News from The Alaska Department of Education

Last Call! Science Standards for Alaska Professional Development Recruitment

DEED is planning a series of webinars for Alaskan teachers around the Science Standards for Alaska (SSAs) and needs your help. DEED is still looking for current Alaskan science teachers to assist with developing high-level introductory webinars that introduce teachers to key elements and changes in the Science Standards for Alaska, and recording YouTube video(s) that assist teachers in aligning lesson plans and units with the SSAs. DEED is offering a stipend of $500 for participation in this project. Interested educators should apply by October 21.

NEW! State Board to Hold Work Session on October 21

The Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development will hold a work session on October 21, 2020, by audio conference originating from the commissioner’s office conference room at 801 West 10th Street, Juneau, Alaska. The purpose of the meeting is to hold a work session to receive a guest presentation from the Alaska Telecom Association regarding broadband in Alaska.

NEW! Alaska Nonprofit Receives Grant to Support Rural Charter School

USED announced more than $131 million in new grant funding to create and expand hundreds of high-quality public charter schools across the country. Among the selected is Learning Point Alaska, Inc., an education nonprofit agency. Learning Point will receive over $500,000 to support the Hooper Bay Charter School (HBCS), located in the traditional Alaska Native village of Hooper Bay on the west coast of the Bering Sea.

NEW! Research Center Open by Appointment Only

The Research Center of the Alaska State Library – Historical Collections and Alaska State Archives will be open to the public by appointment only beginning October 20. Appointments must be made at least 48 hours in advance. The State Library Reading Room will remain open for patrons to check materials in or out, use public computers and Wi-Fi, or to utilize the space.

Women of Alaska Display Featured on Official Election Pamphlet

Women of Alaska is an exhibit on virtual display through the Alaska State Library and Archives. Women have played a significant role in shaping Alaska into the state it is today. Women of Alaska recognizes and celebrates their achievements and contributions to the economic, academic, social, cultural, and political fields within our communities.

DEED Issues Broadband Assistance Grants to Improve School Bandwidth

This summer the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) awarded over $6 million in Broadband Assistance Grant (BAG) funds to 139 K-12 schools in 27 districts to help schools increase their broadband internet capacity. The program is targeted toward rural school districts that experience extremely high costs for internet.

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! 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.

Museum From Home

Alaska museums and cultural centers offer a rich diversity of online learning opportunities, activities, and experiences that you can explore right from your home!

Documenting the Impact of COVID-19 on Life in Alaska

The Alaska State Libraries, Archives, and Museums Division is documenting the impact of COVID-19 on life in Alaska. You can help by sharing documents, images, journals, audio recordings, videos, and other digital or tangible items relating to COVID-19 in Alaska.

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.