Alaska test gains stop after grade 5, state assessment results show

Math and reading proficiency rose in Alaska's third through fifth grades over the past four years while proficiency in grades 6 through 9 barely moved, results released Thursday by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development show.

In math, the share of students scoring proficient or advanced in grades 3 through 5 climbed from about 34% to 36.1%. Grades 6 through 9 averaged about 29% in 2026. In English language arts, grades 3 through 5 improved from roughly 31.5% to nearly 33.8% between 2023 and 2026, while grades 6 through 9 held near 32% over the same four years. Grade 5 posted the strongest showing in ELA, with 39.1% meeting standards. In science, reported for 2026 only, 37.8% of students met grade-level expectations. Grade 5 was highest at 44.1% and grade 10 was lowest at about 33%. AK STAR tests ELA and math in grades 3 through 9. The Alaska Science Assessment is given in grades 5, 8 and 10.

"In general, we are not where we need to be with student learning," Commissioner Deena Bishop said. "The results show some progress in student achievement, with a clear upward trend in grades 3-5. At the same time, achievement in Alaska's higher grades remains relatively flat, underscoring the need for continued focus on preparing students for their next steps in education and the workforce."

DEED's 2022-23 brief reported about 31.5% meeting expectations statewide, with grade 5 among the highest. The 2024-25 summary to the State Board again put grade 5 at the top. Alaska News previously reported the share of K-3 students well below the reading benchmark fell from 39% to 26% in 2025-26. At an April 24 Senate Education Committee hearing, Sen. Chuck Kopp said the state has "not really materially improved these outcomes" since the Alaska Education Challenge, adding that "we have changed standards and tests, but not really the results."

In a 2021 policy statement, the Alaska Association of School Boards asked DEED to study the efficacy of state-mandated testing and involve districts in improving it. Bishop said she expects gains from the Alaska Reads Act to follow students into higher grades.