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, along with a civics assessment based on the naturalization examination used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The curriculum must cover a wide range of topics, including the founding history of the United States, the roles of various government institutions, civil rights, and international relations. To graduate, students must complete a civics education course, pass the civics assessment, and fulfill additional criteria, such as completing a project-based assessment or providing evidence of prior achievement in similar assessments.

The bill also includes provisions for students who transfer into a state public school after completing grade 10 or who have completed a high school state history course in another state, allowing them to receive a diploma without meeting all the new requirements. Furthermore, the legislation introduces a "seal of civic readiness" to recognize students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in civic knowledge and skills. The new graduation requirements will apply to students entering grade nine on or after July 1, 2026, with the law taking effect on that date.

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