JUNEAU -- A legislative research report shows Alaska's college graduation rate ranked last nationally in all but two years between 1997 and 2009.
Alaska also ranked below the national average in high school graduation and college attendance rates.
The research shows college graduation rates ranged from 19 percent to 44 percent between 1997 and 2009. Rates relate to the percentage of first-time, full-time students who earn bachelor's degrees within six years.
It quotes Mike Earnest, director of admissions for the University of Alaska, saying an open admissions policy and need for many freshmen to take remedial classes, adding to their time in school and debt, contribute to the rates.
Earnest says UA is working to address the situation.
Alaska students ranked at or above the national average on the ACT between 2001 and 2011.
-- Associated Press
Suicide prevention is focus of Senate bill
JUNEAU -- Teachers and other school district employees who work with students in grades 7 through 12 would have to undergo suicide awareness and prevention training under a bill being considered by Alaska lawmakers.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. Bettye Davis of Anchorage, is aimed at helping educators recognize the danger signs of a student in crisis, and intervene.
The training would apply to teachers, administrators, counselors and specialists.
SB137 this week passed the Senate Education Committee. It now goes to Senate Finance.
Education committee co-chair Kevin Meyer says suicide is the leading cause of death for Alaskans younger than 50. He says the state's children deserve a better chance at life, and he says this training is a critical step forward in that process.
-- Associated Press
North Slope employment rising, report says
JUNEAU -- A new report shows average annual employment on Alaska's North Slope at a 20-year high in 2010.
The report, commissioned by the Senate Finance Committee, looks at North Slope employment trends and work activity, and at nonresident workers in Alaska's oil and gas industry. It was conducted by the McDowell Group, and released this week.
It comes amid debate on whether Alaska should change its oil tax regime to boost oil production and investment. The report doesn't address any possible impact that the tax, passed in 2007, has had on hiring.
It shows average annual North Slope employment of 8,445 in 2010, the most recent full-year payroll data.
Job growth has occurred amid declining production. The report says high oil prices and investment in existing infrastructure are the main drivers.
-- Associated Press
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