Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 12

Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
April 5, 2019  

Last call! DEED is Hiring!

Education Specialist II to join our Special Education team. April 8 deadline to apply.

Research Analyst III to join our Data team. April 8 deadline to apply.

Last call! U.S. ED Seeking Public Comment on Draft Updated Title I Equitable Services Non-Regulatory Guidance

This document consolidates and updates information previously included in multiple documents and is intended to support state educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and private school officials in the implementation of equitable services requirements under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act. Send comments by April 9 to equitable services and include “Title I Equitable Services” in the subject line.

NEW! U.S. ED Request for Public Comment on Proposed New Institute of Education Sciences Priorities

On March 28, the U.S. Department of Education printed in the Federal Register a request for public comment for proposed new Institute of Education Sciences (IES) priorities that will guide the IES over the coming years. IES priorities are general updated by each new Director of IES.  You can read the current set of priorities, adopted, in 2010. Comments are due by May 28, 2019.

NEW! Alaska Communications Summer of Heroes Program Seeking Nominations

Alaska Communications is seeking nominations for their 9^th annual Summer of Heroes initiative, honoring Alaska’s youngest heroes: individuals ages 6–18 who are making a difference in their communities through acts of generosity, courage or achievement. Five winners will each be awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Nomination period closes June 28.

NEW! DEED and AASB Seeking District Assistance on Compiling Companion Trauma-Engaged Toolkit

We are excited to gather more information on both the effective trauma-engaged resources already in use across Alaska’s schools, as well as which of the framework’s components you’re most interested in. Please take a few minutes to complete the toolkit survey by April 23^rd.  We look forward to incorporating your input, finalizing the toolkit, and sharing it statewide! For more information contact DEED-TransformingSchools.

NEW! Bond Reimbursement and Grant Review Committee Meeting April 16-17, Juneau

The Bond Reimbursement and Grant Review Committee will meet Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16 and 17, from 8:30 - 4:30 PM. The primary agenda items are changes to and approval of the FY2021 Capital Improvement Project application and support materials; updates to publications A Handbook to Writing Educational Specifications and Swimming Pool Guidelines; and updates to 18th Edition Program Demand Cost Model.

NEW! U.S. ED Releases Draft ESSA State and Local Report Cards Guidance for Public Comment

The U.S. Department of Education released a draft document, titled Opportunities and Responsibilities for State and Local Report Cards under the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965, as Amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, for stakeholder review and comment. This document clarifies for states and school districts the reporting requirements under section 1111(h), and provides information states and districts may consider in developing and disseminating report cards. This document is posted for review and comment through April 29.  

NEW! School and District Report Card Feedback

Recently, DEED released the 2017-2018 Report Cards to the Public for each school district and school in Alaska. This new user-friendly website aims to provide clear, common information about all public schools and districts in our state. DEED has created two separate surveys – a District/School Personnel Feedback Survey and a Parent Survey. These links have been added as a tab to the Report Card site. Thank you for your participation in this survey and sharing your thoughts and experience with us.

District/School Personnel Feedback Survey

Parent Feedback Survey

NEW! 2019 AOGA UA Scholarship Opportunity

The Alaska Oil and Gas Association is offering a $2,500 scholarship to an Alaska high school junior or senior with plans to attend the University of Alaska and the winning essay in their Scholarship Essay Contest. Students must write a 500-1,000-word essay on the following topic: With renewed interest and increasing investments on both state and federal lands, Alaska is experiencing oil and gas activity at its highest level in 20 years. Does Alaska have a role to play in fueling the world’s energy demands? If so, what is it? Why does it matter? Entries must be received by May 1, 2019.

Reminder: DEED Seeking Nominations for the K-12 Educator Talent Pool

DEED is seeking applications that identify exemplary K-12 teachers and principals. We are looking for educators, relatively new to the profession, who demonstrate outstanding instructional and leadership abilities that impact students, colleagues, and the community. These distinguished educators are considered for special recognition programs. Additionally, these educators are considered for statewide and national advisory boards and task forces. A minimum of five years in education is a must. Applications are due May 1 (see attached form). Contact Cecilia Miller.

Reminder: A4LE Accepting Educator Grant Applications for Design and Construction Projects

The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), Alaska Chapter, is offering a grant of up to $4000 to educators wanting to transform their learning environment to enhance the educational experience. Applicants should demonstrate how a proposed facility-related project will address these objectives:  1) improve the physical learning environment, particularly of existing facilities, to “transform” them into positive places for learning and teaching, and 2) engage students in the learning process using hands-on strategies in real-life settings that empower students in multiple ways. The application deadline is April 16, 2019.

Reminder: Amendment to Alaska’s ESSA Plan Approved by U.S. ED

An amendment to Alaska’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan was approved on March 13, 2019, by the U.S. Department of Education. Alaska’s plan to implement ESSA, the new federal education law, was previously approved by the U.S. Department of Education on May 16, 2018. As part of that approval, Alaska was required to submit an amendment to the state plan by January 15, 2019, and provide data to ensure that low-income and minority children enrolled in schools assisted with Title I, Part A funds are not served at a disproportionate rate by inexperienced, out-of-field, and ineffective teachers.

Reminder: Alaska School Leadership Institute (ASLI) Registration Now Open

The 11^th Annual Alaska School Leadership Institute (ASLI) will be held in Anchorage May 29-31, 2019 at the Hilton Hotel. The Institute is designed to support the professional learning of teachers, teacher leaders, principals, site leaders, superintendents and district leaders from small schools or rural school districts to help prepare Alaska’s students as college, career, and culturally ready graduates.

Reminder: 2019 Ted Stevens Young Alaskan Artist Award Competition Now Open

Young Alaskans pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or program in music at an accredited institution are encouraged to apply for the 2019 Ted Stevens Young Alaska Artist Award. Winners receive a substantial monetary award and are presented in a full-length solo recital. The deadline is May 30, 2019.

Reminder: Nominate a Middle Level or High School Outstanding Digital Principal

The NASSP Digital Principal of the Year (DPOY) program honors three principals nationally who exhibit bold, creative leadership in their drive to harness the potential of new technologies to advance learning. Applications are due April 30. For questions and more information contact AASSP at 586-9702.

Special Feature: Alaska Educator Amy Eakin Selected for the 2019 Digital Citizenship Network Award

The ISTE Digital Citizenship Professional Learning Network is excited to share that Amy Eakin with the Northwest Arctic Borough School District has been selected as the winner of the 2019 Digital Citizenship Network Award. Her submission was chosen from among several candidates for clearly demonstrating outstanding contributions to digital citizenship. As a winner of this award, she will be honored at the 2019 ISTE Conference & Expo in Philadelphia.

DEED Seeks Federal Waiver to Extend Access to School Improvement Funds

DEED is seeking public input on its intent to apply to the U.S. Department of Education for a waiver extending the period of availability of 1003(a) funds. These school improvement funds are available annually to the State for the purpose of awarding sub-grants to school districts to support the school improvement efforts of designated schools (Priority, Focus, Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI).) This waiver, if approved, will extend the availability of approximately $1.8M by one year (to September 30, 2020) to allow its use to support newly designated CSI and TSI schools. Please submit questions and public comment to Brad Billings by April 19, 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.

2017-18 Report Cards Now Available on DEED Website

The 2017-2018 report cards are now available online. The report cards provide parents and the public with important information on state, district, and school performance and progress. U.S. ED has issued a Parent Guide to State and Local Report Cards that may be a helpful resource.

AAEC Announces Summer Arts Institutes for 2019

Engaging Students in Art & Culture: Summer Institute at Mat-Su (SAMS), May 28-31, Mat-Su Career and Technical High School, free to Mat-Su teachers, others $200 member district teachers, $300 non-member district teachers, 2 Ed 590 credits available.

Amplifying Stories through the Arts: Ketchikan Basic Arts Institute, June 3-14, Ketchikan High School, $500 member district teachers, $600 non-member district teachers, 20 Sealaska scholarships available to teachers from Ketchikan, Juneau and Yakutat, 4 Ed 590 credits available.

Liitukut Allringumi: We are all learning together: Kodiak Multicultural Arts Institute, July 28-August 2, $249 member district teachers, $350 non-member district teachers. Email Barb Short with questions.

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 907-465-4969. Applications are due May 1, 2019.

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 12^th 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 final webinar session will take place from 4-5 p.m. on April 17. Sessions will be recorded and made available for those unable to attend. For more information, email Gerry Briscoe or call 907-349-0651.

Info Exchange Housekeeping:
This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at the DEED Information Exchange. To submit news items, call Erin Hardin at 907-465-6535 or email Erin Hardin.