Those schools are often so small that one teacher may cover all subjects. Teachers in Bush schools are also often new to the profession, and turnover is high. Students in villages with few job opportunities often don't see the benefits of studying hard, said Rep. Reggie Joule, D-Kotzebue. Joule suggests phasing in the test. Since students did strongest in reading, he would initially require a passing score in that, then add writing and math later.
Educators differ on whether more time is needed.
The district started after-school programs this year and emphasized academics in its summer school last year. The district would use the extra time to improve those new programs, he said. In Hydaburg in Southeast Alaska, just 38 percent passed the reading section and none passed math or writing. Still, principal Shirley Brazel said she would rather not see a delay. In the Northwest Arctic Borough, chief executive officer Charles Mason said not only should the state delay the test, it should also change it.