- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
News From DEED
NEW! State Board to Hold Work Session on April 22
The Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development will hold a work session on April 22 by WebEx. The purpose of the meeting is to hold a work session to receive an update from Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson on department activity.
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! Professional Teaching Practices Commission to Meet April 23-24
The Alaska Professional Teaching Practices Commission will meet by teleconference on April 23-24 from 8:30-4 pm to consider disciplinary actions against certificate holders, to conduct administrative reviews, and to discuss other Commission business. Participants may join by calling 1-800-315-6338, access code 67207.
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 18th and March 19th.
- 2020 SFSP Distance Training – All Sponsor:
Tuesday, April 21st, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
New SFSP Application Due Date: May 1, 2020. Please contact Jennifer Cherian or Rhonda Biles with questions.
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.
DEED 21st Century Community Learning Centers FY21 Request for Applications Due Date Extended
DEED is seeking applicants for competitive 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st 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 21st CCLC Webpage for more information about the extension, the revised RFA, and recorded technical assistance webinars.
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).
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.