The Alaska Reads Act

District Reading Improvement Plan/Multi-Tiered System of Support

The District Reading Improvement Plan/Multi-Tiered System of Support (DRIP/MTSS), mandated by Alaska's HB 114 (Alaska Reads Act) and detailed in AS 14.30.765 and 4 AAC 06.405, focuses on ensuring K-3 reading proficiency through structured interventions. Districts must submit their plans to DEED, through AKReads@alaska.gov, by September 1 annually, with the following key components:

1. Core Reading Program: Evidence-based curriculum for reading instruction.
2. Intervention Programs: Targeted programs used to meet the needs of students requiring Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
3. Screening Tools: DEED-approved tools to identify reading deficiencies.
4. Progress Monitoring: Tools and schedules to track student growth.
5. Attendance: Attendance rates and the systems and supports in place to support student attendance.
6. Parent Notification: Templates for informing parents of deficiencies and planned interventions.
7. Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIPs): Tailored strategies for struggling readers.
8. Home Support: Guidance for parents to support literacy at home.
9. Professional Development: Training for educators in reading interventions.
10. Data Analysis:
    • Percentage of students performing at Proficient or Above as measured by AK STAR.
    • Percentage of students performing at Benchmark or Above as measured by mCLASS DIBELS 8

The goal of the Alaska Reads Act is universal third-grade reading proficiency, achieved through early intervention and collaboration between schools and families. 

Questions on the Reads Act? Email AKReads@alaska.gov