Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB209

Alaska High School Graduation Rules and Proficiency Tools

Last scannedSep 10, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law sets specific class credit requirements for Alaska high schools and creates tools to check student skills in key subjects before graduation.

Requires the state department to create performance standards for students in grades eight, ten, and twelve in economics, science, and social studies.
Mandates that school districts give proficiency confirmation tools to test skills in economics, language arts, math, science, and social studies for students in grades eight, ten, and twelve.
Sets a minimum of 21 credit units needed to graduate from high school if the program offers six credits a year, or 24 credits if it offers seven credits a year.
Defines specific subject requirements including four credits each for language arts, social studies, and mathematics; three credits in science; and one credit in health and physical education.
Allows districts to place a seal of certified proficiency on diplomas for students who meet all graduation rules and earn a proficient score on the grade twelve assessment.

Alaska high school students graduating on or after January 1, 2030
School district superintendents responsible for developing local graduation plans
The state department tasked with creating performance standards and testing tools

The new requirements only apply to students graduating from high school on or after January 1, 2030.
School districts may choose whether to excuse transfer students with at least 13 credits from specific subject area rules.

Plain language

Unit of credit: A grade awarded to a student who passes a course by meeting the content standards set by the local school board.
Proficiency confirmation tools: Tests developed by the state department that measure how well students know specific subjects like math, science, and social studies in grades eight, ten, and twelve.
Seal of certified proficiency: A mark placed on a high school diploma showing the student met all graduation rules and earned a proficient score on the grade 12 assessment for every subject area.

Official record

Validated

GRAD REQUIREMENTS & PROFICIENCY TOOLS An Act relating to high school graduation requirements and proficiency confirmation tools.

Official activity