- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 15
Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development April 26, 2019
Last call! Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska: Now Recruiting for the 2019-2020 School Year
The State of Alaska is seeking 14 young people (ages 14-19) from across Alaska that are dedicated, resourceful, and creative, to advise the Alaska Division of Public Health on issues affecting teens such as substance abuse, violence, suicide, injury, teen pregnancy, nutrition, and fitness. Members will also collaborate on a statewide community action project. The completed application, materials, and a letter of recommendation are due April 30, 2019 no later than 5:00 p.m. either via Survey Monkey or to the WCFH office (by hand delivery, mail, fax, or email).
Last call! 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.
Last call! 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.
Last call! 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.
Last call! 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.
Last call! 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.
NEW! DEED Seeking Public Comment on State Career & Technical Education Plan
On July 31, 2018, the President signed new Career and Technical Education (CTE) legislation into law with the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353), commonly referred to as Perkins V. This bill reauthorizes and updates the 2006 Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, providing an opportunity to modernize CTE instruction to better prepare students for employment in 21st century jobs in the Last Frontier. Alaska will be transitioning to the requirements of Perkins V law during the 2019-2020 school year. Feedback from educators, students, parents, community members, and industry will be critical in guiding the transition process. DEED would appreciate your thoughts and opinions on priorities for Alaskan CTE – survey closes May 10.
NEW! Recognize an Outstanding Youth or Youth Group in Philanthropy
This award, given by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Alaska Chapter, recognizes service by an individual or group of young people ages 5-23 who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, community projects, volunteering, and leadership in philanthropy in Alaska. Nominations can be made online by May 15.
NEW! DEED is Hiring!
Research Analyst III to join our Data team. May 8 deadline to apply.
Analyst/Programmer I/II/III/IV Flex to join our IT team. May 6 deadline to apply.
NEW! Alaska College of Education Offering Summer Courses for Teacher Certification
The Alaska College of Education will be offering two courses in July in Anchorage required for certification: Alaska Studies and Multicultural Education. Complete both courses in three weeks.
Reminder: DEED Seeking Applicants for Library/Information Literacy Content Standards Review Committee
DEED is beginning the process of reviewing and recommending Library/Information Literacy content standards, which were originally adopted in 1999. The process will involve writing and review committees who will work collaboratively online to develop new standards. There will be no face to face meetings and compensation will be in the form of one continuing education credit from UAA. Most of the work will be done over the summer. DEED intends to present the standards to the Alaska Board of Education by winter 2019; adoption would be finalized by spring 2020. Applications due May 7, 2019. See attached application and information sheet for details.
Reminder: Resilient Educators: Growing Your Best Self Workshop Happening June 10-11 at Alyeska Resort
Educators think regularly about student resilience, but don’t often get the time and support to focus on their own. In these beginner and advanced workshops by Brightways Learning, you’ll learn to amplify personal and professional strengths and satisfaction. CEUs, lodging, and airfare discounts are available. Check out the event flyer.
Reminder: DEED K-12 Educator Talent Pool Nominations Extended to May 15
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 15. Contact Cecilia Miller for questions.
Special Feature: Alaska Education Network Offering Instructional Leadership Webinars
The Alaska Education Network is a statewide initiative funded by Title II, Part A focused on uniting Alaska’s educational leaders with the intention of building community and capacity. There are five networks (graduation rates, leadership and equity, early childhood, reading strategies, and behavior support, safety & well-being. Two key components of an echo session are a Brief Didactic (30 minutes or less) and a Case Presentation (“problem of practice”). Next week’s webinar schedule is as follows:
- Monday, April 29th, 10:00 – 11:15 AM – It’s the little things that matter! Creating Behavioral Buy-in. Presenter: Jeff Lansing, Junior High Principal, Delta/Greeley School District
- Tuesday, April 30th, 8:30 - 9:45 AM – Handling Difficult Conversations. Presenter: Mark Stock, Deputy Superintendent, ASD
- Tuesday, April 30th, 3:30 - 4:45 PM – Essential Elements of a Culturally Proficient Leader. Presenter: Gerry Briscoe, Professional Learning Director, SERRC
- Wednesday, May 1st, 3:30 - 4:45 PM – Effective Schoolwide Practices with Disciplinary Literacy. Presenter: Lexi Domaradzki, Co-Founder and Lead Consultant, Metis Educational Consulting
- Thursday, May 2nd, 9:30 – 10:45 AM – Alaska Cultural Standards for Educators – Pathway for Relevant Learning. Presenter: Gerry Briscoe, Professional Learning Director, SERRC
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.