTIONintervention PROGRAMSprograms OFof PARTICIPATINGparticipating SCHOOLSschools ASas DESCRIBEDdescribed INin AS 14.30.76514.30.765. SB0111B -15- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N AND 14.30.770].

17.14.AS 14.07.020(c) is amended to read:

AS(c) 14.07.020(c)In isthis amendedsection, to"early read:education program" ["PRE-ELEMENTARY SB0111A -15- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W SCHOOL"] means a program [SCHOOL] for children ages three through five years if the program's [SCHOOL'S] primary function is educational.

(c) In this section, "early education program" ["PRE-ELEMENTARY SCHOOL"] means a program [SCHOOL] for children ages three through five years if the program's [SCHOOL'S] primary function is educational.

18.15.

19.16.

1815 of this Act, is amended to read:

Nothing in this section precludes [(1)](1) a correspondence study student, or the parent or guardian of a correspondence study student, from privately obtaining or using textbooks or curriculum material not provided by the school districtdistrict; [;

(2) THEthe DEPARTMENTdepartment FROMfrom SELECTINGselecting ANDand PURCHASINGpurchasing SUPPLEMENTARYsupplementary READINGreading TEXTBOOKStextbooks ANDand MATERIALSmaterials FORfor SCHOOLschool DISTRICTSdistricts TOto SUPPORTsupport READINGreading INTERVENTIONintervention SERVICESservices PROVIDEDprovided UNDERunder AS 14.30.765 AND[AND 14.30.770].

20.17.

(a) The board shall adopt (1) statewide goals and require each governing body to adopt written CSSB 111(EDC) -16- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N goals that are consistent with local needs;

SB 111 -16- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (4) regulations requiring approval by the board before a charter school, state boarding school, or a public school may provide domiciliary services;

the regulations must include (A) standards for a locally designed, evidence-based program that meets Head Start Program Performance Standards and other federal standards required for early education programs toand receivecomplies federalwith funding;the day-in-session requirements provided under AS 14.03.040;

and (D) accommodations for the needs of all early education children and their families regardless of socioeconomic circumstances;circumstances [REPEALED].

and SB0111B -17- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (E) standards for day in session requirements appropriate for children four and five years of age;

(6) regulations establishing standards for day in session requirements appropriate for kindergarten students [REPEALED].

21.18.

Not later than the 30th legislative day of each regular session of the legislature, the board shall prepare and present in person to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education an annual SB0111A -17- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W report that describes the efforts of the board to develop, maintain, and continuously improve a comprehensive quality public education system, as provided for under the bylaws of the board.

(3) additional information relevant to efforts made to improve and maintain the public education system;system (4) a summary of implementation and utilization of the consortium established under AS 14.30.800, including a review of consortium effectiveness and the participation rates of districts, teachers, and students.

(4) a summary of implementation and utilization of the consortium established under AS 14.30.800, including a review of consortium effectiveness and the participation rates of districts, teachers, and students.

22.19.

AS 14.07.168, as amended by sec.

21 of this Act, is amended to read:

Sec.

14.07.168.

Report to the legislature.

Not later than the 30th legislative day of each regular session of the legislature, the board shall prepare and present in person to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education an annual report that describes the efforts of the board to develop, maintain, and continuously improve a comprehensive quality public education system, as provided for under the bylaws of the board.

The report must include (1) a summary of the resolves and rationales provided in support of policy decisions made under AS 14.03.015;

(2) program and curriculum changes made, discussed, or recommended in meetings held under AS 14.07.125;

CSSB 111(EDC) -18- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (3) additional information relevant to efforts made to improve and maintain the public education system [;

(4) A SUMMARY OF IMPLEMENTATION AND UTILIZATION OF THE CONSORTIUM ESTABLISHED UNDER AS 14.30.800, INCLUDING A REVIEW OF CONSORTIUM EFFECTIVENESS AND THE PARTICIPATION RATES OF DISTRICTS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS].

* Sec.

23.

Standards established for the review, ranking, and approval of language arts curricula for early education programs and grades kindergarten through three must be based on phonemicthe awareness,five phonics,components vocabularyof development,evidence-based reading fluency,instruction oralidentified languageby skills,the andNational readingReading comprehension.Panel.

24.20.

25.21.

AS 14.17.500 is amended by adding a new subsectionssubsection to read:

SB 111 -18- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (d) Except as provided in (e)AS and14.17.905(d), (f) of this section, a student in aan district-wide early education program provided by a school district and approved by the department under AS 14.07.020(a)(8) is counted as one-half of a full-time equivalent student.

(e) A school district may not include in a school's ADM students who are four and five years of age if the students are enrolled in an early education program that receives state or federal funding other than funding under this chapter.

SB0111B -19- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (f) A school district may not include in a school's ADM students who are four and five years of age if inclusion of the students would result in an increase of total state aid attributable to district-wide early education programs approved under AS 14.03.410 of more than $3,000,000 from the previous fiscal year.

The department shall prioritize the funding of district-wide early education programs, giving priority to school districts with lower performance, based on the department's ranking of districts under AS 14.03.410(c).

When the number of students in a district-wide early education program will result in an increase of total state aid attributable to district- wide early education programs approved under AS 14.03.410 of more than $3,000,000 from the previous fiscal year, the department may identify the amount, up to $3,000,000, available for the district's district-wide early education program.

26.22.

2521 of this Act, is amended to read:

(d) A school district may not include in the school's ADM [EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN (e)AS AND14.17.905(d),] (f) OF THIS SECTION,] a student in aan district-wide early education program provided by the [A SCHOOL] district in a school's ADM [AND APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER AS 14.07.020(a)(8) IS COUNTED AS ONE-HALF OF A FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENT].

27.23.

AS 14.17.50514.17.505(a) is amended to read:

Sec.(a) A district may not accumulate in a fiscal year an unreserved portion of its year-end fund balance in its school operating fund, as defined by department regulations, that is greater than 50 [10] percent of its expenditures for that fiscal year.

14.17.505.* Sec.

Fund24. balance in school operating fund.

(a)AS A14.17.505(a), district may not accumulate in a fiscal year an unreserved portion of its year-end fund balance in its school operating fund, as definedamended by departmentsec. regulations, that is greater than 25 [10] percent of its expenditures for that fiscal year, unless the department approves a district plan to use the fund balance that is greater than 25 percent of its expenditures for that fiscal year.

23 of this Act, is amended to read:

(a) Except as provided in (c) of this section, a[A] district may not accumulate in a fiscal year an unreserved portion of its year-end fund balance in its school operating fund, as defined by department regulations, that is greater than 25 [50] percent of its expenditures for that fiscal year.

* Sec.

25.

AS 14.17.505(b) is amended to read:

The amount by which the unreserved portion of that balance exceeds the amount permitted in (a)(a), of this section, or (c) of this section if the district is eligible, of this section shall be deducted from the state aid that would otherwise be paid to the district in the current fiscal year.

28.26.

CSSB(c) 111(EDC)A -20-district SB0111Bmay Newaccumulate Textin Underlineda [DELETEDfiscal TEXTyear BRACKETED]an 32-LS0485\Nunreserved (c)portion Theof departmentits mayyear- approveend afund planbalance toin allowits aschool districtoperating tofund, accumulateas fundsdefined by department regulations, that is not greater than 2550 percent of theits district's expenditures for that fiscal yearyear, if (1) the excessaverage fundsreading areproficiency notscore in the resultdistrict on the National Assessment of reducedEducational directProgress instructionreading costs;assessment exceeds the national average;

SB0111A -19- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W or (2) reductions in non-instruction costs account for the departmentunreserved determinesportion of the district's year-end fund balance in its school operating fund that is greater than 25 percent of its expenditures for that fiscal year, and the district has(A) requestedsubmits aand reasonablethe perioddepartment ofapproves timea plan to use this unreserved fund balance for the excesspurpose funds;of improving student reading proficiency;

and(B) (3)submits thean departmentannual determinesplan thatimplementation thereport proposedwith usea ofnarrative; the excess funds will cause meaningful improvement to student education outcomes.

and (C) executes the plan within three years.

29.27.

(2) a community with an ADM of at least 101, but not more than 425, shall be counted as (A) one elementary school, which includes those students in grades kindergarten through six and, except as provided in AS(d) 14.17.500,of this section, in an early education program provided by a school district and approved by the department under AS 14.07.020(a)(8);

30.28.

2927 of this Act, is amended to read:

(1) a community with an ADM of at least 10, but not more than 100, SB 111 -20- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W shall be counted as one school;

(2) a community with an ADM of at least 101, but not more than 425, SB0111B -21- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N shall be counted as (A) one elementary school, which includes those students in grades kindergarten through six [AND, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN AS(d) 14.17.500,OF THIS SECTION, IN AN EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAM PROVIDED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT AND APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER AS 14.07.020(a)(8)];

31.29.

AS 14.17.905 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

(d) A school district may not include in a school's ADM students who are four and five years of age if the students are enrolled in an early education program that receives state or federal funding other than funding under this chapter.

* Sec.

30.

However, beforea teachingteacher studentsholding in grades kindergarten through three, a preliminary teacher certificatedcertificate issued under this section mustmay completeteach coursework,grades training,kindergarten orthrough testingthree requirements,if andthe demonstrateteacher proficiencycompletes ascoursework, determinedtraining, byor thetesting department,requirements in phonemicevidence-based awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency,instruction oral language skills, and reading comprehension approved by the board in regulation.

32.31.

AS 14.20.015(c), as amended by sec.

31 of this Act, is amended to read:

(c) The preliminary teacher certificate issued under this section must contain the same endorsements as those on the current valid teacher certificate issued by the other state.

[HOWEVER, BEFORE TEACHING STUDENTS IN GRADES KINDERGARTEN THROUGH THREE, A TEACHER CERTIFICATED UNDER THIS SECTION MUST COMPLETE COURSEWORK, TRAINING, OR TESTING REQUIREMENTS IN PHONEMIC AWARENESS, PHONICS, VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT, READING FLUENCY, ORAL LANGUAGE SKILLS, AND CSSB 111(EDC) -22- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N READING COMPREHENSION APPROVED BY THE BOARD IN REGULATION.

A TEACHER MAY APPLY COURSEWORK, TRAINING, OR TESTING REQUIREMENTS COMPLETED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION TOWARD CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD IN REGULATION.] * Sec.

33.

(i) A [BEGINNING ON JULY 1, 1998, A] person is not eligible for an initial regular teacher certificate unless the person has taken and successfully completed a SB0111A -21- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W competency examination or examinations designated, at the time the person took the test, by the board.

In this subsection, "competency examination" includes a basic competency examination with components in reading, writing, and mathematics and a subject area examination that is specific SB0111B -23- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N to the subject area in which the teacher will be teaching.

34.32.

(l) Before teaching students in grades kindergarten through three, a teacher certificated under this section must complete coursework, training, or testing requirements in phonemicevidence-based awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency,instruction oral language skills, and reading comprehension approved by the board in regulation.

SB 111 -22- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W * Sec.

35.33.

CSSB 111(EDC) -24- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (C) providing targeted instruction based on student needs as determined by the results of the screening or assessment tool;

(3) provide training to school district staff related to using the results of the statewide screening or assessment tool and understanding evidence-based reading interventions, including explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, oralvocabulary, language skills, and reading comprehension;

(4) requireestablish thata districtsprocess identifythat allows the earlycommissioner educationto programswaive, attendedupon bySB0111A students-23- andSB report111 toNew theText departmentUnderlined the[DELETED averageTEXT scoreBRACKETED] on32-LS0485\W eachrequest, performanceuse of the statewide screening or assessment tool required under this subsection by studentsa inschool gradesdistrict kindergartenif throughthe threeschool whodistrict (A)has attendedadopted aan state-approvedevidence-based earlyreading educationscreening program;or assessment tool and the screening or assessment tool is approved by the department;

(B)(5) attendedreview aand Headapprove Startalternative program;standardized reading screenings or assessments for use by school districts.

(C) attended a private early education program;

(D) did not attend an early education program;

(5) establish a process that allows the commissioner to waive, upon request, use of the statewide screening or assessment tool required under this subsection by a school district if the school district has adopted an evidence-based reading screening or assessment tool and the screening or assessment tool is approved by the department;

(6) review and approve alternative standardized reading screenings or assessments for use by school districts.

SB0111Band -25- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (4) recommendations from a task force, working group, or committee created by law and charged with studying issues related to reading proficiency and reading deficiencies;deficiencies.

and (5) whether the screening or assessment is culturally responsive.

progression.retention.

(2) provide explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, oralvocabulary, language skills, and reading comprehension, as necessary;

(3) use evidence-based reading intervention methods that have shown SB 111 -24- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W proven results in accelerating student reading achievement within a single school year;

(8) be implemented outside of regular school hours, as directed in the student's individual reading improvement plan under (b) of this section, for a student CSSB 111(EDC) -26- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N who scores at the lowest achievement level on the statewide screening or assessment tool;

and (9) be reviewed based on a department-approved response to intervention or multi-tiered system support models, addressing additional support and services needed to remedy identified needs;needs.

and (10) support reading intervention at home by parents or guardians by offering a list of adult literacy resources and organizations, providing opportunities for parent or guardian participation in training workshops, and encouraging regular parent or guardian-guided home reading activities.

(2) be created by the student's reading teacher in consultation with the school principal, the student's parentparents or guardian,guardians, and other pertinent district staff;

SB0111A -25- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (5) include a process for monitoring progress and adjusting the plan based on student needs;

and (6) provide to the student's parentparents or guardianguardians at least 10 reading progress updates each school year;year.

(7)(c) beIf culturallyat responsive;any time during the school year a student in grades kindergarten through three demonstrates a reading deficiency, the district or school shall notify the student's parents or guardians in writing or during a conference.

andThe (8)initial supportnotification themust student(1) readingbe atprovided hometo withthe astudent's parentparents or guardianguardians bynot offeringlater athan list15 ofdays adultafter literacyidentification resourcesof andthe organizations, providing opportunities for parent or guardian participation in training workshops, and encouraging regular parent SB0111B -27- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N or guardian-guided home reading activities.deficiency;

(c) If at any time during the school year a student in grades kindergarten through three demonstrates a reading deficiency, the district or school shall notify the student's parent or guardian.

The initial notification must (1) be provided to the student's parent or guardian not later than 15 days after identification of the reading deficiency;

(5) explain that the district or school will inform the parentparents or guardianguardians orally or in writing,writing as selected by the parent or guardian, of the student's progress toward grade level reading as outlined in the student's individual reading improvement plan;

(6) identify strategies for the parentparents or guardianguardians to use atathome home to help the student succeed in reading;

(7) explain that if the student has a reading deficiency at the end of the school yearyear, and is in grades kindergarten through two, the student'sstudent progression may be delayedretained unless the student has(A) previouslyreceives nota progressedwaiver tounder the(f) nextof grade;this section;

(8)(B) explain that a student in grade three should demonstrate sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four under (e) of this section, unless the student receives a waiver under (f) of this section, receives an exemption under (h) of this section,section; or has previously not progressed to the next grade;

(9)or explain(C) thehas processpreviously andbeen deadlineretained toin requestkindergarten, agrade waiverone, undergrade (f)two, of this section or angrade exemptionthree; under (h) of this section;

and(8) (10)explain identifythat mid-yeara progressionstudent asin angrade optionthree forshould studentsdemonstrate whosufficient doreading notskills to progress to grade four under (e) of this section, unless the nextstudent grade.receives a waiver under (f) of this section, receives an exemption under (h) of this SB 111 -26- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W section, or has previously been retained in kindergarten, grade one, grade two, or grade three;

(d)and If(9) itexplain is determined, based on a statewide screening or assessment CSSB 111(EDC) -28- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N administered in the spring,process thatand adeadline studentto inrequest grades kindergarten through two has a readingwaiver deficiency,under the(f) student'sof teacherthis andsection other pertinent district staff shall notify and attempt to meet with the student's parent or guardianan toexemption explainunder that(h) theof studentthis willsection. not be able to maintain adequate academic progress at the next grade level.

School(d) staffIf, shallnot worklater withthan 45 days before the parentend orof guardianthe toschool scheduleyear, a date,teacher time,determines that a student in grades kindergarten through three has a reading deficiency, the student's teacher and placeother forpertinent district staff shall provide written notification to and meet with the meeting,student's parents or guardians to determine whether the student will be heldable notto latermaintain thanadequate 45academic daysprogress beforeat the endnext ofgrade thelevel schooland year.discuss grade level retention as an intervention strategy.

FollowingSchool thatstaff meeting,shall work with the parents or guardians to schedule a date, time, and place for the meeting and, if no parent or guardian attends the meeting, the teacher and school staff shall determine whether the student will progress to the next grade.

If no parent or guardian attends the meeting, the superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall, after considering a good cause exception under (h) of this section or whether the student has previously not progressed to the next grade, determine whether the student will progress to the next grade.

(f) IfA it is determined, based on a statewide screening or assessment administered in the spring, that a student in grade three has a reading deficiency, and the student does not demonstrate sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four under (e) of this section, the student's teacher and other pertinent district staff shall notifyadopt anda attemptpolicy tofor meet with the student's parent or guardian to explain that the student is not prepared to progress to grade four.level progression.

SchoolAt staffa shallmeeting workdescribed within the(d) parentof orthis guardiansection tofor schedule a date,student time,in andgrade placethree, for the meeting,participants toshall bedecide heldwhether not later than 45 days before the endstudent ofwill theprogress schoolto year.grade four.

FollowingIf that meeting, the parentparents or guardianguardians, maythe decideteacher, thatand theparticipating studentstaff willdo not progressagree tothat gradethe four,student requestshould a good cause exemption under (h) of this section, or decide to progress the student to grade fourfour, byand signing a waiver developed by the departmentdistrict acknowledginggrade thatlevel theprogression studentpolicy SB0111Bdoes -29- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N is not preparedprohibit andthe agreeingstudent's thatprogression, the studentparents willor participateguardians inmay andecide additionalto 20progress hours of individual reading improvement plan intervention services during the summer before the student entersto grade four.

IfParents noor parentguardians orwho guardiandecide attendsto theprogress meeting,a student to grade four without the superintendentagreement orof the superintendent'steacher designeeand shall,participating afterstaff consideringshall sign a goodwaiver causedeveloped exceptionby underthe (h)department ofacknowledging thisthat sectionthe orstudent whetheris not prepared and agreeing that the student haswill previouslySB0111A not-27- progressedSB to111 theNew nextText grade,Underlined determine[DELETED whetherTEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W participate in an additional 20 hours of individual reading improvement plan intervention services during the studentsummer willbefore progressthe tostudent enters grade four.

(h) A superintendentschool orboard superintendent's designee may exempt a student from delayedgrade progressionlevel toretention the next grade for good cause.

If the principal determines that the student meets one of the exemptions under (h) of this section, the principal shall recommend to thesuperintendentthe school board in writing that the superintendentschool board grant the student a good cause exemption.

The CSSBschool 111(EDC)board -30- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall accept or reject the principal's recommendation in writing and provide notice of theits decision to the student's parentparents or guardianguardians and the principal.

(j) If no parent or guardian attends the meeting, and a superintendentstudent orin superintendent'sgrade designeethree decidesdoes thatnot ademonstrate studentsufficient inreading gradesskills kindergartento through three will not progress to the next grade four under (d)(e) or (f) of this section, the district or school in which the student is enrolled shall provide immediate oral and written notification to the student's parent or guardian.guardian not later than 45 days before the end of the school year.

The written notification must explainSB that111 the-28- parentSB0111A orNew guardianText mayUnderlined reschedule[DELETED theTEXT meetingBRACKETED] provided32-LS0485\W under(1) (d)state or (f) of this section and that duringthe a meeting (1) for a student indid gradesnot kindergartendemonstrate throughsufficient two,reading theskills parent or guardian may decide to progress theto student;grade four;

and (2) forexplain a student in grade three, the parentimplementation or guardian may request a good cause exemption under (h) of thisintervention section or decideprogression toand progressretention thestrategies; student to grade four by signing a waiver under (f) of this section.

(k)(3) Fordescribe a student who does not progress to the nextcurrent gradeservices underbeing (d)provided or (f) of this section, or who progresses to the nextstudent; grade with a waiver under (f) of this section or a good cause exemption under (h) of this section, the district in which the student is enrolled shall (1) review the student's individual reading improvement plan;

and (4) if the student's parents or guardians requested a good cause exemption under (h) of this section and the school board rejected the request, include a statement that the request for a good cause exemption was rejected and a copy of the written notification the school board provided the parents or guardians under (i) of this section.

(k) For a student who does not progress to the next grade level under (d) or (e) of this section, or who progresses to the next grade level with a waiver under (f) of this section or a good cause exemption under (h) of this section, the district in which the student is enrolled shall (1) review the student's individual reading improvement plan;

(C) an increase in time dedicated to the reading instruction methods described in (a)(3) - (5) of this section, including more extensive SB0111B -31- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N opportunities for guided practice and error correction and feedback;

(4) develop a plan for reading at home outlined in an agreement with the student'sparents parent or guardian,guardians, including parent or guardian participation in training workshops and regular parentparent-guided or guardian-guided home reading activities.

(l) ForA school district shall adopt a policy providing for mid-year promotion of a SB0111A -29- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W student who does not progress to grade one,four grade two, or grade three under (d)(e) of this section,section theif district in which the student is(1) enrolleddemonstrates shall,sufficient uponreading requestskills byto theprogress student'sto parentgrade orfour guardian,on developthe afall planor forwinter thestatewide student'sscreening mid-yearor progression.assessment;

(m) A school district shall adopt a policy providing for mid-year progression of a student who does not progress to grade four under (f) of this section if the student (1) demonstrates sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four on the fall or winter statewide screening or assessment;

(n)(m) A district shall, for the remainder of the academic year,and,year, and, if necessary, for additional school years, continue to implement an individual reading improvement plan for a student promoted mid-year under (l) or (m) of this section.

(o)(n) UnlessA a parent or guardian decides that a student will not progress to the next grade under (d) or (f) of this section, a district or school may not delayretain thea student'sstudent progression under this section ifwho thewas student previously didretained notin progresskindergarten, tograde theone, nextgrade grade.two, or grade three.

(p)(o) In this section, "reading teacher" means a teacher who (1) holds a valid teacher certificate under AS 14.20;

(a) The department shall establish a reading program to provide direct support for and intervention in intensive reading intervention services annually in the lowest-performing 25 percent of schools CSSB 111(EDC) -32- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N serving students in grades kindergarten through three as determined under AS 14.03.123, selecting not more than five participating schools each year.

SB 111 -30- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (3) select low performing schools from the schools that apply to participate in the program;

(7) select and purchase additional reading material for each school SB0111B -33- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N selected to supplement the intensive reading intervention services;

(8) pay travel and associated costs for a reading specialitspecialistt attend relevant training sessions identified by or hosted by the department;

(B) provide explicit and systematic skill development in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, oralvocabulary, language skills, and reading comprehension;

SB0111A -31- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (C) are evidence-based and reliable;

CSSB 111(EDC) -34- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (3) present on the reading program established under this section and the intensive reading intervention services established under AS 14.30.765 at a public meeting;

SB 111 -32- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (4) provide notice of the public meeting required under (3) of this subsection to the parentparents or guardianguardians of each student at least seven days before the date of the meeting;

(5) present an annual update on the school's implementation of the reading program and intensive reading intervention services at a public meeting with notice provided to the parentparents or guardianguardians of each student at least seven days before the date of the meeting;

and (2) the reading program and intensive reading intervention services implemented by each school selected to participate.participate;

and (3) a data analysis conducted by an independent contractor of the success of the reading program and intensive reading intervention services.

(2) has completed an approved graduate program for the preparation of SB0111B -35- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N reading specialists at an approved institution of higher education and (A) has completed a supervised practicum or internship as a reading specialist;

(3) is knowledgeable about and demonstrates competency in reading instruction, including (A) an understanding of phonemicthe awareness,five phonics,components vocabularyof development, reading fluency,SB0111A oral-33- languageSB skills,111 andNew readingText comprehension;Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W instruction identified by the National Reading Panel;

(2) "evidence-based reading intervention" means an intervention based on reliable, trustworthy, and valid evidence that has a demonstrated record of success in adequately increasing a student's reading competency in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, oral language skills, CSSB 111(EDC) -36- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N and reading comprehension;

34.

AS 14.30.765(c), enacted by sec.

33 of this Act, is amended to read:

(c) If at any time during the school year a student in grades kindergarten through three demonstrates a reading deficiency, the district or school shall notify the student's parents or guardians in writing or during a conference.

The initial notification must SB 111 -34- SB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (1) be provided to the student's parents or guardians not later than 15 days after identification of the reading deficiency;

(2) state that the district identified the student as having a reading deficiency and that a reading improvement plan will be developed under (b) of this section;

(3) describe current services that the district is providing to the student;

(4) describe the proposed evidence-based reading intervention and supplemental instructional services and supports that the district will provide to the student to improve the identified area of reading deficiency;

(5) explain that the district or school will inform the parents or guardians in writing of the student's progress toward grade level reading as outlined in the student's individual reading improvement plan;

(6) identify strategies for the parents or guardians to use athome to help the student succeed in reading;

(7) explain that if the student has a reading deficiency at the end of the school year, the student may be retained unless the student (A) receives a waiver under (f) of this section;

(B) receives an exemption under (h) of this section;

or (C) has previously been retained in kindergarten, grade one, grade two, or grade three;

(8) explain that a student in grade three must [SHOULD] demonstrate sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four under (e) of this section, unless the student receives a waiver under (f) of this section, receives an exemption under (h) of this section, or has previously been retained in kindergarten, grade one, grade two, or grade three;

and (9) explain the process and deadline to request a waiver under (f) of this section or an exemption under (h) of this section.

* Sec.

35.

AS 14.30.765(e), enacted by sec.

33 of this Act, is amended to read:

(e) A student in grade threemust [SHOULD] demonstrate sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four.

A student demonstrates sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four by SB0111A -35- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W (1) scoring at grade level or higher on the statewide screening or assessment tool or on the statewide summative assessment;

(2) achieving an acceptable score on an alternative standardized reading screening or assessment as determined and approved by the department;

or (3) demonstrating mastery of reading standards through a student reading portfolio based on criteria established by the department.

* Sec.

The duties of the reading specialist include (1) modeling effective instructional strategies for teachers by working regularlySB with111 students-36- asSB0111A a class, in small groups, or ually;d SB0111B -37- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N32-LS0485\W (2)regularly coaching and mentoring teachers and staff in reading instruction with anstudents emphasisas ona prioritizingclass, time in asmall mannergroups, thator hasindividually; the greatest positive effects on student achievement;

(2) coaching and mentoring teachers and staff in reading instruction with an emphasis on prioritizing time in a manner that has the greatest positive effects on student achievement;

AS 14.60.010 is amended by adding a new paragraph to read:

(9) "culturally responsive" means showing respect for and recognition of the traditions, beliefs, languages, values, and practices of the local culture that has historically been present in the geographic area being served.

* Sec.

38.

(12) "organization" means a group or entity that provides care and supervision for compensation to a child not related to the caregiver, and includes a child care facility, pre-elementary school, early education program, head start CSSB 111(EDC) -38- SB0111B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N center, child foster home, residential child care facility, recreation program, children's camp, and children's club;

38.

AS 14.03.410, 14.03.420;

AS 14.07.165(a)(5);

and AS 14.17.905(d) are repealed.

SB0111A -37- SB 111 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\W * Sec.

AS 14.03.080(d)14.30.770 is repealed.

AS 14.03.120(h), 14.03.410, 14.03.420;

AS 14.17.500(e), 14.17.500(f);

AS 14.20.020(l);

AS 14.30.760, 14.30.765, 14.30.770, 14.30.775, and 14.30.800 are repealed.

* Sec.

41.

36 of this Act on or before July 1, 2024.2023.

42.41.

Section 3432 of this Act applies, (1) on the effective date of sec.

3432 of this Act, to teachers who begin teaching students in grades kindergarten through three on and after the effective date of sec.

3432 of this Act;

(2) on July 1, 2024,2023, to teachers who began teaching students in grades kindergarten through three before the effective date of sec.

3432 of this Act.

43.42.

REPORT TOBY THEDEPARTMENT. LEGISLATURE.

Not later than theJanuary thirtieth1, day2028, of the First Regular Session of the Thirty-Eighth Alaska State Legislature, the Department of Education and Early Development shall prepare and present in person to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education a report evaluating the virtualeffectiveness educationof consortium established under AS 14.30.800 and the followingreading programsspecialists establishedimplementing underintensive thisreading Act:intervention services.

the early education program, the parents as teachers program, the reading intervention program, and the department reading program.

The report must include (1) data analysis conducted by an independent contractor evaluating the success of each program, including (A) statistics measuring the effectiveness of each program in accomplishing the program mission;

SB0111B -39- CSSB 111(EDC) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS0485\N (B) the cost-effectiveness of each program;

(C) trends in reading assessment scores by each group of students listed in AS 14.30.760(a)(4) as the students progress through grade eight;

(2) recommendations from the panels convened under AS 14.30.770(a)(10);

and (3) recommendations from the Department of Education and Early Development addressing whether to extend, expand, contract, or repeal each program.

44.43.

TheTo numberdetermine of district-wide early education programs that the departmentlowest approvesperforming underfive ASdistricts 14.03.410for inpurposes the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, may not result in more than $3,000,000 of totalgrant stateeligibility aidunder attributablesec. to early education programs.

In10 theof fiscalthis yearAct, beginningin Julyfiscal 1,year 2023,2022, the numberDepartment of district-wideEducation earlyand educationEarly programsDevelopment thatshall theuse departmentschool approvesaccountability mayrankings not result in an increase from the prior2019-2020 fiscalschool yearyear. of more than $3,000,000 of total state aid attributable to early education programs.

44.

Sections 7, 24 - 26, 34, and 35 of this Act take effect July 1, 2026.

* Sec.

TheSections uncodified12, law16, ofand the39 State of Alaskathis isAct amendedtake byeffect addingJune a30, new2028. section to read:

TRANSITION:

REGULATIONS.

The Department of Education and Early Development and the state Board of Education and Early Development may adopt regulations necessary to implement the changes made by this Act.

The regultions take effect under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act), but a regulation may not take effect before the effective date of the relevant provision of this Act implemented by the regulation.

Sections 4,3, 6,13, 8, 11, 12, 16, 19, 22, 26,28, 30, 32, and 4038 of this Act take effect June 30, 2034.2032.

Except as provided in sec.secs.

44 - 46 of this Act, this ActAeffect takes effect July 1, 2022.2021.

CSSBSB 111(EDC)111 -40--38- SB0111BSB0111A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]