Bill > HB98

This bill establishes maximum pupil-teacher ratios for public schools in Alaska, limiting classroom sizes to 24 students per teacher for kindergarten through third grade, 26 students per teacher for fourth through eighth grade, and 28 students per teacher for ninth through twelfth grade. These limits do not apply to certain specialized courses like art, music, or physical education, and can be waived under specific circumstances, such as insufficient legislative funding, potential educational hindrance, or in districts with 40,000 or fewer students. School districts are required to publish the average classroom size for each grade level on their websites by February 1st each year and report their pupil-teacher ratios to the state department. The bill includes a transitional provision allowing slightly higher ratios before July 1, 2028, if classroom enrollment has declined by two or more students compared to the previous year. The legislation defines a "teacher" as a certificated classroom instructor in a regular instructional program and will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of ensuring more manageable class sizes and potentially improving educational outcomes by limiting the number of students per teacher.

Education

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB98