Alaska Department of Health · Photo source · US government work
Deena Bishop
Commissioner · Alaska Department of Education & Early Development
27 articles · 4 transcripts
Affiliations
Three Alaska high school seniors are among 161 named 2026 US Presidential Scholars
“These students represent the very best of Alaska's young people,”
Kenai Peninsula kindergartners gain on reading, but third grade stays flat near 59%
“As our students benefit from the strong foundation in reading established by the Alaska Reads Act in grades K-3, I look forward to seeing that improvement continue as students advance through the grades.”
Alaska may drop 58 education rules, including a 90-day charter school deadline
The state school board wants comment on scrapping 58 education rules, including a 90-day charter school deadline and how library grants are split up.
Alaska faces $45 million SNAP bill unless error rate drops below 6%, commissioner says
Alaska's health commissioner says the state has until year's end to cut its SNAP error rate from 20% to under 6%, or the next governor gets a $45 million bill.
Alaska seeks contractor for ethics and budget course new law requires of school boards
Alaska school board members starting a term must take an ethics and budget course within 30 days. The state just started shopping for someone to write it.
Alaska pre-K programs will no longer need mental health consultation to get state funding
“Based on the feedback received, the proposed changes move current Standard II, Social and Emotional Support, and current Standard VIII, Coaching, to a new supplemental section”
Dunleavy approves first 20 groups for Alaska K-12 scholarships under new federal tax credit
“These organizations can begin building partnerships now.”
The state is still taking comments on a school rule it dropped last year
“If the Board chooses to return the regulation project to the Department, that would end this regulation project, but would allow the Department to seek additional input on this issue and the Department could propose a new regulation amendment in the future.”
Alaska school tests show early gains and a one-in-five participation gap
“in conversations with superintendents, there is some, some struggles with getting kids assessed”
A new state program is lifting Alaska's worst-in-the-nation aid filing rate
Alaska seniors who worked with a new state advising program filed for federal aid at 60 percent, well above the state's last-in-the-nation rate of 35 percent.
Alaska moves to cut library and museum rules, over public objections
Alaska's education department is moving to cut whole chapters of rules for libraries, museums and archives — over a public that mostly asked to keep them.
State review of Mt. Edgecumbe wraps up, recommendations to come
A state review of Mt. Edgecumbe High School, prompted by safety complaints, wraps up Wednesday, but families won't see its recommendations until later.
Alaska's youngest students are improving in math and reading. Older grades aren't.
“In general, we are not where we need to be with student learning. 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.”
Alaska nonprofits can now apply to grant K-12 scholarships under a new federal tax credit
“We want Alaska organizations thinking now about the students they can serve and the partnerships they can build.”
Alaska says 4,264 fewer K-3 students ended the year reading at the lowest level
“While we take time now to celebrate the progress in early literacy, we know long-term success requires consistency and sustained effort. Improving student achievement is a marathon, not a sprint or an education fad.”
The Presidential Fitness Test is coming back to Alaska schools, with $1.15 million behind it
“With this emphasis placed back on well-being, our students will be afforded the opportunity to both learn and live well.”
A new federal tax credit will let Alaskans fund K-12 scholarships, and nonprofits can start signing up now
“We want Alaska organizations thinking now about the students they can serve and the partnerships they can build.”
Alaska's educator apprenticeship program wins permanent federal approval
“Commissioner Bishop announced at Thursday's State Board of Education meeting that on December 3, 2024, the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) approved the Department of Education and Early Development's (DEED) application to establish the Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (T-RAP).”
Alaska passed a federal check that keeps its school funding system intact
“This certification recognizes that Alaska's school funding formula continues to meet the federal standard for equalization. Alaska's formula accounts for the unique challenges of educating students across a vast and diverse state, from remote rural communities to our largest cities, while supporting opportunities for all students.”
State board approves UAS master's program for Native language teachers
Alaska's State Board of Education approved a master's degree program in Indigenous language teaching at University of Alaska Southeast, expanding graduate preparation for Alaska Native language educators as the state addresses rapid language loss.
Rural students double FAFSA completion with one-on-one advising
“For many students, completing the FAFSA is the key that unlocks opportunities after high school”
Alaska News Roundup: Gas pipeline tax fight, Point Thomson trade-off, and McNeil River access debate
Senate passed gas pipeline tax bill raising oil production tax floor to six percent, drawing industry criticism. • Point Thomson regulators warn blowdown for pipeline risks sixty-five million barrels of condensate. • Mount Edgecumbe enrollment dropped a quarter to three hundred eleven students amid facility and health concerns. • Fish and Game reviews wheeled plane landings at McNeil River bear sanctuary despite conservation objections.
U.S. Education Secretary Tours Mat-Su Career and Charter Schools
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited two Mat-Su schools on May 7 to tour career programs and meet students as part of a 50-state tour marking the nation's 250th anniversary.
Alaska Universities Report 73% Jump in Teacher Pipeline Enrollment
University of Alaska teacher pipeline enrollment jumped 73 percent, with the university awarding over $1 million in scholarships to 109 candidates as the state works to fill 324 teacher vacancies.
Alaska's tribal school compact bill navigates sovereignty and public education law
“Public education in Alaska has not done well for young people, especially Alaska Native people. And I hope you change that.”
Senate Education Committee Advances Opioid Awareness Bill, Hears Tribal School Compact Proposal
Senate Education Committee advanced a bill requiring opioid prevention curriculum in grades 6-12. • Committee heard first presentation on allowing tribes to operate public schools through state-tribal compacts, with second hearing scheduled Monday.
Alaska Overhauls School Construction Funding to Help Rural Districts Compete
Alaska is changing school construction funding to prioritize building safety over age. The new rules start for fiscal year 2028.