News from Education & Early Development

Last Call! 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.

Last Call! 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.

NEW! New eLearning Course: Self-Care for Educators

DEED is proud to announce the new eLearning course, Self-Care for Educators. Educators are faced with stressors everyday in a normal classroom. Now, during a pandemic, educators face additional pressures and practicing self-care is more important than ever. This course provides health-enhancing information on how to manage compassion fatigue and secondary trauma by practicing self-care strategies.  Learn about the important factors of self-care, strategies to help you practice in your every-day life and how to avoid compassion fatigue and burnout.  Active self-care reduces teacher turnover and depression, anxiety, anger and fatigue among teachers. In taking care of ourselves and each other, we provide positive role modeling for students. Please visit DEED’s eLearning page to login. The course can be found in the catalog under All Courses or Trauma-Engaged Schools. Email eLearning@alaska.gov for more information or assistance with your account. 

NEW! BrainPOP Subscription

Many of you know that Alaska has a statewide license to BrainPOP, but did you know that your teachers can unlock additional features through individual accounts that can only be set up at the school level? At no additional charge to you?

• For students to access BrainPop: click the LOG IN tab (not ENTER CODE)
• For teachers to whose schools are set up to use BrainPop Educator: use the ENTER CODE

If you have the username and password for DEED’s statewide subscription, please only share it in a way that no one on the internet besides your patrons or students can access the username/password. (i.e. direct e-mail ok, posting to your social media/website/blog is NOT.) If you don’t have the current SLED database credentials, visit the SLED Password Request form and fill it out completely. Expect a response within one business day. The SLED usernames and passwords are good for nearly all the SLED Databases and resources. One request will empower you to help with just about anything SLED related.

Contact Martha Ketsdever, BrainPOP Account Manager for Alaska State Libraries, for more information at marthak@brainpop.com.

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 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.

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.