AK SB79

Allows high school students (grades 9-12) to receive course credit by successfully challenging courses in mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, and world languages through mastery demonstrations.

Enables students to earn credit in career and technical education, physical education, music, or art by participating in outside school activities that meet course requirements, as determined by the school district.

Increases school district operating fund reserves cap from 10 percent to 25 percent of expenditures, with additional allowance for savings from cooperative arrangement grants during the first three fiscal years.

Establishes a virtual education consortium operated by the Department of Education and Early Development to create and maintain a database of virtual courses for grades 6-12, teacher training, and professional development, with courses requiring department approval.

Requires Praxis test minimum performance standards for teacher certification to be periodically adjusted to equal or exceed the most stringent standard established by any other state, with one-year notice before implementation.