News From Dept. of Education & Early Development

DEED hiring State Records Manager

The Department of Education and Early Development, Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums is seeking a talented Records Analyst to serve as the State Records Manager for Alaska. The State Records Manager plays a vital role in the mission for the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums to provide access to government information by delivering training and records management consulting services to state agencies, local government and school districts, and ensuring they are in compliance with state and federal laws for retaining and protecting records throughout the information lifecycle. Click here for the full posting.

ARP Act State Activities Suggestion Form

DEED has created an ARP Act State Activities Suggestion Form which is posted on the DEED COVID-19 fiscal page. This Smartsheet will be used as a way for stakeholders to provide suggestions and innovative ideas for how DEED utilizes its ARP Act ESSER III state-level allocation. It is important to note that this is not an application for funds and there is no guarantee that suggestions will be considered for funding. If you have any questions, please email DEED.CARES@alaska.gov.

Alaska State Museum now open Sundays, classes and lectures offered in jam-packed June

The Alaska State Museum will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Programs this month include Ravenstail pendant making classes, formline and block printing classes, and conversations with renown Alaska Native artists. Find all the programs and information in the June edition of At the APK & SJM.

DEED Seeking State System of Support Coaches

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development is seeking submissions from qualified and experienced educators for the State System of Support (SSOS) Coaching Program.

SSOS coaches are leaders who are interested in investing in the leadership and learning communities of Alaska’s Comprehensive Schools of Improvement (Lowest 5%). SSOS coaches apply their education skills in a mostly virtual setting to increase the capacity of low performing schools and districts to increase student achievement.

For more information see the Online Public Notice here: http://notice.alaska.gov/202565

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 15^th 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.

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.

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.