- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
News from the Alaska Department of Education
Alaska Science of Reading Leadership Academy
DEED is looking for school leaders who are interested in building their capacity to support teachers in the use of evidence based instructional leadership practices, with a specific focus on Alaska Native communities. The mission of the Alaska Science of Reading Leadership Academy is to develop principals and other school leaders who understand the science of reading, its application within Alaska Native culture, and how to support teachers with a variety of literacy leadership strategies in their unique school setting.
This two-month, eight-session course will develop the pedagogical and content knowledge of principals and other school leaders in the science of reading leadership. Each weekly session will be synchronous and will last for one hour. Participants will be organized into two different cohorts of approximately 25 members each, which will run simultaneously.
The Department of Education and Early Development is seeking comments on a revised draft of its new publication Alaska School Design and Construction Standards, which will establish department criteria for cost-effective school construction to apply to school capital projects funded under AS 14.11. E-mail written comments to Tim.Mearig@alaska.gov no later than 1pm on March 25, 2022.
Seeking comments on update to “Capital Project Administration Handbook” until March 31
Teacher Retention and Recruitment Implementation Feedback Sought, Call for Subcommittee Volunteers
The State of Alaska is in the third phase of an effort to improve teacher retention and recruitment (TRR) in Alaska. The Governor’s Teacher Retention and Recruitment Working Group met throughout 2020 and early 2021, and last April released TRR Action Plan. Now, DEED is in the implementation phase.
The first implementation convening was held late February. A recording of that meeting is available here. Educators are invited to share their thoughts on how to create a supportive system in this Google form. The form also provides a way to indicate interest in volunteering for a TRR Implementation subcommittee. The committees are the Organizational Health Cadre, Recruitment Task Force, Alternative Certification Team, and Retirement Working Group. Please complete the form by March 31, 2022.
DEED Launching Alaska Certified Facilitator Program to Build Assessment Literacy
DEED is launching a certified facilitator program for schools and districts: the Alaska Certified Facilitator Program (CFP).
The Alaska Professional Learning Initiative will build assessment literacy capacity throughout Alaska schools. District staff will build a deeper understanding of how assessment drives instruction and learning, and participants will become stewards of assessment literacy in their communities. Through partnership between DEED and NWEA, the Alaska Professional Learning Initiative is comprised of professional learning opportunities and a certified facilitator program. The primary purpose of the CF program in Alaska is to drive toward an excellent education for every student every day by supporting statewide assessment literacy and formative assessment practices that result in improved teaching and
learning.
The certified facilitator role is an internal position within a district to support the state assessment literacy initiative. Certified facilitators will provide professional learning directly to schools and districts to ensure educators and stakeholders across the state have a very clear sense of what assessment is,
its value, and how to use assessment data to empower students, teachers, and communities to thrive.
Click here for more information or email Kelly.manning@alaska.gov.
DEED Final FY23 Capital Improvement Project Grant Rankings Available
DEED’s final 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.
Alaska K-12 Education COVID-Relief Funding Dashboard Now Available
The Alaska K-12 Education COVID-19 Federal Relief Funding Dashboard includes information on funding for individual districts, DEED, the Office of the Governor, and non-public schools. Information on the dashboard includes award amounts and expenditures, timelines of funding availability, and project descriptions.
In addition to the funding dashboards, DEED created a new webpage for COVID relief funding resources. The COVID Relief Funding Resources page will help both school districts and the public find health resources, funding resources, and considerations for school closures.
The Youth Cultural Heritage Program (YCH), made possible by funding from Rasmuson Foundation and administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, is designed to support organizations and groups that deliver cultural heritage programming to children and youth in Alaska. As an initiative of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Youth Cultural Heritage program places emphasis on teaching and learning in and through culturally-specific art forms, relevant to communities of culture in Alaska. Alaska individuals, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organizations, tribal entities, private nonprofit schools, and public schools or school districts are eligible to apply for funding and services through the Youth Cultural Heritage program.
- Youth Cultural Heritage Fast Track Grants: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; deadlines are rolling, at least 30 days prior to the planned activity. Organizations and groups may apply for up to $2,000.00 in support of Youth Cultural Heritage activities.
- Youth Cultural Heritage Fellowships: Individuals may be eligible for funding and services through the YCH Fellowship Program. YCH Fellows receive a grant and services from the program coordinators to learn, explore and discuss youth cultural heritage ideas, project development, grant writing and program evaluation. Fellows will connect with each other as a cohort, meet YCH Alumni, and develop proposals for YCH Projects in Alaskan communities. Up to four YCH Fellows will be selected in a given program cycle.
For complete information, contact and application materials, visit the Alaska State Council on the Arts website at https://arts.alaska.gov/Youth-Cultural-Heritage-Grant-Program.
DEED adds Understanding Homelessness and Dyslexia eLearning modules
DEED is proud to announce the release of two new eLearning modules- Understanding Homelessness and Dyslexia.
Understanding Homelessness (30 minutes)
This course helps educators learn how to identify children and youth who meet the definition of homeless, the services available to help students and families, and understand the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness. For information about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, please contact Cecilia Miller at Cecilia.miller@alaska.gov.
Dyslexia (45 minutes)
In this course you will have the opportunity to build on your understanding of the specific learning disability, dyslexia. This course identifies effective, evidence-based strategies for reading, outlines reading instruction essentials, and provides ideas for classroom supports to implement with students with dyslexia. For support concerning individuals with disabilities, please contact sped@alaska.gov.
Please visit DEED’s eLearning page to login https://eedelearning.inquisiqlms.com/. Email eLearning@alaska.gov or call (907) 465-8677 for assistance with your account.
Assessment & Data Literacy Training
Alaska’s System of Academic Readiness (AK STAR) gives educators insights that can help improve student learning. Beginning November 30 and continuing into 2022, teachers, teacher leaders, coaches and administrators are invited to join professional learning sessions available for free that will equip educators to make the most of assessments. Workshop and seminars will range from “Basics of MAP Growth” to “Balanced Assessment Systems for Leaders.” A full course catalog is available online. One college credit is available for educators participating in at least six sessions.
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.
