Alaska Online Public Notices #2025200185

Alaska updates English learner proficiency requirements, including WIDA Alternate ACCESS criteria

This Alaska notice updates English learner proficiency rules and is regulatory, not a request to buy products or services. - Government action: The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development amended 4 AAC 34.055. The State Board of Education and Early Development adopted the amendment, which was filed through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. - Requirements addressed: The amendment revises English learner proficiency criteria, including criteria for students with significant cognitive disabilities who take the WIDA Alternate ACCESS assessment. It also retains alternate scoring provisions when a disability prevents assessment in one or more domains. - Named organization and assessment: WIDA is named in connection with the Alternate ACCESS assessment; neither WIDA nor the assessment is being solicited for purchase. - Procurement status: No products, services, quantities, or vendor selection are requested.

Description

This is a regulatory filing by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to update proficiency levels for the Alternate ACCESS assessment under Title 4 regulations. The update pertains to proficiency levels for English learners, including those with significant cognitive disabilities, and includes provisions for alternate scoring processes. The regulations were filed on September 28, 2026, and will become effective on October 28, 2026. The filing includes technical and conforming changes without altering substantive effects.

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