AK SB197

Establishes a competitive grant program in the Department of Education and Early Development to help low-performing public schools achieve excellence, subject to appropriation.

Limits total annual awards to an amount equal to the number of students who drop out of school multiplied by $400, with school districts required to provide matching cash of 10-40 percent of project costs.

Requires approved grant projects to address causes of low performance, apply research-based best practices, be sustainable beyond grant funding, and establish measurable goals for student achievement, attendance, and graduation rates.

Authorizes grants for pre-elementary programs that utilize Alaska Early Learning Guidelines, demonstrate child outcome improvements, and prioritize family engagement; grants last up to four years with possible two-year extensions if sufficient progress is made.

Sets higher initial funding cap for the program's first year at $1,800 per average annual dropout (calculated over prior 10 years) instead of the standard $400 per dropout.