News from Education & Early Development

New! 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, should the need arise, to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19. Please email jo.dawson@alaska.gov for more information or to request a waiver for your school.

New! Proposed ESSA State Plan Changes

DEED is looking to gather feedback on proposed changes to the ESSA State Plan. Three sections of the plan have proposed revisions: Title I-C Education of Migratory Children, Title III-A Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students, and Statewide Accountability System and School Support and Improvement Activities. Links to the redline versions (strikethroughs and proposed language added) as well as the SurveyMonkey feedback link can be found on the ESSA State Plan webpage. Feedback will be accepted through Wednesday, March 25, 2020. If you have questions please contact Courtney Preziosi at Courtney.Preziosi@alaska.gov.

Proposed Perkins V State Plan out for Public Comment

DEED has completed the final state plan draft of the new federal law for career and technical education - Alaska’s State Plan for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).  Please review and submit comments here through March 31, 2020.  Contact brad.billings@alaska.gov with any questions. 

DEED releases 21^st Century Community Learning Centers FY21 Request for Applications

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.  Applications are due April 17.  For questions, please contact Jessica Paris at jessica.paris@alaska.gov or 907-465-8716.

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.

Alaska State Council on the Arts Grant Opportunities

The Alaska State Council on the Arts has multiple grant categories open for application, including: organizations, individuals, and art education. Cultural Collaboration Excursion grant applications are available on a rolling deadline, with applications due 30 days prior to the planned arts excursion. Information on all available grants can be found on the website.

Professional Teaching Practices Commission (PTPC) Spring 2020 Newsletter

The PTPC spring newsletter is available for distribution to all Alaska’s educators. The newsletter has practical information for all certified educators.