Bill > SB23

This bill requires that students in Alaska secondary schools receive instruction on a comprehensive list of civics topics, including U.S. history and founding principles, federalism, government institutions, citizenship rights and responsibilities, civil liberties, state and federal constitutions, political processes, domestic and foreign policy, comparative government systems including those of Alaska Natives, international relations, and major current issues. To graduate, students must either complete a semester-long comparative government and civics course with a passing grade (defined as 70% or higher), pass a civics assessment (scoring 70% or higher on questions), or pass a civics project-based assessment (scoring 70% or higher). The bill also allows for exceptions for students who transfer into the state after 10th grade, have met similar requirements elsewhere, or have a disability and receive a waiver. Schools will document passing scores on transcripts, and students can retake assessments. Additionally, the state department will develop a "seal of civic readiness" for transcripts and diplomas for students demonstrating high proficiency in civic knowledge, skills, mindset, and experiences. These new graduation requirements will apply to students entering ninth grade on or after July 1, 2027, which is also the effective date of the Act. The bill also mandates that the state board of education make available a list of "open educational resources," which are free learning materials that can be reused and adapted, on the department's website to help school districts with this instruction.