- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
News from the Alaska Department of Education
DEED invites Alaska educators to apply to join the Assessment Advisory Panel
The Assessment Advisory Panel serves to advise DEED on issues related to the design, development, and implementation of an effective and secure statewide comprehensive assessment system and corresponding accountability and support systems. DEED seeks a diverse group of educators to represent the regions and ethnic groups throughout the state.
Find more information about the Assessment Advisory Panel and application instructions here. Completed applications are due no later than December 10.
DEED Initial FY23 Capital Improvement Project Grant Rankings Available
DEED’s initial FY2023 priority lists of district-submitted CIP grant applications for school construction and major maintenance projects are now available. Priority lists are used by the department, governor, and legislature to determine school construction and major maintenance projects for capital funding during the upcoming budget cycle.
Reconsideration Hearings for FY23 CIP Grant Ranking, November 18, 23 and 30
School districts that submitted a DEED FY2023 capital improvement project (CIP) grant application can request reconsideration of its eligibility determination, the priority ranking assigned to a project, its scope as approved by the department, or the project’s approved budget. Written requests are due by the close of the reconsideration hearings on November 30 at 4:30pm.
The Department of Education and Early Development is seeking comments on an initial draft of its new publication Alaska School Design and Construction Standards, which will establish department criteria to apply to school construction projects funded under AS 14.11. An informational meeting is available November 10 at 1:30pm. Email written comments to Tim.Mearig@alaska.gov by 1pm on November 18, 2021.
FY23 Capital Improvement Project Grant Reconsideration Process Q&A, November 10
School districts and interested parties are invited to attend a question-and-answer webinar/teleconference addressing the procedures for school districts that may want to request the department reconsider an FY2023 initial CIP list decision of eligibility determination, the priority ranking assigned to a project, a project scope as approved by the department, or a project’s approved budget.
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.
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.
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.
