News from the Alaska Department of Education

Public Comment Period for Publication “Guidelines for School Equipment Purchases” ends October 19

The Department of Education and Early Development has revised its publication Guidelines for School Equipment Purchases, which provides guidance on school site selection analysis for school districts and consultants. The publication is cited in regulation 4 AAC 31.020(a) and establishes department criteria to apply to school construction projects funded under AS 14.11. E-mail comments to Tim.Mearig@alaska.gov no later than noon (12:00 p.m.) on October 19, 2021.

Nominate Students for Presidential Scholars and CTE Presidential Awards Programs

The Department of Education and Early Development is seeking applications for both the 2022 Presidential Scholars and CTE Presidential Scholars programs. The state may nominate up to 10 male and 10 female high school seniors who exhibit exemplary academic achievement, and up to five high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding success in Career and Technical Education programs.

Scholars for both programs will be chosen by a commission on the basis of outstanding scholarship, as well as artistic achievement, leadership, and community service. The programs are open to seniors graduating between January and June 2022 and who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Students at public, private, and home schools are eligible. These are not a scholarship programs; they are recognition programs. Presidential Scholars and CTE Presidential Scholars will receive a medallion at an expenses-paid ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. October 29, 2021. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only two scholars per school may be nominated.

For more information and to download student applications, please visit: https://education.alaska.gov/RecognitionPrograms/

Questions? 

• Academic Presidential Scholars – Contact Sharon Fishel at 907-465-6523 and fishel@alaska.gov
• CTE Presidential Scholars – Contact Bjørn Wolter, Ph.D. at 907-465-6542 or wolter@alaska.gov

DEED adds e-Learning course on teen vaping in Alaska

Did you know almost 50% of Alaska youth have tried e-cigarettes? E-cigarettes (also called “vapes”) are highly addictive, contain toxic materials and harm brain development.  Luckily, Alaska educators can make a big difference in helping youth and young adults quit – and prevent them from starting smoking in the first place. A new e-Learning course for educators about e-cigarette use among Alaska teens provides information about health harms, helps identify various types of products, teaches how to prevent use, and shares resources for schools, parents, and teens. Visit https://education.alaska.gov/ELearning to enroll in this course today!

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.

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.