Alaska Reads Act
KPBSD's Pathways to Reading Verification
General Information
Focus on Literacy is a K-12 effort in the KPBSD. Options for training in literacy pedagogy will be available to all teachers and administrators. Training is mandated for Prek-3 by the Alaska Department of Education and highly encouraged for all grades. All pathways listed on this page meet the requirements for the Reads Act.
📢 Your selected pathway must be completed by July 1, 2025 to be compliant with state law.
📣 Already Qualified? Great! Here is what is next...
When you have done one of the following...
taken LETRS
taken Keys to Literacy
taken Science of Reading for Alaskan Educators
have a test score from an approved test (refer to Test out Pathway below for a list of approved tests)
____________________________
Did you take your course from DEED? If yes, then...
If educators complete a DEED offered professional learning course they do NOT need to turn in an application. Their certificate is on record with DEED and the appropriate AK Reads endorsement will be added to their certificate prior to the July 1, 2025, deadline. You will receive an email with a link to TEACH AK where you can view, download, and print your updated certificate.
Then, it is time to apply for the Alaska Reads Act endorsements.
Submit:
Completed application - The form has been split into three separate endorsement applications:
Transcript, certificate, or test scores
(Reading Teacher only) District Assurance Form/Documentation of student growth
*APPLICATION FEE HAS BEEN WAIVED (Source) If you have already paid, you should receive a reimbursement.
Contact Teacher Certification tcwebmail@alaska.gov or (907) 465-2831 for more information or assistance.
Watch the video for updates...
K-3 Teachers
*This is ALL teachers working with K-3 students regardless of specialty including Special Education.
Pathway 1 - LETRS
This is a deep dive course. It is very comprehensive and in-depth in scope.
There are 8 sections to the course. It is worth 12 credits. Estimated Timetable by Unit linked here. Cohorts are designed to run for a year.
KPBSD is continuing with Year 2 of LETRS for our current cohort.
Moving forward all those interested in LETRS will join one of the state cohorts listed in the link below.
Pathway 2 - Keys to Literacy
This is a more shallow dive, but still a comprehensive and directly applicable course.
This course is organized into 5 sections - 36 hours completing asynchronous modules + 5x2.5 hour virtual live meetings (totaling 12.5 hours) - Typically takes 4 months to complete. Eligible for 3 credits.
*Current options take place outside of school hours. Starting in Spring 24, we will be offering during school day options. List of cohort dates!
Pathway 3 - The Science of Reading for Alaskan Teachers
Alaska Staff Development Network - Spring 2024 Catalog (Page 5)
This course is designed to strengthen educators’ knowledge and skills in the science of literacy instruction. Throughout the course, key scientifically-based reading research will be presented to support participants’ understanding of how reading develops and effective methods and strategies to teach literacy skills. This course includes eight synchronous modules with asynchronous supplemental learning. At the end of each module, there is a “Classroom Connect” activity that provides participants with activities that integrate the course content and research-supported instructional practices into their classroom. Participants must attend all live s
Pathway 4 - Test Out
This pathway is for targeted for those with in-depth training or extensive experience in literacy. You must complete on of the following tests and have a minimum score.
Test Options:
ETS PRAXIS II Teaching Reading (Test Code 5204) - Required score 159
ETS PRAXIS II Teaching Reading: Elementary (Test Code 5205) - Required score 159
ETS PRAXIS II Teaching Reading: K-12 (Test Code 5206) - Required score 156
Pearson Foundation of Reading - Required score 240
K-3 Administrators
Pathway 1 - LETRS
UPDATED: If you were in the current KPBSD LETRS for Admins course, you must complete ALL online asynchronous work AND have attended all live sessions last year for this to count for you.
LETRS for Administrators is a course of study that aims to help instructional leaders improve their school literacy structures and outcomes.
LETRS for Administrators helps literacy leaders:
Understand the importance of implementing a holistic literacy initiative
Learn how to select literacy curricula and assessments
Build empowered educators by giving them the support they need on their own LETRS journey
Gain access to practical tools and guides to implement a successful and sustainable literacy initiative
**Final cohort has launched**
Pathway 2 - Other Courses
Other opportunities afforded in the Reads Act for Administrators are:
#1 - Keys to Literacy (Teacher Oriented) - Recommended
This is a more shallow dive, but still an comprehensive and directly applicable course. Most of the teachers will be taking this course.
This course is organized into 5 sections - 36 hours completing asynchronous modules + 5x2.5 hour virtual live meetings (totaling 12.5 hours) - Typically takes 4 months to complete. Eligible for 3 credits.
**Registration Information here**
#2 - Science of Reading Leadership (NWEA)
During eight sessions, participants will learn about key elements in the Science of Reading that they should be driving their systems toward and will include facilitated conversations with other leaders to form a networked learning community. Participants will engage in their learning through asynchronous learning and the live seminar series. NWEA will lead optional coaching sessions that provide leaders with opportunities to have more personalized support.
Pathway 3 - Test Out
This pathway is for targeted for those with in-depth training or extensive experience in literacy. You must complete on of the following tests and have a minimum score.
Test Options:
ETS PRAXIS II Teaching Reading (Test Code 5204) - Required score 159
ETS PRAXIS II Teaching Reading: Elementary (Test Code 5205) - Required score 159
ETS PRAXIS II Teaching Reading: K-12 (Test Code 5206) - Required score 156
Pearson Foundation of Reading - Required score 240
Other Categories
Early Education
For this endorsement, the requirements are as follows:
DEED Approved Reading Course (See options for PreK-3 Teachers above)
2 years experience K or Early Ed
6 credit hours Early Childhood Ed
Reading Specialist
For this endorsement, it is the same historical endorsement of 18 hours plus the Alaska Reads Act requirements are as follows:
DEED Approved Reading Course (See options for PreK-3 Teachers)
Efficiency Evaluation from District
Procedure for Efficiency Evaluation:
Applicant completes the application and supplies the necessary data to demonstrate that the majority of students assigned to them are showing growth at or above the expected rate.
Applicant submits form to School Administrator for review and signature.
Supporting data sources could include: (Use any that apply and achieve the requirement stated above.
AK Star Assessment
CKLA Diagnostic
Current grades
Curriculum based measures
mClass screener BOY, MOY, EOY
MAP Growth Assessment
Other ongoing reading assessments or benchmarks: _______________
Review of historical data
Student work
Reading Teacher
For this endorsement, the requirements are as follows:
DEED Approved Reading Course (See options for PreK-3 Teachers)
Efficiency Evaluation from District
Procedure for Efficiency Evaluation:
Applicant completes the application and supplies the necessary data to demonstrate that the majority of students assigned to them are showing growth at or above the expected rate.
Applicant submits form to School Administrator for review and signature.
Supporting data sources could include: (Use any that apply and achieve the requirement stated above.
AK Star Assessment
CKLA Diagnostic
Current grades
Curriculum based measures
mClass screener BOY, MOY, EOY
MAP Growth Assessment
Other ongoing reading assessments or benchmarks: _______________
Review of historical data
Student work
Special Education
Special Education PK - 3 teachers need to meet criteria set forth for General Education K- 3 teachers.
Special Education K - 3 teachers will need mCLASS administration training.
