- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 13
Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
April 12, 2019
Meghan Redmond, Assistant Principal of Chief Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok, Named 2019 National Assistant Principal of the Year
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has named Meghan Redmond, assistant principal of Chief Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok, Alaska, the 2019 National Assistant Principal of the Year. Redmond is in her fourth year as assistant principal at Chief Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok, Alaska, a K–12 school consisting of 134 students. This rural Alaskan school is only accessible by boat or plane. Because the remote nature of the school limits opportunities for exposure to various careers and other robust experiences, Redmond leads the school’s quarterly exploration weeks which allow students to focus on one or two courses that help them explore careers and interests—with some exploration weeks leading to industry-based certifications.
Read more about Redmond’s leadership.
Last call! 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.
Last call! 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.
Last call! 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.
Last call! 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.
The State Board of Education and Early Development, meeting March 28-29 in Juneau, sent out for public comment proposed regulations that update the K-12 science standards, update the technology standards as digital literacy standards, add computer science standards as a new content area, and adopt the latest AdvancED school and school system accreditation documents. The public is invited to submit written comments on the proposed regulations changes through May 14.
NEW! Seeking Nominations for the Alaska Center for the Book CLIA Awards
The Alaska Center for the Book is seeking nominations for the annual CLIA Award for Contributions to Literacy in Alaska. Nominees may be an individual or an organization that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of literacy, literary arts, or the preservation of the spoken or printed word in Alaska. Deadline for nominations is May 1. Mailed nominations should be sent to: CLIA Award Committee, Alaska Center for the Book, PO Box 242074, Anchorage, AK 99524.
Reminder: 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.
Reminder: Alaska Communications Summer of Heroes Program Seeking Nominations
Alaska Communications is seeking nominations for their 9th 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.
Reminder: 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 23rd. We look forward to incorporating your input, finalizing the toolkit, and sharing it statewide! For more information contact DEED Transforming Schools.
Reminder: 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 (pdf), 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.
Reminder: 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
Reminder: 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.
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 for questions at Cecilia Miller.
Alaska School Leadership Institute (ASLI) Registration Now Open
The 11th 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.
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.
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.
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 at 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 12th grade such as lesson plans, data tools, fun facts, and more.
Info Exchange Housekeeping:
This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at DEED Information Exchange. To submit news items, call Erin Hardin at 907-465-6535 or email Erin Hardin.