Alaska students can expect to see a new set of statewide tests - including the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam - beginning next fall. Officials with the state Department of Education say the change is one way to bring the state into compliance with federal education law.

Anchorage, the only other district in Alaska with a direct-mail campaign, also is struggling to get parents involved in the teacher evaluation process. About a month after sending 48,500 surveys to parents, only about 10,000 have been returned.