Last Call, New, Reminder

Last Call! Registration Open for ACSA 2021 Legislative Fly-In is happening Feb. 23-24^th

Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Elementary and Secondary Principals & Assistant Principals, School Business Officials, and Central Office Administrators are invited to participate in the annual ACSA Legislative Fly-In, February 23-24, 2021.

This is an opportunity to meet virtually with colleagues from around the state, to receive policy updates on relevant topics, to engage in professional development in leadership, and to unite efforts to reach legislators on important education matters during the legislative session. We are Leading Together for Alaska’s Students!

ACSA members $75 and Non-ACSA members $150

Registration is open: https://web.cvent.com/event/545f9b16-b991-4fb1-a38a-859c85e4017b/summary

Last Call! The 2021 Virtual Academic Decathlon State Competition Seeks Volunteers, February 25 and 26

The Academic Decathlon program challenges high school students to work at their individual best and as an integral part of a team with different skills and ability levels. Every year, the United States Academic Decathlon picks a theme and students across the country dive into that subject and compete in ten areas: Science, Math, Social Science, Literature, Economics, Art, Music, Essay Writing, Writing, Speech Writing and Interview Skills. 2021 Theme: The Cold War.

The 2021 Alaska Academic Decathlon State Competition will take place February 25 and 26 and includes teams from Ketchikan to Point Hope. This event is seeking volunteers to judge the Speech and Interview events (2/25 and 2/26 from noon to 5). For more information, please visit www.akacadeca.org or sign up here.

The commitment involves a one-hour training and then teaming up with two other judges to interact with students (via ZOOM) for the rest of the afternoon. It's a great opportunity to see a glimpse into the future by interacting with high school students from across the state! 

The Alaska Academic Decathlon is a program of SERRC – Alaska’s Educational Resource Center and is sponsored in part by GCI, Alaska Marine Lines, Hansen Gress and AEL&P.

Last Call!  Register NOW for the 2021 AlaskaCAN! Conference

Join us for the 7th annual AlaskaCAN! Conference, February 24-26. During the 3-day virtual conference, participants will have the opportunity to engage and collaborate in meaningful ways to move us towards reaching our collective goal: 65% of working-age Alaskans earning a postsecondary credential by 2025. This year's theme, Reaching Our Goal: 65% by 2025, centers on two attainment factors: Credentials of Value and Building K-16 Educational Pathways. We will address these factors through two critically important lenses as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic: Equity & Access and Distance-Delivered Programming.

To learn more, please visit the 2021 AlaskaCAN! Conference website.

Last Call!  SERRC is Hiring an Executive Director

Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC) is seeking a full-time visionary leader to develop exceptional services that promote increased student performance; efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in school operations; increased education and career opportunities for adult learners; and support for the implementation of statewide initiatives. For the full job announcement, visit our website www.serrc.org/careers/.  Applications are due by February 26 at 4:30 pm.

New:

NEW! SERRC’s Alaska Close Up goes virtual in 2021

How can I influence change? That’s the fundamental question that will be addressed at Alaska Close Up this year. The free, virtual civics program for students and teachers from SERRC kicks off March 3^rd with special guest Portugal. The Man. If you are interested in learning more or making this opportunity available to your students, sign up for the information session on March 3rd. Can't make it? Sign up anyway and get the recording! If you have questions, contact Jeff Smith at jeffreys@serrc.org

NEW! Resources, Professional Development for AP Teachers and District Instructional Leads

• New course Pacing Guides—designed for classrooms that have only completed around 25% of typical course content by January—illustrate one way to use AP Daily videos in lieu of some assignments teachers would ordinarily give, to help students complete all course topics by May. More information is available here.
• AP Classroom and AP Daily

These online resources can be implemented into any instructional model and include topic questions to pair with AP Daily videos, Personal Progress Checks to gauge student understanding and skills, as well as an online Question Bank.

More information is available here.

• Professional Development

AP teachers and instructional leads can access a variety of training opportunities here.  Teachers can attend free online learning sessions, register for upcoming workshops, access subject-specific webinars to help prepare for the exam, connect with teachers in the AP Community, and apply to become an AP Reader.

• Scholarship for full workshops available: To address the effects of the covid-19 pandemic on schools and teachers worldwide, the College Board is extending the AP Professional Learning Scholarship to enable AP teachers to participate in our spring 2021 AP professional learning opportunities. Apply now.
• AP Readers Needed:  We are encouraging AP teachers to lend their expertise and participate in one of the best professional development events by applying to become an AP Reader; all scoring sessions will take place online this year. More information and link to application is here.

Reminder:

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.

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals 2021 Civics Contest

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is pleased to invite Alaska’s high school students to write essays or create videos that speak to this year’s topic: What Does Our American Community Ask of Us?

The contest’s web site presents engaging materials that your students will be able to access online, free of charge.  You can find them under the “resources” tab of the website. Access the complete set of materials here: https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/civicscontest.  Entries are due March 17.   

Small Rural School Achievement Grant Application Available February 10

The U.S. Department of Education published in the Federal Register this morning a notice about the availability of, and application deadline for, fiscal year (FY) 2021 SRSA (Small Rural School Achievement) grant applications.  You can access the notice at this link, which includes eligibility and other important information.   Applications are available now and the deadline for districts to apply is April 16^th. 

The Anchorage Festival of Music announces the 2021 Ted Stevens Young Alaskan Artist Award Competition

Young Alaskans pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or program in music at an accredited institution are encouraged to apply for the 2021 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 28, 2021. The application may be downloaded at www.anchoragefestivalofmusic.org.   

For questions, please contact Juliana Osinchuk, Young Alaskan Artist Award Director, 907-351-6392,  dawsinchuk@gmail.com or Laura Koenig, Artistic Director, Anchorage Festival of Music, 907-227-2010

anchoragefestivalofmusic@gmail.com.

Discovery Southeast Hiring for Summer Camp Leader Positions

Summer Camp Leader is a great opportunity for someone exploring the field of outdoor education, or for an experiences educator looking to expand.  This position is in the field leading groups of elementary to middle school aged children as they explore the natural history of Juneau. Educators will work week-long day camps for most of the summer. The position is full time, with 35-40 hours a week starting at a rate of $15-16 per hour DOE. Educators will work 7-9 weeks of camp, with 1 week of training prior to camp, and a mid-summer training, additional weeks off may be negotiable. Go to Discovery Southeast’s webpage for more information and to apply, or direct questions to bess@discoverysoutheast.org.

Monthly MeetUp for Rural Educators

Join rural teachers each month to connect and share ideas in job-alike groups or in specific interest areas. Rural teachers don’t always have colleagues with whom they can problem solve and brainstorm. Finding ways to connect and grow as professionals is especially important now, as we face challenges never before encountered. Meetings will be in an Edcamp style, where the agenda will be created in real-time based on the input of participants. The next meetup is Tuesday March 2 from 3:45 - 5:15pm. To register for next month’s session, visit aklearns.org.

Curriculum Resources for Teaching About Sled Dogs and Mushing in Alaska

Looking for new ways to incorporate sled dogs, mushing, and it’s place in Alaska history and culture into your classroom?  Check out these two great webpages:

A-CHILL: A collaborative project across the schools & communities of Alaska Gateway and Yukon Koyukuk School Districts. (https://www.achill.life/)

George Attla – Making of a Champion: 54 Years of Competitive Sled Dog Racing: 1958-2011 (http://attlamakingofachampion.com/)

NASF Centennial School Tree Challenge Grant, Extended!

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry has extended The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Centennial School Tree Challenge. Grants are available to schools for the purchase, shipping, and planting of trees. Trees can be planted on school grounds, or even indoors if your school has a suitable space or a greenhouse. This opportunity is first come first served and is available until funds are exhausted.  NEW: Participating schools will be eligible to receive a FREE curriculum from Project Learning Tree!

COVID-19 has brought exceptional challenges to us all during the past year, and it's no surprise that educators have once again shown courage, strength, and resiliency.  Plant a tree at your school in honor of your school's heroes! Create a memorial grove of trees in memory of your community members who have lost lives to COVID-19.  Use this grant to create a new outdoor classroom surrounded by trees for a healthy learning environment! 

Notice Inviting Applications: Indian Education Formula Grants to LEAs

• Deadlines:
  • Part I of Electronic Application System for Indian Education (EASIE) Applications Available: February 8, 2021.
  • Deadline for Transmittal of EASIE Part I: March 11, 2021.
  • Part II of EASIE Applications Available: April 5, 2021.
  • Deadline for Transmittal of EASIE Part II: May 14, 2021.
• For More Information Contact: Crystal C. Moore, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, MS 6335, Washington, DC 20202-6335. Telephone: (202) 215-3964. Email: crystal.moore@ed.gov. For technical questions about the EASIE application and uploading documentation, contact the Partner Support Center (PSC). Telephone: 877-457-3336. Email: OIE.EASIE@ed.gov.

Notice Inviting Applications: Alaska Native Education Program

• Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 12, 2021.
• Contact for Further Information: Almita Reed, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, room 3E222, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 260-1979. Email: ASKANEP@ed.gov.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PEAMST) Nomination Period for 7-12 Educators Now Open

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. The Awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.  To read more about the program, nominate a 7-12 teacher, or view the application packet, please visit https://www.paemst.org.

June Nelson Memorial Scholarship

The Association of Alaska School Boards is proud to announce its 30th Annual Scholarship Award Competition!  The June Nelson Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of the late June Nelson, longtime school board member from Kotzebue. June contributed much to the cause of education and will be remembered for her outstanding service on behalf of Alaska's children.  This 2020-2021 school year, AASB will award fifteen graduating seniors each with a $1,500 scholarship to apply toward their post-secondary education. The scholarship may be applied toward the student's choice of a business, trade, or a college institution.  The deadline to apply is March 8, 2021.

Air Force ROTC Scholarship Program

The Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program gives high school seniors financial aid for college, followed by a guaranteed career in the Air Force (or Space Force!) upon graduation. If you’re curious about Air Force ROTC’s scholarship opportunities, the adventures you’ll have and the family you’ll discover within the program, or the thrill of becoming a confident leader in the world’s greatest Air Force or Space Force, please contact Sarah J. Boggins, 2d Lt, USAF.  She is there to answer any and all of your questions!

Stories of Women in STEM at the Smithsonian

Stories of Women in STEM at the Smithsonian features biographies of trailblazing women who made history through their scientific discoveries and innovation. From aerospace engineer and mathematician Mary Golda Ross to hair care entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, learn how women have defied gender stereotypes and overcome structural barriers to advance the science, technology, engineering, and math industry.  Read on Apple Books or via the web.

Districts can Register for Alaska’s School Climate & Connectedness Survey

All school districts are invited to participate in the 2021 School Climate & Connectedness Survey (SCCS). Schools are looking quite different this year. But no matter what shape learning is happening in your district-remotely, in-person, or blended, it is essential for students, staff, and families to feel safe and connected.  Taking SCCS will provide you with student, staff, and student perceptions on how they are doing now. For the 2021 school year, additional questions have been added to better understand the needs of students, staff, and families during COVID-19.

For more information and to register go to: https://aasb.org/register-now-for-sccs/ or email Jenni Lefing at jlefing@aasb.org. 

UAA School of Education Seeking Comment

The School of Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage is hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) the week of March 15, 2021. Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments to the site team. Please note that comments must address substantive matters relating to the quality of professional education programs offered and should specify the party’s relationship to the provider (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). Anonymous testimony will not be considered.  Email callforcomments@caepnet.org to submit comments.  The deadline to submit comment is March 12, 2021. 

The U.S. Department of Education is Seeking Education Success Stories

USED is looking to highlight education success stories and best practices. Teachers, parents, or student ambassadors are invited to draft a blog post about their successful transition to the classroom or hybrid teaching model that includes innovative or unique ways students are being educated in this new set of circumstances. The first blog in the series featuring a school teacher in New Hampshire is here. Contact Susan Falconer, USED, for more information.

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.

Latest COVID-19 Response Resources from the REL Program

In response to COVID-19, the 10 Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) have collaborated to produce a series of evidence-based resources and information about teaching and learning in a remote environment, as well as other considerations brought by the pandemic.

• Re-thinking Education Accountability Systems in Light of COVID-19
• Back-to-School Metrics: How to Assess Conditions for Teaching and Learning and to Measure Student Progress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Promising Practices and Approaches to Support Remote Learning
• Strategies for Educators to Support the Social and Emotional Needs of Students Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Demand for Racial Justice: Plans for Reopening Schools
• Supporting Students Experiencing Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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.

PPE for Schools and Districts

Get Us PPE is a national nonprofit that has delivered almost 2.5 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline workers. They are launching a program to get PPE to schools free of charge by matching schools and districts with local maker communities (groups that sew, 3D print, or otherwise produce "made" PPE). Interested parties can take this survey on PPE needs.

Google Educators Group of Alaska

Google Educators Group (GEG) are independently run communities of educators who inspire and empower each other to meet the needs of students through technology both in the classroom and beyond. Via face to face meet-ups and online activities, GEGs provide a way for educators who are passionate about education and technology to meet like-minded people and share, learn, and collaborate together.

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. 

Learning Computer Science While Schools are Closed

Code.org want to support teachers, students, and families while students are learning from home. They’re offering resources for parents and teachers. Plus, options for smartphones for anyone who doesn’t have a computer at home.

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.

Ready to Read Alaska

Ready to Read Alaska is a statewide initiative for families and caregivers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in Alaska. The program’s mission is to promote early literacy development in Alaska’s young children to create the foundations needed for when a child begins to learn to read. Ready to Read is posting training videos on YouTube, and literacy tips, book recommendations, crafts, and activities on Instagram.

To submit news items, please email deed.infoexchange@alaska.gov.  This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at https://education.alaska.gov/news/infoexch.

This newsletter contains hyperlinks to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the reader’s convenience. DEED does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.