Updated 2025
State Information
The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.
Details
Local control?
Yes
Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the science of reading?
Yes, HB 114: The Alaska Reads Act
Does your state have an approved curriculum list?
No. Our state does not have an approved curriculum list, but HB 114 does require districts to use core and intervention materials aligned to the science of reading.
Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?
Yes. Alaska did use some of its COVID funds to support new elementary-level reading curriculum adoptions for those districts that chose to participate. Rubrics were used during that initiative. Colorado supported Alaska in allowing us to use the rubrics they had completed.
Please describe any other instructional-materials work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
Alaska Reads Act requires districts to use intervention materials aligned to the science of reading. To that end, the department has provided a non-exhaustive list for districts to use in making decisions about intervention materials.
Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?
Yes. The Alaska Reads Act requires each district to implement a literacy screener three times each year, with progress monitoring for those students that are below benchmark. It also requires the state to adopt a literacy screener that districts may use, free of charge. Alaska has adopted mClass by Amplify. 96% of our districts will be using the state adopted literacy screener. The remaining schools have submitted a waiver to use an alternate literacy screener that meets HB 114 requirements. Finally, HB 114 requires the state to work with world and Native language programs in developing literacy screeners in other languages. The state is currently working with University or Oregon to develop literacy screeners in Alaska Native languages over the next five years.
Please describe any other assessment work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
See above.
Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?
Yes. Standards revisions in ELA Standards are currently underway to align standards with the science of reading.
Interactive State Map
Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.
The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.