AK SB54

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 and labor/workforce development, University of Alaska president, and other state officials) and 25 nonvoting advisory members representing educators, businesses, legislators, and community stakeholders.

Council shall develop strategies and recommendations addressing college and career readiness standards, transitions between school levels, dropout and graduation rates, workforce needs, curriculum alignment, teacher quality, and affordable postsecondary access.

Council must hold public hearings statewide, conduct outreach through meetings and surveys, meet at least four times yearly, and submit annual reports to the legislature by January 15 with findings and legislative recommendations.

Act takes effect July 1, 2011, with initial nonvoting members serving staggered terms of one, two, or three years.