AK SB207

Establishes the P-16 Education Council within the Department of Education and Early Development to improve student transitions from preschool through postsecondary education by coordinating school policies and practices.

Council consists of 35 members: 10 voting members (including the governor, commissioners of education/labor/commerce, University of Alaska president, and education leaders) and 25 nonvoting advisory members representing legislators, private colleges, employers, teachers, parents, and students.

Council shall develop strategies and recommendations addressing college and career readiness standards, school transitions, dropout rates, workforce needs, curriculum alignment, teacher quality, and other education improvement issues.

Council must hold public hearings statewide, conduct outreach to assess educational needs, submit annual reports to the legislature by January 15, and meet at least four times yearly with all meetings open to the public.

Act takes effect July 1, 2010, with initial nonvoting members appointed to staggered terms of one, two, or three years.