Last Frontier News

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Alaska secured the fortieth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 60.6%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Alaska scored a 50% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 65%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Alaska earned a 78%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"Alaska's rank of 40 belies the intentions of its state's chief executive and some incredibly innovative charter and district schools that want to grow and expand but are stymied by a nostalgic commitment to tradition over progress. While the Governor is pushing hard to strengthen parent power in the Land of the Midnight Sun, parents need to mobilize to make change," the Parent Power Index notes.

"Governor Mike Dunleavy, a supporter of education innovation and opportunity, seized on a recent Harvard study that revealed charter schools in the state are top performers, to push his long standing agenda to replicate the success for all kids in Alaska. Kudos to the Gov for pushing to double funding for charters and increase the number of schools available to families," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”