Report Card to the Public [microform] : A Summary of Statistics from Alaska's Public Schools, School Year 1996-97

This publication summarizes Alaskan school district information required by the 3-year-old Alaska Quality Schools Initiative and provides a comprehensive report on the status of public education in Alaska. Following a message from the commissioner and a one-page glance at Alaskan education, there is a brief explanation of the Alaska Quality Schools Initiative and its four parts, around which this publication is organized. The first part, High Student Academic Performance, discusses new academic standards. Students in grades 4, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading, language arts, and mathematics using a variety of standardized tests. Data comparing the 1996-97 and 1995-96 school years are presented, as are data on high school completion and the relationship between ACT scores and family income level. The second part focuses on standards for preparation, licensing, continuing development, and evaluation of teachers and administrators, as well as strategies to increase Alaska Native hires. The third part describes efforts to increase family involvement in education through training and workshops provided to school districts and communities. The fourth part presents school standards that are intended to encourage schools to seek accreditation, which is optional in Alaska. Data are presented on school accreditation, membership changes, transiency, attendance, and dropout rates, and compliance with environmental education requirements. Questions and answers on the high school graduation qualifying examination that will be required by 2002 are presented next, followed by school district statistical profiles. Contains 18 references and a listing of Alaska school districts and superintendents. (TD)