Information Exchange: Vol. 45 No. 39

Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
September 29, 2017

Last call! Early-Bird Registration for the Alaska ACTE Professional Development Conference

This year’s premier annual gathering of CTE professionals at Alaska’s ACTE Professional Development Conference takes place October 30 to November 1 in downtown Anchorage. Early-bird rate extended through September 29.

NEW! Lt. Governor Hosting Treaty of Cession Sesquicentennial Event October 6 in Juneau

The public is invited to attend the very first, First Friday at the Lt. Governor’s office, 3^rd floor, Capitol Building, from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on October 6. Maps and photographs from the Treaty of Cession era along with a unique exhibit and story about the Seward Shame Pole will be featured. The pole was erected at Taant’a Kwaan village after William Seward visited in 1869, and reproduced this year in the village of Saxman by Tlingit carver Stephen Jackson. Refreshments will be served.

NEW! Committees for Alaska’s Education Challenge to Meet October 4 in Anchorage

The committees will present their recommendations to transform Alaska’s public education system October 4 at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage. The event, which is open to the public, begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m.

NEW! State Board to Hold Work Session on October 5 in Anchorage

The State Board of Education and Early Development will hold a work session on October 5 at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage to review the Alaska’s Education Challenge committee recommendations. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the public is invited to listen in person or by live-stream.

NEW! DEED is Hiring!

Librarian III to join our LAM team. Apply by October 10.

Education Administrator I to join our Student Learning team. Apply by October 12.

NEW! Northern Lights ABC K-8 School Named Blue Ribbon School

The U.S. Department of Education has recognized Northern Lights ABC K-8 School in Anchorage as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School. The school, which was nominated DEED, previously received this prestigious recognition in 2004.

Special Feature: Strings & Stories Statewide Touring Project Heading to Rural Alaska March 2018

Strings & Stories is a dynamic two-person show that features Alaskan violinist Linda Rosenthal and Los Angeles actor Bill Blush. Strings & Stories provides interactive performances and workshops for youth of all ages as well as for teachers/parents/families.

They are looking to visit as many rural Alaska communities as possible within the North Slope, Northwest Arctic, Yukon-Koyukuk, and Lower Kuskokwim school districts. Contact Linda Rosenthal for more information.

Reminder: State Board Approves UAA Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement Program

The State Board of Education, meeting September 14-15 in Juneau, approved the UAA early childhood special education endorsement program, and adopted amendments to regulations related to minimum standards for school buses and use of funding for vocational education programs.

Reminder: DEED Submits Every Student Succeeds Act State Plan to U.S. Department of Education

On September 18, DEED submitted its state plan to the U.S. Department of Education for how it intends to implement the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The state plan and an executive summary are posted on DEED’s ESSA webpage. 

Reminder: Alaska Treaty of Cession Sesquicentennial Events

See the attached event list for Fall 2017.

Reminder: Alaska Poetry Out Loud Registration Open

Any public or private school in Alaska with high school students is eligible to participate. The registration deadline is October 20. Contact Amanda Filori or Laura Forbes with questions.

Reminder: Artist in Schools Grant Application Open

Individual schools and districts may apply for funding, and non-profit organizations and parent groups supporting schools and districts are also eligible to apply. November 1 application deadline. Contact Laura Forbes with questions.

Reminder: FY2017 Professional Teaching Practices Commission Annual Report Released

The Professional Teaching Practices Commission is composed of five teachers, one superintendent, one principal, one representative of DEED, and one representative of higher learning. See attached report.

Reminder: 2017 Aspiring Principal Scholarship Now Open for Applications

Any aspiring principal enrolled in a program leading to an Alaska Type B Administrative Certificate is eligible to apply. The scholarship is for $1500. Application period closes October 16.

Carrs Safeway & ACSA Sponsor Innovative Teaching Practices Grant

50 teachers across Alaska will each receive a one-time, $5,000 scholarship. Any Pre-K-12 grade teacher in Alaska may apply. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2017.

Register Now for the 2017 Alaska Principals’ Conference & Saturday Pre-Conference

Instructional leaders, principals, and aspiring principals and teacher leaders are invited to attend the annual Alaska Principals’ Conference and Pre-Conference, happening October 21-24 in Anchorage.

Call for Proposals: 2018 ASTE Conference

The 2018 ASTE Conference is February 17-20, 2018 at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. Proposals will be accepted for ½-hour, 1-hour, 2-hour, 1/2 day (3 hour), or All Day sessions. Proposal submission deadline is October 2. Contact Genie Siedler for more information.

Alaska Developmental Profile (ADP) Recording Site is Now Open

ADP is Alaska's kindergarten entry assessment that provides a snapshot of a child's current health and motor development, social and emotional growth, cognition and general knowledge, as well as their communication, language, and literacy skills. Learn more about the ADP here or view reports here.

Call for Presenters: Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference

If you are interested in submitting a request to present at the conference in February, submit your application by October 14 at 5pm.

AdvancED Workshop for schools preparing for their Engagement Reviews this year and next

The AdvancED Alaska Operations Office is hosting a one-day work session on Saturday, October 21 (the day before the Principal’s Conference) for schools and school systems to learn about the new AdvancED Continuous Improvement System (CIS), focusing on its tools and resources. Participants can earn up to two UAA credits (EDL 590 level). Please email Tim with questions.

Brightways Learning Offering Social Emotional Professional Development

Professional Development offered in Anchorage October 9-10. New skills to foster healthy student support and resiliency skills for youth. 500 level course credit available.

Registration Now Open for the 12^th Annual School Health & Wellness Institute

The 12^th Annual SHWI is happening October 30 - November 1 at the Anchorage BP Energy Center. Registration is FREE. Contact Wendy Hamilton for more information. 

2018 U.S. CTE Presidential Scholars Selection Process Underway

Nominate an exemplary CTE high school senior from your district by November 1 at 4pm. Alaska can nominate up to five exemplary high school seniors.

2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars Selection Process Underway

Nominate an exemplary high school senior from your district by November 1 at 4pm. Alaska can nominate up to 10 male and 10 female exemplary high school seniors.

2018 U.S. Senate Youth Program Selection Process Underway

Alaska high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for the merit-based program, which includes a paid, week-long visit to Washington, D.C. and a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship. Alaska application deadline is November 1 at 4pm.

Info Exchange Housekeeping:

To submit news items, call Erin Hardin at 907-465-6535 or email erin.hardin@alaska.gov.