News From DEED

Last Call! Bond Reimbursement and Grant Review Committee Meeting April 14 and 15

The BR&GR Committee is meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 14 and 15, 2020 from 1pm - 4:30pm.  The primary agenda items are changes to and approval of the FY2022 Capital Improvement Project application and support materials; proposed updates to the Guide for School Facility Condition Surveys publication and 19th Edition Program Demand Cost Model; and to hear subcommittee reports on cost-effective school construction standards.

NEW! DEED Seeking Input Regarding Test Items for the New PEAKS Science Assessment

DEED is recruiting educators to provide input regarding test items for the new Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools (PEAKS) Science assessments based on the new Alaska Science Standards adopted in June 2019. DEED hopes to hold the Item Review in Anchorage on June 22-25. However, due to COVID-19 the review may be held virtually. Educators should apply by April 30 by completing the Interested Applicant Survey. Please contact Isaac Paulson at isaac.paulson@alaska.gov with any questions.

NEW! DEED 21^st Century Community Learning Centers FY21 Request for Applications Due Date Extended

DEED is seeking applicants for competitive 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (21^st CCLC) funding that would begin providing programming in the fall of the 20-21 school year. The goal of the 21st CCLC program is to raise student academic achievement by providing students engaging out-of-school-time academic assistance and educational enrichment opportunities.  To allow people to focus on supporting their community during the COVID-19 epidemic, DEED has extended the due date to May 15. Visit the 21^st CCLC Webpage for more information about the extension, the revised RFA, and recorded technical assistance webinars.

NEW! COVID-19 Resources Guide from the Alaska State Library

The Alaska State Library has published an Alaska-specific guide for Libraries and COVID-19. The COVID-19 website includes:

• Statement about the latest health mandates applicable to libraries, archives, museums and schools.
• Resources for remote working and professional development.
• Self-care resources to help you destress in this time of crisis.
• A working list of services currently offered by libraries in Alaska.

NEW! Save the Date: 2020 Annual Distance Delivered Trainings Rescheduled

Both distance-delivered trainings will be delivered via WebEx.  Invitations will be sent out to everyone who registered for the trainings initially scheduled on March 18^th and March 19^th.

• 2020 SFSP Distance Training – School Food Authorities (SFAs) Only:

Thursday, April 16^th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

• 2020 SFSP Distance Training – All Sponsor:

Tuesday, April 21^st, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

New SFSP Application Due Date:  May 1, 2020. Please contact Jennifer Cherian or Rhonda Biles with questions.

State Board to Hold Special Work Session in Response to COVID-19

The State Board of Education will hold a special board work session on April 6, 2020, by audio conference to receive an update from Commissioner Johnson on department activity relating to the COVID-19 virus.

DEED Launches Alaska Statewide Virtual School

While school buildings throughout Alaska are closed, “an excellent education for every student, every day” continues to be the mission of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). In an effort to support Alaska’s school districts and ensure ongoing opportunities for all students to learn, DEED is launching the Alaska Statewide Virtual School (AKSVS).

DEED to Receive Waiver for Assessment and Accountability Requirements from U.S. Department of Education

In an effort to support school districts in response to COVID-19, DEED submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Education (US ED) to waive certain requirements of the ESEA related to assessment and accountability requirements. US ED has reviewed the request and intends to issue a formal approval of the waiver request in the coming weeks. DEED will begin work to implement the waiver while US ED processes the formal approval.

DEED Launches Website to Support Student Learning in Response to COVID-19

In an effort to provide information, resources, and leadership to support educators during this challenging time, the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) launched a Teaching and Learning Support website.

DEED Received a Waiver from the USDA to Allow Meal Service During School Closures  

The USDA approved a request from Alaska to allow meal service during school closures to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19. Please email jo.dawson@alaska.gov for more information or to request a waiver for your school.

Seeking Public Review and Comment on State Content Standards

DEED is seeking review and comment on state content standards. We encourage parents, educators, and communities to take a few minutes to provide input on Alaska's current English Language Arts and Mathematics standards adopted in 2012.

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. Are there children in your community who will go hungry this summer? DEED’s Child Nutrition Programs 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. All sponsors receive training and technical assistance from DEED/CNP prior to starting their Summer Food Service Program, and throughout the program’s duration. For questions or to register contact Jennifer Cherian at jennifer.cherian@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4969. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.