Argues that Alaska high-stakes testing requirements for high school graduation measure specific skills at levels that are beyond the reach of special-needs students. Discusses limited research, legislative issues, and parental concerns. (PKP)

Describes the Alaska Sister Schools Network, formed in 1985 to create opportunities for Alaskan students to experience more directly the cultural and economic perspectives of their Pacific Rim neighbors. Network organizers go beyond the "pen-pal" approach to encourage three partnership levels: initial acquaintance, curriculum…

Examines the statewide testing programs of North Carolina and Alaska, showing how the legislative goals, objectives, and expectations for these tests are seldom met. Such testing programs cannot realistically serve both accountability and achievement monitoring functions. (12 references) (MLH)

Teleconferences are one method for improving the quality of schooling in rural communities. Among suggestions for enhancing teleconferencing are face-to-face meetings, familiarity with teleconference technology, and advance notice to students of materials to be examined in such courses. (PB)

Describes the history of Alaska's extensive school construction project, which offers many of the state's 11,000-plus rural students their first opportunity to attend high school in their home villages. Geographic, technological, and cultural differences from the continental United States have made Alaska's system of secondary education unique.…

All classes at the K-8 (40-student) Aleknagit School in southwest Alaska revolve around a theme that has a science or social studies emphasis. A thematic approach encourages holistic study of a subject and reflects the most recent research on how the brain comes to know. According to three teachers involved with the program, results have been…

The Alaskan Eskimos are an indigenous people beset by underemployment, economic dependency, low self-esteem, and feelings of inferiority in the face of the dominant white culture. Although a well-financed bilingual program is offered, students at Brevig Mission School speak Village English, a combination of English and Inupiaq. Often, test content…

In Wainwright, a small Eskimo village on the North Slope of Alaska, there is little relationship between education and future prospects. The result is low academic achievement. (Author)

The role of technology in rural Alaskan education is described in relation to seven problems: remoteness; limited curricula; small, multigraded classes; imbedded cultural traditions; dispersed management structures; inadequate training opportunities; and high cost. The issues of control, standardization, and scale are also discussed. (PB)

Describes certain historical and cultural issues associated with the low academic achievement of Alaska Native students in Alaska public schools. Argues that high-stakes testing alone will not improve the academic performance of Alaska Native students; in fact, it may exacerbate the problem. Recommends the adoption of a new generation of…