- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
News from Education & Early Development
Last Call! 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.
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.
NEW! State Board of Education Held a Special Work Session Relating to COVID-19
The Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development held a special board work session on March 25, 2020, under emergency circumstances. The purpose of the meeting was to receive an update from Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson on department activity relating to the COVID-19 virus.
DEED Launches Website to Support Student Learning in Response to COVID-19
In response to COVID-19, Governor Mike Dunleavy announced March 16 through March 27 will be non-student contact days in Alaska’s K-12 public schools to allow a period of planning and preparation for district personnel. 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.
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.
DEED releases 21st Century Community Learning Centers FY21 Request for Applications
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. 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.
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.