- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
News From Dept. of Education & Early Development
NEW! DEED seeks stakeholder input on ARP State Plan: Webinar May 3
The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) is seeking stakeholder input in developing a state plan for spending the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funding. DEED recognizes that seeking input from diverse stakeholders is essential to developing plans for the use of ARP funds that are responsive to the needs of students, families, and educators. DEED is hosting the first of several webinars to engage with stakeholders. Please join us on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 2:00 pm.
- Webinar Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88604405037?pwd=bUpHRzIwWDhrWEZDcHovNG5zWTJrUT09
- Meeting ID: 886 0440 5037
- Passcode: alaska
- To Join by Phone: 1-888-475-4499 US Toll-free
If you have any questions, please contact us at DEED.CARES@alaska.gov
NEW! State Library and Archives to return to pre-pandemic hours, new exhibits opening next week
Alaska state museums are resuming some in-person programming in Sitka and Juneau. The libraries will also be returning to pre-pandemic hours. Next week the Alaska State Museum will debut an exhibit The Spirit Wraps Around You. This exhibit traces the history of the sacred textiles known today as “Ravens Tail” and “Chilkat” robes. Two dozen robes will carry the story of Native weaving among the Tsimshian, Haida, and Tlingit of Alaska and British Columbia, representing both ancient and modern ceremonial robes made by Alaska Natives and First Nations weavers. Learn more in the latest edition of At the SPK & SJM.
DEED Hiring Director of Division of Innovation and Education Excellence
DEED is now recruiting a Director of the Division of Innovation and Education Excellence. The position may be based in DEED’s office in either Anchorage or Juneau. Full job posting is linked below.
The Director will be responsible, either directly or through division staff, for overseeing the work of the Deputy Director, the Division Operations Manager, an Administrative Assistant, and nine teams working to institute programs and policies which ensure that each student in Alaska is offered an excellent education which meets the State standards and prepares them for a successful adulthood. Additionally, this position will be responsible for leading the work of modernizing Alaska’s public education system, particularly with regard to instituting new programs for equitable access statewide. Applications period closes May 7.
DEED is also now hiring a State Records Manager within the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums.
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Application Training Webinars
Join DEED Facilities staff for any of five different training workshops offered via Zoom on May 11 and 12, 2021. Topics include general CIP process overview, project application walk-through, project cost estimating, and maintenance program submittals.
Overcoming Anxiety and Stress in Alaskan Schools
Covid-19 has had a profound effect on all Alaskans. We have seen an increase in anxiety and stress in students, staff and families. In response, DEED created a new eLearning course to help Alaskans navigate and manage stress and anxiety. When we successfully manage these emotions, we can harness their power to be successful. But toxic levels of stress and anxiety can have significant impacts on our well-being. Both teachers and students are susceptible. In this course, you will learn ways to help students manage stress and anxiety—methods you can also use yourself.
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how stress and anxiety impact students and staff in Alaskan schools
- Use practical tools to help students, colleagues, and yourself manage stress and anxiety
Please visit our eLearning webpage to log in or request a new account: https://education.alaska.gov/ELearning
Alaska State Council on the Arts Adaptation and Innovation Grants
The Alaska State Council on the Arts has Adaptation and Innovation Grants available on a rolling deadline, 30 days prior to the planned activity. Eligible applicants include schools, school partners (such as PTA/PTO organizations), organizations and individuals. The Alaska State Council on the Arts in partnership with Rasmuson Foundation developed the Adaptation and Innovation Grant Program to support efforts to rebuild and advance our work together, to connect with community, and to positively impact Alaskan lives across the state in and through the arts and cultures of our state. For complete information, guidelines, and applications, visit the Alaska State Council on the Arts – Adaptation and Innovation Grants page at https://arts.alaska.gov/adaptation-and-innovation-grant-program.
Sheldon Jackson Museum Tradition Innovation Exhibition Now Online
An exhibition of garments, artwork, objects, and film that highlights the lifestyle and creation of Alaska Native and environmental-based art by Peter Williams may now be viewed on the Sheldon Jackson Museum’s website.
Alaska Statewide Virtual System Discussion Board
AKSVS teachers, are you looking for a place of discussion and support? Interested in meeting and sharing with other Alaskan teachers using AKSVS? Check out the Teacher Channel Discussion Board through the Alaska Professional Learning Network.
Trauma Engaged Toolkit Professional Development Opportunities
This fall AASB & DEED will be hosting a series of webinars featuring the Transforming Schools Framework and Toolkit. The first session will take place on September 15th and will focus on Self Care. Please continue to check back as more sessions are added.
New DEED Science Education Listserv
DEED launched a new Science Education Listserv! The listserv will be a space for science teachers in Alaska to share information on teaching practices, instructional resources, community partnerships, lesson plan and unit ideas, professional development opportunities, and to discuss topical concerns in science instruction. DEED will also use it to push out notifications regarding opportunities in science education. All science teachers in Alaska (pre-K, K-12, and collegiate) are encouraged to join.
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.
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.