- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Last Call - New - Reminder
Last Call:
Last Call! Reimagine Workforce Preparation Grants Program
The US Department of Education is inviting applications for a discretionary grant program designed to offer students the opportunity to develop new skills, provide innovators and investors the resources to expand existing businesses or build new ones, and encourage institutions of higher education to foster workforce development and modernization as the country begins to recover from COVID-19-related disruptions to education and the economy. The deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply is July 13.
Last Call! The Alaska Superintendent of the Year Nomination Process is Open
The Alaska Superintendents Association selection committee is seeking nominations for the 2021 Alaska Superintendent of the Year. Nominations can be made by education colleagues, school board members, parents/families, community members and/or anyone who has personal knowledge of an Alaska superintendent’s performance and qualifications. Nominations are due July 17.
Last Call! Computer Science Teachers Association 2020 Virtual Conference
CSTA's Annual Conference is a chance for computer science teachers to come together for learning, networking, and fun. The two-day virtual conference has over 100 sessions of education to broaden the knowledge of computer science education, inspirational keynotes and sessions to reinvigorate a passion for teaching, and countless moments of fun and connection along the way. July 13-14.
USDA is opening a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. Electronic applications for window two may be submitted through grants.gov and are due no later than July 13. Paper applications will not be accepted under the second window. Additional information on how to apply is available on grants.gov.
New:
NEW! US ED Launches Competition to Advance Student-Centered Technology Education
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced a challenge to advance high-quality technology instruction in rural communities. The Rural Tech Project, with a total cash prize pool of $600,000, invites high schools and local educational agencies to develop competency-based, distance learning programs that enable students to master skills at their own pace with the goal of preparing them for the well-paying, in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.
Do you have questions about COVID-19? Join the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services on Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00 pm to hear up-to-date COVID-19 information from Public Health leadership. You can register for the webinar, or ask a question.
NEW! Families Can Make Playground Visits Safer During the Pandemic
After months of closing or being too snow-covered to use, playgrounds at schools and public parks reopened in most communities for the summer. Families are definitely returning to play. Parks departments across Alaska are putting in extra time to clean playgrounds. Even so, you can help set expectations for your family to prevent the spread of illness.
NEW! Caregiver Chats
Ready to Read Alaska is posting Caregiver Chats on YouTube. Each session provides 15 minutes of training for parents on topics such as Supporting Writing, Reading for Young Children, and Screen Time for Young Children.
NEW! Creative Native Call for Art
Creative Native is a call for art that supports young Indigenous artists ages 5-24 years old by providing them an opportunity to receive national recognition, funding for art supplies, and award of $200. Submissions are due August 26.
NEW! Mass Attacks in Public Spaces Virtual Presentation
The U.S. Secret Service is hosing a virtual presentation on Mass Attacks in Public Spaces. This event would be appropriate for federal, state, and local government agencies; school personnel; mental health providers, faith-based leaders; private sector, and others with a public safety nexus. This free seminar will take place August 6.
Reminder:
Secretary DeVos Issues Rule to Ensure CARES Act Funding Serves All Students
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos issued a rule that would help to ensure all students whose learning was impacted by COVID-19 are served equitably by emergency funding authorized by the CARES Act, no matter where they attend school. The Interim Final Rule, which becomes effective immediately, outlines how local education agencies must calculate the emergency funds available for providing equitable services to students and teachers in private schools.
Summer of Heroes is a program between Alaska Communications (ACS) and Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska, promoting education, awareness, and support for youth development programs throughout the state. Summer of Heroes includes two main components - a youth recognition and scholarship award, and a cause-related sales promotion. ACS is seeking nominations until August 14 of youth who are doing good in their local communities.
New Resources for Businesses to Encourage COVID-19 Precautions
Alaska businesses now have access to a new suite of printable resources to help encourage COVID-19 precautions among employees and customers. The COVID-Conscious Business Toolkit features Alaska-themed artwork to communicate and encourage measures, such as physical distancing and mask wearing.
High School Introduction to Nautical Skills
The Alaska Maritime Training Center at AVTEC’s Nautical Skills course introduces high school students to the exciting and lucrative maritime industry and assists them in developing the basic skills essential to their success and safety as a mariner. This six-week course is first-come, first-served, so register now! The course runs September 8 – October 23.
The first ever I, Too, Am the Dream Contest seeks to engage high school seniors in describing dynamic stories that have propelled themselves and others to pursue and achieve their American Dream. Students may submit an essay, poem, spoken word, or short story for an opportunity to win $5,000 toward achieving their dreams. Submission deadline is September 14.
AASL Partners with StoryCorps to Launch StoryCorps Connect
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is partnering with StoryCorps to launch StoryCorps Connect. The new free platform allows Americans to conduct and record StoryCorps interviews remotely. AASL encourages school librarians to utilize the technology to support learners in connecting with others amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and, in the process, to contribute to the creation of a unique first-person historical record of this unprecedented crisis.
How Do We Read? Let’s Count the Ways
This report analyzes data from the 2017 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPA), which the National Endowment for the Arts conducted in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau. It gives a statistical overview of how the nation’s adults engage with leisure reading and other literary activities, such as author readings, book clubs, and creative writing.
Ilisagvik College Type M CTE Teacher Prep Program
The CTE Teacher Preparation Pilot Program at Ilisagvik Colllege will help Type M teachers build upon career knowledge and combine educational practices and theories to support confident, effective classroom leaders. Ilisagvik College just released its fall course offerings. Contact Arth Brown for more information.
- ED 194 80B – CTE: Introduction to Classroom Instructional Strategies
- ED 194 81B – CTE: Safety & Technology in the CTE Classroom
- ED 194 82B – CTE: School Law, Regulations, & Compliance
- ED 199 80B – CTE Practicum
Computer Science Workshops Now Offered through Zoom This Summer
Due to current health mandates and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis. Alaska Staff Development Network created blended online professional development opportunities for learning to teach computer science in the fall. Provide opportunities for Alaska students to master the AK computer Science Standards and be career ready for jobs that require computational thinking, critical thinking, logic, and collaboration. For additional information please contact Cheryl Bobo.
- CS Fundamentals – 2 online offerings, 1 credit. Designed for K-5 elementary educators new to teaching computer science. July 21-23, July 28-30, and Aug 4-6.
- CS Discoveries – 2 online offerings, 2 credits. Designed to support middle and high school teachers before and during their first year teaching the Code.org professional learning program. Scholarships are available. July 27-31, and Aug 3-7.
- CS Principles- 1 online offering, 2 credits. Designed to support middle and high school teachers before and during their first year teaching the Code.org professional learning program. Aug 3-7
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
This two-week virtual program teaches 10-12th grade girls the computer science skills they need to make an impact in their community while preparing for a career in tech. Participants will get exposure to tech jobs and join a supportive sisterhood of women in tech.
Kindergarten Readiness Opportunity for Your Students
The state of Alaska is the beneficiary of a grant received by the Waterford UPSTART program. This program provides a unique opportunity for families to participate in the Waterford UPSTART program to support home-based kindergarten readiness delivered via technology. When parents are given the tools and knowledge to support their children, everyone wins. Every parent is empowered as their child’s first teacher right in the home.
The R.E.S.C.U.E. Project – Preventing the “COVID slide”
Millions of early readers are missing school. This may have serious negative effects on their reading development. The NSF-funded RESCUE Project hopes to prevent this COVID Slide. Educational organizations have teamed up to help Kindergarteners and First Graders learn to read at home using a researcher-developed, evidence-based computer-based game called GraphoLearn. Participation is voluntary for the free 12-week reading program and progress monitoring reports. Space is limited and filling up quickly. More information including how to sign up and media attention in NPR and the World Economic Forum can be found on the website.
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 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.
Short-term Job Opportunity – Assessment Administrators
Westat will be seeking applicants to staff the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Work with a team to proctor digitally based assessments on tablets. Applicants must be available for online and in-person training during January 2021 and able to proctor January 25 through March 12, 2021, when work is available. NAEP offers paid training, hourly wages paid weekly, and mileage reimbursement. This is a part-time, temporary position. For more information email NAEPRecruit@westat.com or call 1-888-237-8036.
The Alaska School Leadership Academy (ASLA) Launches Recruitment for 2020-21 Cohort
ASLA is a professional development and mentoring support program for early career Alaska principals designed to provide mentoring, networking, skill building and mutual support across the state. Applications are now open until September 1st for first- or second-year lead principals and assistant principals working in an Alaskan school and require superintendent support. Contact Sam Jordan at ASDN with any questions.
ASDN Offers Sessions and Courses for Alaskan Educators During COVID-19
The Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN) is offering many sessions and courses for Alaskan educators during COVID-19. Please see the resources page for professional development opportunities, partner resource sites, and many resources for distance learning.
Coursera Offering Free Courses to Help Workers Displaced by COVID-19 Re-Enter the Workforce
To assist during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Coursera community is launching an effort to help reskill unemployed workers to re-enter the workforce. Cousera will provide every government agency directly serving an unemployed population impacted by COVID-19 with free access to its course catalogue for these unemployed workers. Government organizations can sign up to provide unemployed workers with access to more than 3,800+ courses and 400 Specializations from Coursera’s university and industry partners.
To submit news items, please contact Rochelle Lindley at (907) 465-6535 or rochelle.lindley@alaska.gov. This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at https://education.alaska.gov/news/infoexch.