This bill establishes new requirements for civics education and assessments in Alaska's secondary schools. It mandates the development of a statewide comparative government and civics education curriculum, which must include instruction on various topics such as the founding history of the United States, the roles of government institutions, civil rights, and international relations. Additionally, students must complete a civics assessment based on the naturalization examination and a project-based assessment to qualify for a secondary school diploma. The bill specifies that a school may not issue a diploma unless students meet these requirements, although exceptions are made for students who transfer after completing grade 10 or have completed a high school state history course in another state.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the documentation of students' passing scores on civics assessments on their transcripts and provides for the recognition of students who demonstrate high proficiency in civic knowledge through a seal of civic readiness. The new graduation requirements will apply to students entering grade nine on or after July 1, 2026, and the act will take effect on that date.

Statutes affected:
SB0023A, AM SB 23, introduced 01/10/2025: