1. (a) The department will provide a statewide screening tool and associated training to all school districts to assess student reading skills. The department will provide to school districts

   1. (1) training on evidence-based instruction based on student needs, assistance in interpreting screening results, and training in the science of reading;
   2. (2) training on using the statewide screening tool to identify students who will need an assessment for dyslexia; and
   3. (3) assistance in developing an alternative standardized reading screening tool as provided in AS 14.30.760, if requested by a school district.

2. (b) Except as provided in (d) of this section, each school district shall assess all students in kindergarten through grade three each fall using the statewide screening tool as provided under AS 14.30.760 and shall

   1. (1) identify students with reading deficiencies and require these students to take a winter and spring assessment; and
   2. (2) identify students with sufficient reading skills, who are not required to take a winter or spring assessment.
3. (c) Annually, after the completion of the school year but not later than July 15, each school district shall provide a report to the department that includes all data required under AS 14.30.760(a)(4).

4. (d) A school district may request a waiver from the requirement that it use the department-provided statewide literacy screening tool. The department will make available to all school districts a K - 3 literacy screener waiver form. The commissioner will grant the K - 3 literacy screener waiver if the district-selected screening tool is an evidence-based screening tool consistent with AS 14.30.760 and meets the requirements of this subsection. A K - 3 literacy screener waiver granted by the commissioner to a school district becomes void if the school district selects a new screening tool. An application for a K - 3 literacy screener waiver must be submitted in writing not later than April 15 to be considered for use in the following school year and must include

   1. (1) a description of the district selected screening tool and how it meets the requirements of AS 14.30.760;
   2. (2) a dyslexia screener;
   3. (3) the reason for seeking the waiver; and
   4. (4) any additional information supporting the district's request for a waiver.

(Eff. 7/1/2023, Register 247)

Authority: AS 14.07.020, AS 14.07.060, AS 14.30.765