UAS Reading Course Receives DEED Approval

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is proud to announce that its ED 302 Reading Instruction course is the first in the state to receive approval from the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) for alignment with the Alaska Reads Act requirements.

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: June 3, 2024

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is proud to announce that its ED 302 Reading Instruction course is the first in the state to receive approval from the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) for alignment with the Alaska Reads Act requirements. This milestone positions UAS as a leader in educational excellence and innovation, setting a new standard for teacher preparation programs across Alaska.

The Alaska Reads Act, enacted to ensure that every child in Alaska reads at grade level by the end of third grade, mandates rigorous standards for teacher preparation in reading instruction. The UAS ED 302 course meets these standards, equipping future educators with the essential skills and knowledge to foster reading proficiency among students.

"This approval is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our faculty," said Dr. Carlee Simon, Interim Dean of the School of Education at UAS. "We are committed to preparing educators who can effectively support all students in achieving literacy success. The alignment of our course with the Alaska Reads Act underscores our leadership in advancing educational outcomes in our state."

Starting this fall, the ED 302 course will be incorporated into all Bachelor of Arts programs for Special Education and Elementary Education at UAS. This integration ensures that every graduate from these programs will be endorsed in reading instruction, reinforcing their ability to meet the diverse needs of Alaska's students.

The development and approval of this course involved close collaboration with DEED, demonstrating a successful partnership between higher education and state education authorities.

As UAS continues to lead the way in educator preparation, this DEED approval represents a significant advancement in ensuring that Alaska’s teachers are well-equipped to provide high-quality reading instruction. UAS remains dedicated to fostering educational excellence and improving literacy rates statewide.

View more information about the UAS School of Education and its programs or contact the School of Education at (907) 796-6100.