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 also allows for certain exceptions, such as for students who transfer into a state public school after completing grade 10 or those who have completed a high school state history course in another state.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that the new graduation requirements will apply to students entering grade nine on or after July 1, 2026. It also includes provisions for documenting students' passing scores on assessments and allows for the recognition of students who demonstrate a high level of civic proficiency through a seal of civic readiness on their transcripts and diplomas. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB0168A, AM HB 168, introduced 04/02/2025: