The University of Alaska in partnership with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development will be providing a new endorsement in reading for 120 K-12 teachers this summer. Funded through a grant to the Professional Education Center (PEC) at the University of Alaska Southeast, 38 schools across Alaska will receive grants of $5,000 to support teachers' participation in the program.

"There is a critical need in Alaska schools for K-12 instruction in reading," PEC Director Scott Christian said. "The University of Alaska has responded by creating a statewide reading endorsement program consisting of seven graduate level courses. Those who complete this program will become leaders in their schools to help develop curriculum, assessment and instruction in reading."

"We are pleased to be a partner in this effort," said Education & Early Development Commissioner Rick Cross. "We need more expert reading teachers in our schools in order to reach our stateÍs goal of every child being an independent reader by the third grade. Being a good reader is the key to success in other subjects children study in school. And being a good reader is critical for students to be able to reach state academic standards in reading, writing and math."

Christian estimated teachers will spend a couple of years completing the program. "We have worked closely with the Department of Education and Early Development who has provided substantial funding to support teachers in seeking the endorsement." Christian said. In addition, PEC coordinated the program development with UAF, UAA, Alaska school districts, and teachers.

The first two courses will be offered during institutes this summer in Soldotna and Bethel. UAA and UAF will be delivering programs in Anchorage and Fairbanks based on the same curriculum model. Courses will be available on the UAS campus in the future. "This is the first statewide graduate program in professional education, where teachers can transfer credit between campuses," Christian said.

The project began in a response to the need to prepare teachers to improve instruction in reading. Beginning this month, Cross said, students statewide will begin demonstrating whether they have reached the standards by taking the new Alaska Benchmark Examinations at the 3rd, 6th and 8th grades, and the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination."

The development of the project was coordinated by Christian at PEC. and former Juneau School District Assistant Superintendent Annie Calkins. This project is also support by UA President Mark Hamilton's Education Initiative, which provides funding to PEC.

"This unique program will bring a quality, challenging graduate program to K-12 teachers across the state. It's a great example of the university responding in a timely fashion to a critical need in Alaska."

For information:
Scott Christian, PEC director, 465-8744
Harry Gamble, DOE public information, 465-2851