The state tests explained for Alaska parents
Alaska students take two state tests: the Alaska System of Academic Readiness (AK STAR) in English language arts and math in grades 3 to 9, and the Alaska Science Assessment in grades 5, 8 and 10. The tests are separate from the report card and from class grades. Under the Alaska Reads Act, children in kindergarten through 3rd grade also take a short reading screener during the year.
The state tests at a glance
- Who takes them
- English language arts and math (AK STAR): grades 3 to 9. Science (the Alaska Science Assessment): grades 5, 8 and 10. Students with significant cognitive disabilities may take an alternate assessment instead.
- When
- Both tests are given in the spring, in a window the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development sets each year. Each school picks its own dates within that window.
- What they cover
- AK STAR checks Alaska's English language arts and mathematics standards. It is connected to the MAP Growth tests many schools give in the fall or winter, so teachers can see growth through the year. The science test checks the Science Standards for Alaska.
- How results are described
- Scores are reported as achievement levels compared with state expectations, along with a measure of growth. Families get a score report from the school.
- Report card link
- State test scores don't change your child's report card. They are one more snapshot for families, teachers and schools.
Dates and details change from year to year. Your school and the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development have the current information.
How to help your child feel ready
- Keep routines simple: regular sleep, a good breakfast and a calm morning.
- Read together often, then ask your child to retell what happened and explain why.
- Practice math with real problems (shopping, cooking, travel times, sharing a catch) as well as math facts.
- Ask “How do you know?” so your child gets used to explaining answers.
- Tell your child the tests show what they know and how they are growing. They are not something to fail.
Practice the grade-level skills with Gradelings: 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade and 9th grade.
Common questions
AK STAR (the Alaska System of Academic Readiness) is Alaska's state test in English language arts and math for grades 3 to 9. It is given in the spring and is linked to the MAP Growth tests many schools give earlier in the year.
The Alaska Science Assessment is given in grades 5, 8 and 10.
No. They are separate. Your child's report card describes learning in class through the year, using the marks your district chooses.
Ask your school. Federal law expects nearly all students to take the state tests, and schools can explain their own policy and what happens if a family asks for their child not to test.
Gradelings practices the math, English language arts and science skills in Alaska's content standards with kind feedback and no timers unless you want them. It isn't a copy of the state tests and doesn't predict a score.
Also see: Alaska report cards explained and Cultural Standards.
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