Last Call, New, Reminder

NEW!

Alaska Humanities Forum Hiring Youth Program Coordinator

The Youth Coordinator would be a member of the Cross Cultural Program staff for the Ilakucaraq Project and work immersions and virtual sessions, develop strong relationships with youth participants, act as a lead liaison with partners to ensure coordination and alignment. The Program Coordinator will support the Youth Team in program content development and logistics, lead facilitation, and support efforts in policy and professional development research. To apply, please visit https://alaskahumanitiesforum.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=22  applications will be accepted through October 14th, 2022. If you have any questions about the application, please reach out to Kim Fasbender at kfasbender@akhf.org or (907)770-8400.  

REMINDER!

U.S. Senate Youth Program Scholarships

The Department of Education & Early Development is soliciting applications for the U.S. Senate Youth Program—a national program sponsored by the Federal Senate and underwritten by the Hearst Foundation.  It is open to juniors and seniors who hold elected positions in student government during 2022-2023 academic year.  Students must be enrolled in a public or private school.   State delegates will have outstanding leadership qualities and a strong commitment to public service. They generally rank in the one percent of their states academically.

Each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship and will participate in the USSYP Washington Week in Washington, D.C., March 4-11, 2023, where two Alaska students will join 102 other delegates for an intensive educational program about the workings of the Senate and the federal government overall.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. November 1, 2022. The application packet is attached to this email. 

Only one scholar per school may be nominated.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. See https://education.alaska.gov/recognitionprograms. The Alaska contact is Dr. Bjorn Wolter at 907-465-6542 and bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov

Special notes:

• Principals must sign the application form at the bottom.  Forms submitted without an original signature will not be considered valid.
• All applications must be received at DEED by 4pm on November 1, 2022.  Digital submission are standard this year. 
• Official transcripts must be sent by either the school principal, registrar, or counselor directly to the program coordinator.  Transcripts must include an unweighted GPA.  DEED will not calculate this for your students and failure to include it may result in the application being denied. 

• Each school can recommend only one applicant.  If a principal expect interest from multiple students, they will need to do some internal decision making about who’s name to forward.
• Applicants must hold an elected office for the entire 2022-2023 academic year.  For more information on qualified positions, please review the USSYP brochure that is part of the attached application packet. 
• Applicants must be either juniors or seniors.
• The Hearst Foundation provides a scholarship of $10,000 to each state delegate. 
• If selected to represent the state, the nominee must be available to attend the entire Washington Week from March 4-11, 2023.  If held in person, travel to Washington, D.C., accommodations, and food is provided to delegates free of charge by the Hearst Foundations. 

Thank you for making your students aware of these great opportunities to recognize their excellence.  DEED looks forward to an exemplary set of applications this year.

Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE) Conference 2023

ASTE 2023 will be at the Hotel Captain Cook on February 18-22nd! The ASTE Board for 2022-2023, under the direction of President, Bill Burr, has selected Education Rewired as our theme. The idea is to reignite the spark in education and reinvent, redefine, and reimagine the work we do. The image we want our participants to picture is one where education across the globe was stretched and flattened. We entered the wormhole one way, but we are going to come out the other side in a new dimension that is better than we could have imagined. We want our attendees to ignite that spark that led them to become an educator. Our attendees will leave feeling reignited, passionate, and reenergized! 

The Call for Proposal to Present is open through October 1, 2022.  Registration will open after the schedule is finalized so participants can register and sign up for sessions at the same time.  Interested vendors/exhibitors should contact director@aste.org.  

Please visit www.aste.org/conference for more information. 

Registration Open for 2022 AK STEAM Conference

Registration is now open for the 2022 AK STEAM Conference held October 14-15 at Juneau-Douglas High School. This conference, entitled Leveraging Learning and Equity through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), will focus on innovative educational approaches that integrate content areas through the lens of equity. Learn more at https://sites.google.com/view/2022aksteam

National Assessment Governing Board is Seeking Board Members

The National Assessment Governing Board sets policy for the nation’s largest ongoing assessment of what U.S. students know and can do—the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation’s Report Card. The Governing Board identifies subjects to be tested, determines the content and achievement levels for each assessment, approves test questions, and pursues innovative ways to make NAEP results more meaningful and relevant to the public. Candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Nominations must be submitted online. All nominations must include the nominee’s personal statement, resume or curriculum vitae, and a least one letter of support. Visit the Submission Requirements page for more details. Nominations will be accepted between Aug. 8, 2022, through Oct. 14, 2022. 

American Revolution & The New Nation - Alaska Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon's 2022-2023 Theme 

It's a great year to start an Academic Decathlon (high school) or Pentathlon (middle school) team! Not only is this year's theme relevant and timely, the programs award more than $50,000 in scholarships along with partnering with the UA system to offer college credit for high school students. 

The Alaska Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon are among the premier scholastic competitions on both the state and national level. Aligned with National Standards and Alaska’s Educational Challenge, the curriculum for both programs transfer across core content areas to increase student performance in Literature, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and the Arts (other subjects for high school students include Economics, Essay, Speech and Interview).

The Alaska Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon are programs of SERRC - Alaska's Educational Resource Center.  Scholarships are provided by Alaska 529 and the University of Alaska Anchorage, Fairbanks and Southeast. 

To register a team or find out more, visit www.akacadeca.org or attend one of three virtual information sessions on 8/11 or 8/16 at 4pm. Registration required for all sessions. To register, please contact akacadeca@serrc.org or call 907-433-7418.

Internet Discount Through the Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.

You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch.

If your household is eligible, you could receive:

• Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
• Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
• A low cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP*

Learn more and check your eligibility at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/

SERRC Hiring Rural Empowerment Specialist for Successful School Improvement

A cohort of five schools is working with DEED, R16CC, and SERRC on a new three-year school improvement plan process. The Rural Empowerment for School Improvement engages the school and community in addressing student needs within the local context. Next school year, more schools will have the opportunity to also work through the new school improvement plan process. If you are interested in becoming an Empowerment Specialist supporting schools on their path to improvement please reach out to Julie Staley, SERRC Executive Director, julies@serrc.org and apply here Empowerment Specialist

Smithsonian K-12 Science Education Action Planning Institute

The Smithsonian K-12 Science Education Action Planning Institute will be held online July 25-27, 2022. This institute will bring together subject matter experts, formal and non-formal educators, school administrators, and educational researchers to dive deeply into three timely, important topics facing STEM education:  

• What does innovation look like in K-12 STEM education in 2022?  
• How do we meet the needs of our students and educators by elevating diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) in STEM education?  
• How can STEM Education for Sustainable Development (STEM4SD) prepare our students for a changing planet?   

The Smithsonian Science Education Center will convene experts in each of these areas to explore actionable approaches, backed by research and best practices in science, engineering, and education. Through this institute, participants will engage with the Smithsonian’s action planning process, and build out a plan to take action in their own context on one or all of these topics.   

This institute is designed for educators, parents, community members, and industry stakeholders dedicated to providing high quality K-12 teaching and learning for all. Participants can attend as individuals or teams with members of their school, district or organization.  

For more information and to register, visit https://eventactions.com/eareg.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=gsgy0s99jzf7esgjs54f4njymas5nnv6txzkabn526zz3y6y1j17.

Alaska Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon secures $49,000 in scholarships for School Year 2022-2023

The Alaska Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon - programs of SERRC, Alaska's Educational Resource Center - recently partnered with Alaska 529 and the University of Alaska to award $49,000 in scholarships to students participating in this program. Scholarships are awarded by merit and by coach recommendations with specific allocations for rural students. The program also offers college credit to high school students and free curriculum to new teams!

Aligned with National Standards and Alaska's Educational Challenge, the  Academic Decathlon (high school) and Pentathlon (middle school)  provide small group learning opportunities where students challenge themselves as individuals and as an integral part of a team. Both programs engage students of varying skills and GPA levels, both as individuals as they study five (Pentathlon) and ten (Decathlon) subjects based on a yearly theme (2022-2023 Theme: The American Revolution: A Birth of a New Nation). High school students will immerse themselves with the Social Science, Science, Math, Economics, Literature, Art and Music for this time period along with writing essays, engaging in mock interviews and writing and delivering prepared and impromptu speeches. Middle School students will explore the Literature, Math, Science, Social Science and Fine Arts of the time period along with writing an essay based on this year's book, Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.

2022 Alaska Academic Decathlon State Champions: Lathrop High School in Fairbanks.

2022 Alaska Academic Pentathlon State Champions: Watershed Charter School in Fairbanks.

Both teams will represent Alaska at the United States Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon National Competitions. 

For more information, please contact Joan Pardes at joanp@serrc.org

FCC Affordable Connectivity Program for Households

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

International Dyslexia Association - Alaska Branch - Continuing Education Scholarships
Scholarships are available through the International Dyslexia Association, Alaska Branch (IDA Alaska) for professional development opportunities – good for classroom educators, advocates, or parents. Also, check out the new FREE one-year membership for teachers!

IDA branches across the nation, as well as other organizations aligned with the Science of Reading, are successfully presenting high-quality virtual conferences, webinars, certification programs, and continuing education programs. IDA Alaska compiled a list of recommended opportunities and hopes to support educators on their continuing education journey. Continuing education opportunities not on this list, if aligned with the Science of Reading, can be eligible upon approval. For more information on IDA Alaska scholarship awards (up to $500 per participant) visit: www.ak.dyslexiaida.org, or go to IDA Alaska’s 2021 Q2 Newsletter

Anonymous Reporting Systems and Wellness Programs available to districts AT NO COST

SERRC is partnering with STOPit Solutions, one of the nation’s leading experts in school safety, to bring its Anonymous Reporting System (ARS) and SEL & Compliance Training Center (SCTC) to 65,000 students across Alaska for three years at no cost. STOPit delivers their programs to over 6,000 districts nationwide and serves millions of students and staff. Their programs have helped save and change the lives of thousands. Their CEO and school teams are from Sandy Hook Promise – so they understand the needs of schools and constraints they face.

The combined programs teach and empower students, staff, and administrators to recognize and anonymously report safety, misconduct, and compliance concerns BEFORE they escalate into a crisis while also providing curriculum to educate and help prevent such concerns from ever occurring. Funding is being provided through the Stop School Violence Act – a Department of Justice grant awarded to SERRC.

If this is something your district is interested in, contact Ryan Stanley at ryans@serrc.org or (907) 433-7444.

Enhanced Learning Maps Project helps students personalize path the student success

Enhanced Learning Maps provide standards-focused materials that foster the conditions for improving student achievement, including online tools deliberately designed to support and inform personalized learning.

These tools encourage interactions that elicit evidence of student thinking, leading to conversations that engage students and teachers in formative assessment processes.

Resource Manual for Transitioning from Secondary to Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities

Lee Waters, Ed.D. with the Anchorage School District in collaboration with the UAA Center for Human Development LEND Without Walls has created a manual to assist all those involved with the education of students with disabilities.  This manual is designed to be a helpful resource for anyone involved with the transitional needs of students with disabilities from secondary to postsecondary education.  The manual is available through ASD’s website: https://www.asdk12.org/PostsecondaryTransitionManual.

The Parent’s Guide to Filling out the FAFSA Form

While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is the student’s application, we know that parents often play a large role in the process. With that in mind, the U.S. Department of Education wanted to provide instructions for parents who are starting the FAFSA form on behalf of their child.

U.S. Department of Education Releases Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide

The U.S. Department of Education released a new Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide, a resource to help parents and guardians understand how digital tools can provide tailored learning opportunities, engage students with course materials, encourage creative expression, and enrich the educational experience.

UA Dual Enrollment Resources

Are you interested in dual enrollment opportunities at the University of Alaska? Members of the University of Alaska Transition Coalition (UATC) are available to assist with curriculum alignment, dual enrollment, and other opportunities that support the transition of secondary students to continue their training and education at the postsecondary level.

Girls Who Code at Home Activities

Girls Who Code releases free computer science activities for students, educators, and parents on Mondays. Some online, some offline, of varying levels of difficulty. Each activity features a woman in tech who pioneered innovative technology.

Awareness Materials on Family and Youth Homelessness

As a result of the pandemic, and without the usual methods of outreach and identification, many families and youth experiencing homelessness may be even more disconnected from school and early childhood programs. The SchoolHouse Connection created PSAs and a social media toolkit to help raise awareness and provide information around educational rights. 

Online Story Circles for Educators and Community Members

Educator Story Circles are opportunities for small groups of people (educators and engaged community members) to gather together to listen and share thoughts and stories related to a common theme. No preparation is necessary, and each participant has the option to share or simply listen to others. Story Circles aren’t about performing. Rather, the purpose is to listen and connect. Participants who want to lead Story Circles with their own students or community members will have access to a free toolkit and will be eligible for a $200 stipend from the Alaska Humanities Forum.