- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 30
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
August 16, 2019
Last call! DEED is Hiring!
Information Officer III to join our Commissioner’s Office team. August 19 application deadline.
Microfilm/Imaging Operator II to join our Libraries, Archives, and Museums team. August 19 application deadline.
Program Coordinator I to join our Child Nutrition Programs team. August 19 application deadline.
Project Assistant to join our Child Nutrition Programs team. August 19 application deadline.
Museum Protection & Visitor Services Assistant to join our Alaska State Museum team. August 23 application deadline.
Education Specialist II to join our Special Education team. September 5 application deadline.
NEW! State Board to Hold Work Session on August 21
The State Board of Education and Early Development will hold a work session on August 21 by audio conference. The meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of the work session is to receive an update from Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson on department activity. The board will not take public comment. The public is invited to listen to the audio conference, which is expected to last one hour, by calling 1-800-315-6338 and using the access code 16107.
“Growing Stronger Together 2019”, the only statewide conference dedicated to professional development of Career Technical Education (CTE) professionals in Alaska will be held on October 13- 16, 2019 at the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage. The keynote speaker this year will be Dr. Kevin Fleming, creator of the "Success in the New Economy" video and national author on career and technical education in the 21st Century. Other featured speakers will share latest research in student success, post secondary CTE trends, and the economic trends in Alaska.
NEW! Bond Reimbursement and Grant Review Committee Teleconference September 5
The primary topics of the meeting are to review updates to Guide for School Facility Condition Surveys publication; receive briefings from the department; and to hear updates from construction standards subcommittees.
NEW! DEED publishes A Handbook for Writing Educational Specifications, 2019 edition
The publication provides information on best practices and department requirements for developing an educational specification document for school construction design. Revisions include incorporation of building sustainability supplement and a template for tabulating equipment and technology.
NEW! DEED publishes Swimming Pool Guideline, 2019 edition
The publication establishes department criteria to apply to AS 14.11.013(d) and AS 14.11.100(h). Revision provides a shift to a more clear and prescriptive document that provides maximum pool tank sizes and maximum facility sizes for state aid based on the number of students in the approved instructional learn-to-swim program.
NEW! School Policies as Cancer Prevention: Healthy Eating & Physical Activity
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is hosting a Policy Forum & Luncheon Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 10:00 am—1:00 pm in Anchorage. The goal of this forum is to learn about local successes and identify what we can do next as Alaskans to reduce the effects of chronic disease on our economy and health care system. The format will be an expert panel discussion followed by a luncheon celebrating our policy successes and the partners who made them possible. This forum is open to the public, but an RSVP is required for seating and meal count. For more information, contact Heather.Aronno@cancer.org or RSVP at www.fightcancer.org/alaskaforum.
NEW! Join the Alaska Education Network – Project ECHO
Project ECHO is a statewide initiative focused on uniting Alaska’s educational leaders with the intention of building a support network. They offer 75-minute sessions via Zoom every other week with three themes to choose from: Educational Leadership, Instructional Development, and Positive Behavior, Safety, & Well-Being. All educators at any level are encouraged to join! There is no cost to participate! Sessions start in October 2019. *Professional Credit Offerings Available*
NEW! WIDA Self-Paced English Learner eWorkshops
Beginning September 1st, 2019, educators in Alaska have the opportunity to participate in six, self-paced, on-demand eWorkshops developed by WIDA. WIDA eWorkshops cover a range of topics intended for a variety of audiences, from K-12 classroom teachers, to ESL specialists, to district and school administrators. All eWorkshops are free and available when, and where, it is convenient to you. For questions, contact Kelsey Smiley at Kelsey.smiley@alaska.gov.
NEW! Applications Sought for Annual Alaska Principals’ Conference
The conference committee is looking for qualified and inspiring people with interesting and informative topics relevant to building leaders and educational leaders in Alaska to lead quality sectionals. Applications for sectionals are due September 13.
Reminder: New eLearning micro courses: Trauma-Engaged Educators Guide
DEED created a new collection of micro eLearning courses. The following four courses are now ready for viewing: Classroom Practices, Emotional Intelligence, Mind-Body Connections, and Self-Regulation. These courses provide educators with tools and techniques for using trauma-engaged practices in schools, as well as opportunities to practice in situations similar to those you might find in your daily work. Two more courses will be released shortly focusing on Childhood Traumatic Grief and Family Partnerships.
Reminder: Alaska Student Delegates Sought for U.S. Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program has begun its statewide selection process. In March 2020, two Alaska students will join 104 other delegates for Washington Week – an intensive educational program about the workings of the Senate and the federal government overall. Each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship and an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Alaska’s eligible students must be high school juniors or seniors, an elected student officer for the entire 2019-2020 academic year, and state residents. Students must be enrolled in a public or private school. Only one scholar per school may be nominated. Applications are due November 1, 2019. The Alaska contact is Bjorn Wolter at bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov.
Reminder: 2019 PTPC Report Now Available
This year’s annual report covers the FY2019 activities of the PTPC staff and the actions of the Professional Teaching Practices Commission.
Reminder: GRAMMY Museum Seeking Nominations for Educator Award
The Jane Ortner Education Award honors a non-music educator who uses music in her or his classroom. The application is short and straightforward, with educators being asked to submit an original lesson plan that they have used in their classroom. The winning educator is able to attend the GRAMMY Awards telecast with a guest (paid for by the museum), gets a $3,000 personal honorarium, a $1,000 honorarium for their school, and is honored at a GRAMMY Museum event. Additionally, there are professional development opportunities both in-person and via webinar for those interested in learning how to use music in their classroom. December 4 application deadline.
Reminder: Save the Date for the 14th Annual School Health and Wellness Institute
Registration opens August 15th for the 14th Annual School Health and Wellness Institute occurring Oct. 28-30, 2019, in Anchorage at the BP Energy Center. View the robust agenda! Multiple “4th R=Relationships Curriculum” and general scholarship opportunities available! Contact Emily Fairbanks at emily.fairbanks@traveletm.com or 786-0132.
Reminder: Thinking about pursuing a masters in library science? Then be sure to consider an AkLA Scholarship!
Each year the Alaska Library Association awards General Graduate Library Studies scholarships in the amount of $4000.00 to students pursuing graduate studies leading to a Master in Library Science degree. The deadline to apply is January 15.
Special Feature: Kerry Boyd Named 2020 Alaska Superintendent of the Year
The Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA) recently announced Yukon-Koyukuk School District Superintendent, Kerry Boyd, as Alaska’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year. Superintendent Boyd is starting her twelfth year as Superintendent of the Yukon-Koyukuk School District but has been a part of the district since 2005. Her district, which covers the area of Washington state, has 16 sites, and she personally visits each community several times throughout the year. She understands what is important to each and every site and knows the families. One principal remarked that he watched her greet 200 attendees at graduation, and she knew them and they knew her.
Registration Open: 2019 AASB Fall Boardsmanship Academy
Join fellow school board members and school district leaders in Anchorage September 21-22 (following DEED’s School Safety & Well-Being Summit) for AASB’s annual Fall Boardsmanship Academy. Sessions include School Law, Professional Teaching Practices Commission, Obesity Prevention in Schools, and opportunities to hone your skills in advocacy, and hear the latest updates around a number of education topics. Call AASB at 907-463 -1660 for more information.
Registration Open: 2019 Alaska Art Education Association Conference
It's time to sign up for the annual arts conference being held September 20-22 at the beautiful Chena Hot Springs Resort near Fairbanks. "Soak In The Equinox" with a variety of nature inspired workshops, including those being offered by the keynote speaker, linocut artist and illustrator Evon Zerbetz.
Registration Open: 2019 Alaska School Safety & Well-Being Summit
DEED will be hosting a comprehensive statewide School Safety & Well-Being Summit, September 18-20, 2019 at the Egan Center in Anchorage. National and state educational leaders, key staff, and other strategic partners will convene with school district teams to improve school safety in Alaska by both learning and sharing methods to: promote healthy development through trauma-engaged and restorative practices, improve school climate, and strengthen preparedness for any potential school crisis. All participating districts will receive funding via DEED to support sending teams of up to 6 people. See attached flyer for additional details.
UAS College of Education Fall 2019 Course: Effective Coaching of Interns and Early Career Teachers
If you are going to be a coach for an intern/student teacher or an early-career teacher, this course is for you! This course will provide you with opportunities to explore and apply effective coaching/mentoring practices including: creating coaching plans, using effective language stems for coaching conversations, and direct practice in coaching experiences. You’ll engage in reflection and resource sharing with colleagues from across the state as well as develop a toolbox to increase your confidence and capacity as a mentor and a coach. UAS AKCOE will cover the cost of the $93 for this one credit course. Please register online. Contact either Lisa Richardson lrichardson3@alaska.edu or Beth Hartley eahartley@alaska.edu for more information. See attached course syllabus.
U.S. ED State Support Network Releases Technical Assistance Summary Report
The Network is a four-year technical assistance initiative of the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) designed to support state and district school improvement efforts. The Network provides a variety of technical assistance services and resources to states and districts, ranging from customized support to individual states and districts to universal approaches (convenings and publications) aimed to support all OESE grantees.
Alaska ACTE Annual Awards Program Seeking Nominations
Each year the Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Board of Directors recognizes the outstanding work of the CTE professionals in Alaska through the annual award nomination process. Nominated by their peers, the recipients are celebrated at the Annual Award Luncheon held at the AK ACTE Professional Development Conference. This year’s conference will be held at the Hotel Captain Cook on October 13-16 with the luncheon date set for October 15. Submit nominations no later than September 13.
Alaska School Leadership Academy Seeking Principals for 2019-20 Cohort
The Alaska School Leadership Academy (ASLA) provides new Alaskan K-12 principals with networking, skill building, and professional mentoring support. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2019-20 cohort. Contact Sam Jordan sjordan@alaskaacsa.org at the Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN) with questions.
Updated PTPC Handbook for Alaska Educators Now Available
The PTPC website has the updated version of the PTPC Handbook for Alaska Educators under Resources. 20AAC 10.310. DISTRIBUTION OF HANDBOOK – Copies of the Alaska State Professional Teaching Practices Commission’s Handbook for Alaska Educators shall be conspicuously displayed, and available, at every education institution in the state whose employees are members of the teaching profession under AS 14.20.370.
Save the Date: 2nd annual ACAC training in September
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) will be conducting a free weeklong, full-day training at its Anchorage location this fall for representatives from education partner organizations and school districts to equip individuals working with students with a wide array of resources designed to help students access and benefit from postsecondary education and career training. Contact Dominika Szpotanska with questions at (907) 269-7971.
U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools program seeking Teacher Ambassadors
Become an ambassador with the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools (SIS) program, which uses Census Bureau statistics to educate pre-K through 12th grade students about the importance of a complete and accurate census count. SIS equips teachers with free and engaging activities to use in classrooms. For the 2019-2020 school year, new materials will be released that teach students about the importance of the 2020 Census count, and empowers them to share this knowledge with adults in their home. As an SIS ambassador, you will help your students, schools, and communities benefit from the 2020 Census. Email CLMSO.SISambassador@census.gov to apply today.
UAA Early Career Teaching Seminar: Culturally Responsive Education
This fall, UAA will be offering an online graduate-level seminar for early career teachers in Alaska. The seminar--EDTL A692--applies a culturally responsive framework for exploring all aspects of teaching. EDTL A692 is approved by DEED for the Multicultural Education/Cross-Cultural Communication requirement for teacher certification. In addition, the three credits can be applied to the M.Ed. Teaching and Learning program, for those currently in the program or become M.Ed. T/L students in the future. See the attached flyer for further details.
Upcoming CTE Professional Development Opportunities
Coding and Computer Science
- Coding Workshops, Code.org / ASDN, For more information contact Cheryl Bobo (cbobo@alaskaacsa.org) or https://asdn.org/. Learn to nurture creativity and problem-solving through coding at no cost.
- September 23, 2019, Ketchikan, Elementary, K-3 & 4-5
- Alaska Tech Learners (Computer Science), Prince William Sound College, Asynchronous during FY20, online. For more information contact Steve Johnson (swjohnson@alaska.edu). A curriculum that's a combined PD for certified teachers and dual enrollment for high school students in computer science.
Trades
- Small Engines Repair, Lower Kuskokwim SD, September 2019, Bethel. For more information contact Colin Stewart (colin_stewart@lksd.org). Learn the basics of small engines instruction. Specifically designed for small, rural schools.
- Multiple CTE PD Practicums, AVTEC, Ongoing, Seward. For more information contact Trish Hart (Trish.Hart@avtec.edu). Participate in 1-week drop-in practicums in multiple content areas to improve content or pedagogical skills.
eLearning Continuing Education Units Now Available
DEED is pleased to announce we are now offering one CEU for the completion of eligible eLearning courses. All eLearners who hold a current five or ten-year Alaska teaching, administrative, or special services certificate can earn one CEU for 15 hours of completed coursework. The eligible coursework includes courses required for school district personnel and teaching certificates. Please visit our eLearning page for more information on the eligible courses, and how to submit your information for certification.
Coming this Fall: Google Student Contest to Develop Open Source Software
Google Code-in is a contest to introduce pre-university students (aged 13–17) to open source software development. In the fall, Google chooses more than a dozen open source organizations to participate. The organizations create an extensive list of three- to five-hour tasks for students to work on. The tasks are categorized as Code, Documentation/Training, Outreach/Research, Quality Assurance, and Design. Competition begins in the fall; check the website for details.
To be added or removed from distribution or to submit news items, please contact Erin Hardin at (907) 465-2803 or erin.hardin@alaska.gov. This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at https://education.alaska.gov/news/infoexch.
This newsletter contains hyperlinks to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the reader’s convenience. DEED does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.