- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 07
Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
February 22, 2019
Last call! Educator Cross-Cultural Immersion Program Accepting Applications
The Alaska Humanities Forum's ECCI program is currently accepting applications from educators (teachers and staff) in urban Alaska interested in building stronger relationships with their students and families from different cultural backgrounds. The program takes place from May-September 2019, earns three graduate-level credits, and includes one week of travel to a culture camp in rural Alaska over the summer. All costs are covered. Apply by Feb. 28.
Last call! 2019 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) Competition Now Open
The 2019 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) competition is now open to Alaskan high school students who will graduate by June 30, 2019. It is a residential science education program that honors and challenges two graduating high school science students from each state and others from selected countries around the world. NYSC is offered at NO COST to its participants so that selected delegates may attend regardless of their financial status. The application window closes at 11:59pm on February 28.
Last call! Alaska Humanities Forum Seeking High School Students for Youth Leadership Program
The Alaska Humanities Forum is seeking high school students to participate in AK|Next, a youth leadership program. Three sessions to choose from in early summer will bring together youth from across Alaska to learn about leadership, cultures, and build community in Juneau or Washington, D.C. Applications due by February 28.
Last call! UAF Rural Alaska Honors Institute Seeking High School Participants
This statewide, six week, summer college preparatory program is for Alaska Native and rural high school juniors and seniors with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The program runs from May 28 – July 12 and all expenses are paid. Deadline to apply is March 1.
Anyone may nominate exceptional STEM teachers teaching grades 7-12. (Awards alternate between elementary and secondary teachers.) Teachers may also self-nominate. The President bestows up to 108 awards each year. Since the program’s inception, over 4,800 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Nomination period closes March 1. Contact Ms. Joey Jigliotti with questions.
Last call! 2019 KidWind Challenge
The 2019 Alaska KidWind Challenge will be held on Saturday, March 2nd in the Mat-Su area, hosted by the Renewable Energy Alaska Project. Students work in teams to design and build a model wind turbine at home or school and bring it to the competition to measure the energy output in a wind tunnel as well as present their design to a panel of judges. It is open to 4th-12th graders and there will be Middle School (4th-8th grade) and High School (9th-12th grade) divisions. If you are interested in the training and/or competition and would like more info, email Colleen Fisk.
NEW! DEED Seeking Public Comment on Proposed Changes to Teacher Certification Regulations
The proposed regulation changes would include additions to the list of approved basic competency exams and allow teachers who have completed a basic competency exam in the areas of reading, writing, or mathematics with qualifying scores approved by another certifying state agency to use that exam to satisfy the basic competency exam requirement of AS 14.20.020(i). The proposed changes would eliminate the basic competency requirement for a Type-M limited CTE certificate and allow that initial certificate to be issued for a five-year term. DEED invites the public to submit written comments during the written comment period, which ends on March 25, 2019, at 4:30 p.m.
The proposed regulation changes would update the sub-interval scores on the Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools (PEAKS) assessments for grade 9 math that are used to calculate student growth within the accountability system. Changes to the PEAKS grade 9 math assessment in 2018 required new score ranges to determine student performance. The revised score ranges require an adjustment to the sub-interval score ranges in the student growth indicator under 4 AAC 06.822 so that the sub-interval ranges are aligned with the newly adopted score ranges. DEED invites the public to submit written comments during the written comment period, which ends on March 25, 2019, at 4:30 p.m.
NEW! Summer Food Service Program Looking for Local Sites
Too many children who rely on school meals do not have access to meals in the summer. DEED’s Child Nutrition Programs unit is looking for school districts, parks and recreation departments, non-profit organizations, and churches to operate Summer Food Service Program feeding sites for children and youth in low-income areas in Alaska. Sponsors are reimbursed with federal funds for each eligible meal served at approved feeding sites. All sponsors receive training and technical assistance from Alaska Child Nutrition Programs prior to starting their Summer Food Service Program, and throughout the program’s duration. To register for training, please contact Dan Hysell or call 907-465-4969. Applications are due May 1, 2019.
Reminder: New Executive Secretary in the DEED Commissioner’s Office
Linda Mattson was recently hired as the new Executive Secretary in the Commissioner’s office. The Executive Secretary position provides administrative support to both the Commissioner and the State Board of Education & Early Development. Email Linda Mattson or call 907-465-2802.
Reminder: 2020 Alaska Teacher of the Year Nomination Process Now Open
The Alaska Teacher of the Year (TOY) program gives us an exciting opportunity to celebrate Alaska’s best teachers! Any interested Alaska citizen may submit nominations for the Alaska Teacher of the Year. The Alaska TOY Program is an excellent way to acknowledge the expertise, skills, accomplishments, and professionalism of teachers within your school. For more information contact Cecilia Miller or call at 907-465-8703.
Reminder: U.S. ED Releases FAQs on FERPA Responsibilities for LEAs Regarding School Safety
The FAQ document consists of 37 commonly asked questions about schools’ and school districts’ responsibilities under FERPA relating to disclosures of student information to school resource officers (SROs), law enforcement units and others, and seeks to explain and clarify how FERPA protects student privacy while ensuring the health and safety of students and others in the school community.
Special Feature: Upcoming Youth Activities at the APK in Juneau
March 16 from 10-11am: At Saxman Art Activity – Make a Pouch
Join us for an At Saxan Art Activity to make a pouch and look at pouches made of gut, esophagus, hides, buckskin, bird breasts, sealskin, fish skin and more in the gallery. The pouches were used to carry charms, special stones, herbs, eagle down, powder shot, ammunition, tobacco, and items of significance. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum, is free, and best for children 6-11. Space is limited. Registration is required. Call (907) 747-8981 to register.
March 16 and March 30 from 10am-12pm and 1-3pm: Octopus Suckers
Help the Alaska State Museum create a Giant North Pacific Octopus for the kids' Discovery Room! Learn about this brilliant but reclusive sea creature's habits and habitats, and the impact of warming oceans and plastic pollution. A Giant North Pacific Octopus has hundreds of suckers, and we need help making and decorating these suckers.
FEMA Seeks Alaska Youth for First Disaster Preparedness Camp
FEMA Region 10 is seeking 40 youth in grades 8 through 12 representing Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska to be selected to attend a Youth Preparedness Camp in Stanwood, Wash., in August. This will be an engaging and empowering way for teens to learn about and practice emergency preparedness. There will be a variety of exciting leadership and team-building opportunities as well as traditional camp activities to ensure a fun week for all. Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2019.
Alaska Students Named to U.S. Senate Youth Program
Avram Salzmann, a student at Homer High School in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, and Sadie Sands, a student at Dillingham Middle/High School in the Dillingham City School District, have been named as Alaska’s delegates to the U.S. Senate Youth Program by Alaska Education Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson. Alaska students interested in applying for the 2020 program should visit U.S. Senate Youth webpage.
LearningExpress Offers Assistance to Students of All Ages and Adult Learners
LearningExpress provides a comprehensive selection of educational resources—including interactive tutorials, practice exams, flashcards, articles and e-books—for basic skills mastery, academic success, job preparation, and career advancement. The Alaska Library Network has bought a statewide online subscription to LearningExpress. Learning center resources include School Center, Student Success Skills, High School Equivalency Center, College Admissions Test Preparation, College Students, Adult Core Skills, Compute Skills Center, Career Preparation, and Jobs and Career Accelerator.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Stand Up Speak Up Alaska is inviting all schools and youth serving organizations across Alaska to take action and raise awareness about teen dating violence.
TAKE ACTION & GET INVOLVED
Let’s Be Real Week: February 11th – 15th
- National School Announcements: Monday 2/11
- Wear Orange 4 Love Day: Tuesday 2/12
- Chalk About Love: Thursday 2/14
New Trauma-Engaged Resource Available for Alaska Schools
DEED and the Association of Alaska School Boards are pleased to jointly announce the release of a new resource for Alaska schools entitled “Transforming Schools: A Framework for Trauma-Engaged Practice in Alaska”. This innovative framework provides schools with a detailed roadmap illuminating the steps that can be taken to better address students’ needs.
2019 Library of Congress Literacy Awards Application Period Now Open
The Library of Congress invites organizations committed to the advancement of literacy to apply for the 2019 Library of Congress Literacy Awards. Organizations may submit applications for one of three major prizes: the David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000), the American Prize ($50,000) and the International Prize ($50,000). Applications in all categories will also be considered for Best Practice awards of $5,000 each. Applications are due March 8.
IMLS Accepting Applications for the Native American Library Services Basic Grants Program
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is now accepting applications for the Native American Library Services Basic Grants program through Monday, April 1. Native American Library Services Basic Grants are one-year grants of $6,000 to $10,000, which can include $3,000 in eligible education and assessment activities or travel. The grants are available to federally recognized Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages, and are designed to support existing operations and maintain core services of tribal and Native village libraries.
Professional Teaching Practices Commission Winter 2019 Newsletter Available
This newsletter highlights all the recent language revisions to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession. Districts may request copies of the newsletter from the PTPC office. Contact Melody Mann for more information.
Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship Seeking Grant Applicants
The Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) is seeking applicants for their new grant initiative to support the launch of youth apprenticeship programs within states/regions/cities. The 4-8 grants are valued around $200,000 each along with technical assistance. Applications are due March 8.
U.S. Census Bureau Offering 2020 Census Statistics in Schools Program
The Statistics in Schools (SIS) program aims to increase awareness of, and overall public response to, the decennial census by engaging administrators, teachers, students, and their parents/guardians in public conversations about the census. The program provides materials that use Census Bureau data for students in pre-school through 12th grade such as lesson plans, data tools, fun facts, and more.
FREE Webinar Series: Creating a Culturally Responsive Classroom offered by SERRC
SERRC will offer a five-part webinar series providing a framework for instruction that emphasizes experiential, active, and student-centered learning. The webinar series will be taught by Gerry Briscoe and Martha Gould-Lehe, senior associates with the Center for Culturally Proficient Educational Practice. The webinar sessions will take place from 4-5 p.m. on March 4 and April 3 and 17. Sessions will be recorded and made available for those unable to attend. For more information, email Gerry Briscoe or call 907-349-0651.
Senator Murkowski Offering 2019 Summer Internship Opportunity
The internship is for just-graduated Alaska high school seniors. Deadline to apply is March 15. Applicants are strongly urged to submit their applications via fax (202-224-5301 Attn: Intern Coordinator) or e-mail Krystal Edens@murkowski.senate.gov as the Senate’s mail screening procedures can significantly delay delivery and late applications will not be considered.
How Are You Creative? began as a discussion of collective approaches to teaching and learning in and through arts and cultures in Alaska. For the past two years, groups of arts and cultural advocates, educators, and community leaders from across Alaska have been sharing and learning artistic, cultural, and creative experiences with one another. Learn more at How Are You Createive webpage.
AAESP/NAESP National Distinguished Principal of the Year
The Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals (AAESP) invites you to nominate an outstanding elementary principal for the 2019 National Distinguished Principal Award.
Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship Program Seeking Applicants
This scholarship program strives to increase Native representation in the field of education by providing financial support, mentoring, and internships for Native students in the Northwest who are pursuing a master’s degree in education policy, leadership, technical assistance, research, or a closely related field. Awardees will receive a maximum of $5,000 each year. March 31 application deadline.
DEED Offering Competitive Grant Application for Suicide Awareness, Prevention, & Postvention Funds
The purpose of the grant is to provide an opportunity for schools to support programs, practices, and policies that focus on areas that are related to the State Suicide Prevention Plan Goals and Strategies. Under this competition, DEED intends to award approximately 10 grants. Grants up to $25,000 per year will be awarded to Alaska school districts only. The closing date is 4:00 p.m. AST on Friday, March 15, 2019. If you have any questions concerning the program or the application process, please feel free to contact Sharon Fishel or call 465-6523.
Associated General Contractors of Alaska Offering Postsecondary Scholarships
The objective of the AGC Scholarship Program is to provide Alaskans, who intend to stay or return to Alaska, with monetary assistance to pursue a degree leading to a career in the construction industry. Scholarship applications must be submitted no later than 11:59pm March 31, 2019.
Register now for the 2019 ASCA Legislative Fly-In
Please join the Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) at their 2019 ACSA Legislative Fly In, which will be held in Juneau, March 24-27, 2019. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the state to receive policy updates on relevant topics, engage in professional development in leadership, and to have unified efforts to reach legislators on important education matters during the legislative session.
AASB’s 28th Annual June Nelson Scholarship Competition Now Open
Attention High School Seniors: Don't Wait! Apply Now! The Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) is proud to announce its 28th Annual June Nelson Scholarship Award Competition. This 2018-2019 school year, AASB will award fifteen $1,500 scholarships to apply toward post-secondary education. Thirteen of these scholarships are available for graduating seniors, and two may be awarded to returning college sophomores. The scholarship may be applied toward the student's choice of a business, trade, or a college institution. Application Deadline: Midnight, March 25, 2019. Winners Announced: Saturday, April 6, 2019.
Applications Now Open for Summer Computer Science Workshops for Grade 6-12 Teachers
Applications are now open for the 2019 Code.org Summer Workshops in Alaska. Middle and high school teachers can apply for scholarships to participate in the 5-day CS Discoveries (Grades 6-10) or CS Principles (Grades 9-12 and AP) summer workshops in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau. Contact Cheryl Bobo with questions.
Register for the AASB 2019 School Climate and Connectedness Survey (SCCS)
Join over 30 Alaska school districts who collect and use school climate data each year to improve and strengthen school environments, relationships, and connections between students, staff, and families. SCCS’s interactive survey platform makes survey administration, reporting, and analysis interactive and user-friendly. Participating districts also receive free webinars and training on overseeing survey administration and using the interactive platform. Additional support on how to use survey results includes on-site workshops or video conferences led by AASB staff. Districts choose a two-week window between January 18 - March 22 to take the survey.
Info Exchange Housekeeping:
This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at DEED Information Exchange. To submit news items, call 907-465-6535 or email Erin Hardin.