High School Graduation Qualifying Examination
The High School Graduation Qualifying Examination
(HSGQE) measures minimum competencies of essential skills in reading,
writing, and mathematics. Passing all three sections of the HSGQE is
part of the requirements to receive a diploma in the State of Alaska.
The HSGQE is administered twice a year, once in the fall and once in
the spring. Students must take the HSGQE for the first time in the
spring of the 10th grade. The HSGQE at the 10th grade will generate
a score for the HSGQE graduation requirement and a score for assessing
the student's performance based upon the Grade Level Expectations for
a 10th grader. The HSGQE is offered twice a year, once in the spring
and again each fall for 11th and 12th graders. Eleventh and 12th
grade students who need to retake one or more subtests of the HSGQE
must retest at least once each year until they meet the proficiency
requirement. Students receiving a certificate of achievement can
retest twice each year until they meet the proficiency requirement.
Once the student with a certificate of achievement has passed all the
subtests of the HSGQE, he/she will be awarded a diploma
HSGQE Math Practice Items
The practice items for the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) were developed by
two math department chairs within the Anchorage School District, Alison Mall at Bartlett High School
and Jan Slattery at East High School. They used the Teacher’s Guide to the Alaska High School Graduation
Qualifying Examination as the basis for their work. Practice test items were developed using the performance
standards which tie directly to the way the results of the HSGQE are reported at the student level.
The practice test items can be used by students who are preparing for the HSGQE. The answer guide is provided
separately so students and/or teachers can check their work.
HSGQE Waivers
Students may be eligible for a waiver from passing the HSGQE. A
student may submit an application to his/her local school board
requesting a waiver. However, to qualify for a high school graduation
diploma, a student must meet all other state and local school district
graduation requirements, in addition to either passing the high school
exam or receiving a waiver from passing the exam from their local
school board.
The Department of Education
& Early Development has developed three forms to make application
to the local school board. These forms and guidelines to applying for waivers and
appeals are included below:
