- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 32
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
August 23, 2019
Last call! DEED is Hiring!
Accounting Tech I to join our Finance & Support Services team. September 3 application deadline.
Education Specialist II to join our Special Education team. September 5 application deadline.
Information Officer III to join the Commissioner’s office team. September 9 application deadline.
Last call! Pre-Elementary Funding Grant Application Open for FY2020
DEED is seeking school district applications for FY20 pre-elementary funding. The application and its assurances are available at https://education.alaska.gov/forms - Pre-Elementary Education - form #05-20-002 and 05-20-003 (please ignore the “due date Aug 2”; we are experiencing technical difficulties in getting this changed). Any school district is welcome to apply. Priority will be given to applicants not currently receiving FY20 pre-elementary funding. Up to $150,000 may be awarded pre grantee. September 6 application deadline.
Last call! 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.
Last call! Seeking Educators for Leadership Anchorage 23
The Alaska Humanities Forum is seeking applicants for Leadership Anchorage (LA) 23. LA is a leadership development program designed to develop the skills, knowledge, perspective, and networks needed to be an effective and compassionate leader. Through a series of ten rigorous monthly sessions of interviews, speaker presentations, readings, and group activities, participants learn about the current issues and challenges facing our community. The program seeks a cohort of 20 participants each year representing a wide range of sectors, backgrounds, and experiences - teachers and administrators from ASD and the Mat-Su are encouraged to apply! September 6 application deadline.
NEW! REAP Weather Education Program now accepting applications
Are you an educator looking for a new, interesting way to engage your students in STEM? Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) is excited to be soliciting applications for its Weather Education Program. Recipients will be loaned one Davis Vantage Pro2 Weather Station for use in developing a place-based, student-led and multi-year project that addresses a local energy issue in their community. Eligible applicants include K-12 teachers from all disciplines, as well as informal educators that engage with students on a regular basis. Applications must be submitted no later than September 27.
NEW! ASTE 2020 Call for Proposals is OPEN!
The Alaska Society for Technology in Education will hold its 40th conference February 22 - 25 at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. ASTE invites you to submit a proposal for the annual conference. The submission deadline is October 14. Accepted presenters are eligible for ASTE conference fee discounts as stated in the Presenter Guidelines.
NEW! Nominations Sought for 2019 School Counselor and Advocate of the Year Awards
The Alaska School Counselor Association is seeking nominations and applications for the 2019 School Counselor of the Year and the 2019 Advocate of the Year. October 7 submission deadline.
NEW! Early Career Explorers – Free Downloadable Classroom Resources
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education offers Early Career Explorers –a series of free downloadable classroom resources for PK - 4th grade students. Early Career Explorers classroom resources allow elementary teachers to incorporate career exploration alongside traditional subjects. By incorporating career exploration into standard elementary curriculum, students build a strong foundation to better understand the importance of academics, extracurricular activities, and healthy study habits as it relates to future career goals.
NEW! I Know I Can - 2nd grade early college awareness reading program
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, in partnership with UA College Savings Plan, announces limited partnerships available for I Know I Can – a second grade program. Through this program volunteers engage 2nd grade students in taking initial steps to identify a career goal and learning plan.
NEW! Kids2College – 5th/6th grade early college awareness program
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, in partnership with UA College Savings Plan and Sallie Mae Fund, announces limited partnerships available for Kids2College – a 5th/6th grade program. Through this program students begin to identify their career interests and build personal learning and career plans; learn how to best prepare for college and career training; and learn about college entrance exams, admissions, and financial aid.
NEW! AKCIS Jr. – Free Online Tool & Curriculum for Personal Learning and Career Plans (PLCP’s)
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, offers AKCIS Jr. – a free online tool for 5th - 8th grade students and classrooms. AKCIS Jr. is a free online program with college/career planning activities and simple instructions; allowing students to develop a personal portfolio account to plan and track education and career plans.
Reminder: AASB Seeking Board Support and Training Coordinator
The Association of Alaska School Boards is seeking applicants for a Board Support and Training Coordinator – this full-time position will provide direct support and board governance training to school boards, advisory school boards, and charter school APC’s with an emphasis on schools identified as “in need of comprehensive support” by DEED. September 15 application deadline.
Reminder: Registration Open: Fall Healthy Futures Challenge
The 3-month activity log challenge helps elementary-aged students learn to build the habit of daily physical activity. Kids receive incentives for each successful log and grand prizes are rewarded to students and schools for outstanding participation. Elementary schools (usually a PE teacher or interested teacher wanting to champion the cause) can register here. There is no cost and the program is designed to support and enhance existing curriculum.
Special Feature: Back to School Resources
Many students and teachers across the nation are back to school. U.S. ED’s Back to School web portal offers resources for students, parents, and educators to help make this school year one of the best.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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*
WIDA Self-Paced English Learner eWorkshops
Beginning September 1, 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.
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.
Registration Open: 14th Annual School Health and Wellness Institute
Registration is now open 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. September 15 deadline.
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.
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.
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 submit news items, please contact Erin Hardin at (907) 465-2803 or erin.hardin@alaska.gov. To be added or removed from distribution visit http://list.state.ak.us/mailman/listinfo/info_exchange. 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.