During a recent press availability, Governor Dunleavy addressed critical issues surrounding education in Alaska, emphasizing the need for data-driven decisions regarding student performance. He highlighted alarming statistics from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which ranked Alaska 51st in both 4th and 8th grade reading and math. These results indicate a significant gap between Alaskan students and their peers nationwide.

Governor Dunleavy pointed out that while NAEP is not the only measure of student achievement, it serves as a crucial benchmark for educators, policymakers, and parents. The consistent administration of NAEP across states allows for a standardized comparison, making the results particularly telling. He urged that the 2024 NAEP results should act as a wake-up call, not just for Alaska, but for the entire nation, stressing the urgency of addressing these educational disparities.

The governor's remarks underscore the importance of focusing on educational outcomes to ensure that decisions made for children are grounded in factual performance data. This call to action reflects a broader concern about the quality of education in Alaska and the need for strategic improvements to better support student learning and achievement.