- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 43
Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
November 15, 2019
Special Note: There will not be an Information Exchange for the next two weeks. To submit news for the December 6 Information Exchange, please email Rochelle Lindley at rochelle.lindley@alaska.gov. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!
Last call! DEED Commissioner is seeking applications for the Teacher & Educator Advisory Council
The purpose of the Council is to provide an important voice for educators in the state’s decision-making process, and to provide DEED’s Commissioner with teachers’ insights, suggestions, and perspectives on critical educational issues. The Council will enable better educational and administrative decisions, and, ultimately, lead to greater student learning and success. If you are interested in serving as a member, please submit an application by November 24.
Last call! Reconsideration Hearing for FY21 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Grant Ranking
School districts that submitted a DEED FY2021 CIP grant application can request reconsideration of its eligibility determination, the priority ranking assigned to a project, its scope as approved by the department, or the project’s approved budget. Written requests are due by the close of the reconsideration hearings on November 27.
Last call! Alaska Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program Request for Applications
The Alaska Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program (AK-CLSD) will award competitive sub-grants to local agencies to advance literacy skills, pre-literacy skills, and reading and writing for children from birth through grade 12 with a focus on economically disadvantaged children. Grants will be awarded to programs with a strong focus on evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions with a high-quality comprehensive literacy plan. DEED will prioritize awards based on the results of a comprehensive application review process. Note: A letter of intent to apply is required. Letters of intent are due by November 22. Grant applications are due December 6. Contact: Director Van Wyhe, tamara.vanwyhe@alaska.gov or (907) 269-4583.
Last call! Final Month: 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. The program runs through November 30.
NEW! Commissioner Johnson elected to Council of Chief State School Officer’s (CCSSO) Board of Directors
CCSSO announced its 2019-20 Board of Directors following elections at the 2019 Annual Policy Forum in Atlanta. CCSSO's Board of Directors manages the overall business affairs of the Council and is the governing body of the organization. Commissioner Johnsen will serve alongside the CCSSO president, the president-elect, the past president, and five other directors elected by the members from the CCSSO membership.
NEW! Alaska Society for Technology in Education Leadership and Student Awards
The ASTE is seeking nominations for innovators using technology in education! Each year the ASTE honors the efforts and work done in technology field. There are both student and professional awards. Nominations close on December 13.
NEW! The Association of Alaska School Boards Winter Boardsmanship Academy and Equity Day
AASB is holding its Winter Boardsmanship Academy and Equity Day in Anchorage December 6-7. The focus of this year’s session is School Law. Conference attendees will learn about superintendent contracts, health insurance in school districts, students and safety, and educational equity.
NEW! The Association of Alaska School Boards Annual Executive Administrative Assistants Conference
AASB is hosting its Executive Administrative Assistant Conference in Anchorage December 5-6. Connect and share tips, ideas, and strategies with Executive Administrative Assistants from other school districts. Topics include human resources, Robert’s Rules and Parliamentary Procedures, School Board policy, and school law.
NEW! Alaska Society for Technology in Education 2020 Conference
It is the 40th anniversary of the ASTE! The 2020 conference will take place in Anchorage at the Captain Cook Hotel, February 22-25th. Registration closes on January 7.
NEW! The Alaska Society for Technology in Education is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors
The ASTE’s Board of Directors is accepting nominations for three Representative positions and two Officer positions. Nominations close December 13th.
NEW! Literature and Reading: Supporting Readers at all Levels
The University of Alaska Southeast is offering the course “Literature and Reading: Supporting Readers at all Levels”. All certified teachers are eligible to register. This is an exciting opportunity to engage with educators and think deeply about how to support students. Please see the attached flyer for more information, or email Lisa Richardson: lrichardson3@alaska.edu. Registration opens November 25.
NEW! Is College Really Worth It?
Using data from the expanded College Scorecard, this Georgetown University study ranks 4,500 colleges and universities by return on investment.
NEW! Alaska Library Association Graduate Studies Scholarships
AkLA has established a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to worthy students pursuing graduate studies leading to a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies and to encourage graduates to return to Alaska to work in professional library positions. Scholarships may be awarded for both on-campus and/or distance education programs. Applications must be received by January 15.
Reminder: DEED Initial FY21 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Grant Rankings Available
DEED’s initial FY2021 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.
Reminder: Association of Alaska School Boards seeking a Community Engagement Educator
The Alaska Initiative for Community Engagement with Association of Alaska School Boards is seeking a motivated Community Engagement Educator that is committed to youth development and school improvement. This position works closely with local community champions, school personnel, community-based organizations, tribal organizations, and our AASB team to strengthen developmental assets in the school and community. Applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to dmiller@aasb.org.
Reminder: The Alaska Society for Technology in Education presents the 20th Annual iDidaContest
ASTE recognizes the best photos, movies, documentaries, podcasts, music, books, apps and things through its annual digital media contest. Entries for Movies, Documentaries, Photos, Podcasts, Drone/FPP Videos, Tunes, Books, Apps and Things can be submitted to aste.submittable.com by January 31.
Reminder: Upcoming Workshops for teachers presented by Alaska Staff Development Network and Code.org
Elementary school educators are invited to join in one-day Computer Science Fundamentals workshops. No computer science background is needed! Scroll down to the “Upcoming K-6 Workshops” section on their webpage for more information.
- Anchorage – CS Fundamentals- K-6 - December 20-January 10
- Anchorage – CS Deep Dive- K-6 - September 13 and January 17
- Anchorage (statewide) – CS Fundamentals K-3, 4-6 and Deep Dive Workshops at the RTI/MTSS Effective Instruction Conference - January 25-26
- Delta Junction, CS Deep Dive – February 8
- Anchorage (statewide) CS Fundamentals and Deep Dive at the ASTE Conference – February 22-25
- Wrangell – CS Deep Dive – April 10
Reminder: Apply Now Alaska
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) invites interested individuals to become Site Coordinators for one of its Alaska College & Career Advising Consortium initiatives – Apply Now Alaska. Apply Now Alaska is a part a nationwide effort to increase the number of low-income and first-generation students applying to postsecondary institutions. Events will be held November through February. For more information, please contact Dominika Szpotanska, ACAC Coordinator, at dominika.szpotansk@alaska.gov, or at (907) 269-7971.
Reminder: International Comparisons of U.S. 8th graders’ Computer and Information Literacy
The National Center for Education Statistics released US results from the 2018 International Computer and Information Literacy Study Web Report. This report provides comparative information about the computer and information literacy of 8th-grade students in the United States and 13 other education systems that participated in the study.
Special Feature:
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) created a short video to highlight state efforts to improve conditions of learning so all students have the support they need to be successful. Commissioner Johnson, a newly elected member of CCSSO’s Board of Directors, is featured discussing the integration of trauma-engaged practices in Alaska’s schools.
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.
From December 9-15, Alaska will join the world in celebrating the Week of Code, a movement to increase exposure to computer programming and computational thinking to students of all ages. The Department has set up an information and resource page for Alaska’s effort. We encourage all schools and libraries to check out our resources. If you would like to hold an event, please register at hourofcode.com/us.
Nationwide, state, and subgroup level results from the 2019 NAEP were released October 30. The assessment provides one piece of information to educators, policymakers, elected officials, and parents across the country about how states are performing in reading and mathematics. Compared to the nation, Alaska performed below the national average for grade 4 reading and mathematics and grade 8 reading and mathematics. Results for The Nation’s Report Card: 2019 Mathematics and Reading are available in an interactive online format at www.nationsreportcard.gov.
2020 Alaska Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Support Effective Instruction Conference
Reassess – Recharge – Reunite at the Alaska RTI/MTSS Effective Instruction Conference in January. Join educators from across the state at the largest education conference in Alaska, January 24-26 at Anchorage’s Dena’ina Center. Early bird registration ends December 15. Contact Sam Jordan sjordan@alaskaacsa.org with questions.
STEM Grant Program as Part of BP Classrooms of Excellence
Through a partnership with BP and the Alaska Principals Foundation (APF), APF is accepting proposals for STEM grants, helping fund programs or technology needs in Alaskan schools. Every Principal in Alaska may submit one proposal. There are three $10,000 grants, seven $4,000 grants, and one $2,000 grant available. The deadline to submit proposals is December 13.
ACPE is seeking a Director of Communication and Outreach Programs. This Anchorage-based position is a member of the agency senior manager team, and would oversee the staff and activities of ACPE’s Communications and Outreach Division. Interested applicants should apply through Workplace Alaska. This recruitment is open until filled.
Project Jukebox – Recovering our Past – The Struggle for Women’s Suffrage
In honor of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment in 2020, The Digital Branch of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Oral History Program presents “Recovering our Past – The Struggle for Women’s Suffrage”. The highlight of this Jukebox Project is its slideshow, which is a compilation of audio and images tracing the struggle for women’s suffrage through history.
Alaska’s Stone Soup Group Offers Trainings relating to Special Needs Children
Stone Soup Group provides information, support, training, and resources to assist families caring for children with special needs.
A series of lectures on what you need to know as you and your student with disabilities prepare for adulthood. Also available via webinar. Every third Thursday through 3/19/20, next session on November 21 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm.
At December’s Lunch and Learn the different waivers available will be discussed. Brought to by the Developmental Disabilities Resource Connection (DDRC) program. Available via webinar. December 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm.
Career Connections Registration is now open
Career Connections, a program of SERRC - Alaska's Educational Resource Center, has opened registration for 2020 dates. The sessions will take place Mar. 29-Apr. 3, 2020, and Apr. 19-24, 2020, in Juneau. Career Connections is a week-long, hands-on career exploration program held in Juneau, open to all 9-12th graders. Students who attend will:
- Visit exciting job sites in diverse career fields
- Visit and explore a university campus and post-secondary training sites
- Use AKCIS to explore future careers
- Develop a realistic, workable plan to obtain a job they are passionate about
- Practice employability skills
Alaska Close Up Registration is open
Alaska Close Up, a program of SERRC - Alaska's Educational Resource Center, has opened registration for 2020 dates. The sessions will take place Feb. 9-14, 2020, and Feb. 23-28, 2020, in Juneau. Alaska Close Up brings 7th-12th grade students and chaperones into Juneau to instill a sense of civic duty and to inspire them to participate effectively as informed, responsible citizens of our state. The program teaches participants about state government through hands-on activities and arranged field trips that include meeting with legislators, visiting various government sites, and holding their own mock committee and legislative simulations.
Governor Dunleavy Announces Tribal Compacting of Education
During an address to the Alaska Federation of Natives 2019 Convention in Fairbanks, Alaska Governor Michael J. Dunleavy announced his support of tribal compacting of education and his intent to introduce legislation to make tribal compacting of education a reality. Governor Dunleavy, Alaska Education Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson, and the state are committed to working with Tribal governments, the Alaska Legislature, and school districts to create an optional tribal compacting pathway and system for the delivery of public education across the state, and to achieve this objective through robust and innovative partnerships. Additional information on tribal compacting of education can be found here. For more information on Alaska’s Education Challenge, click here.
Nominations Sought for Life Changer of the Year Awards
Life Changer of the Year is an annual program recognizing K-12 educators and school employees across the country. We all know teachers and school district employees who inspire us and go above and beyond for their students. The National Life Group helps celebrate those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. December 31 nomination deadline.
UAS College of Education Spring 2020 Course: Effective Coaching of Interns and Early Career Teachers
This one-credit 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. AKCOE will cover tuition for current host teachers. Others: $92 for one credit. Fees may apply. Contact either Lisa Richardson lrichardson3@alaska.edu or Beth Hartley eahartley@alaska.edu. See attached course informational flyer for more information.
BrainPOP Accounts Available for Educators and Students
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? Contact Martha Ketsdever, BrainPOP Account Manager, for more information at marthak@brainpop.com. See attached flyer for details.
2020 Farm to School Grant Request for Applications is Now Available
Applications for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service Farm to School Grant program are now being accepted. Grants are available for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs. December 13 deadline to apply.
FREE Reading Resource Available for 8-12 Grade Students and Educators
DEED has been offered a free Audible membership for Alaska’s 8-12 grade students and educators as part of Audible’s Student Technology Program. Through this program, students gain access to a curated library of audiobooks, and will be able to engage computer-generated text transcription, allowing them to read and listen synchronously. In addition to access to the curated bundle of titles, students will receive 12 free Audible Credits (1 credit = 1 audiobook) to be used across Audible’s broad catalog as they choose. If you are interested in providing Audible accounts to your students and educators, please email Linda Mattson with DEED at linda.mattson@alaska.gov.
Alaska Retired Teachers Association Offering an Opportunity Award to Teachers
The Alaska Retired Educators Association is again offering an Opportunity Award to teachers in the Alaska public schools this fall. This is an opportunity to create a classroom project that you might otherwise not have been able to complete (may apply for up to $200 for your project). Projects should be beneficial to the school and/or community. Contact Barbara Rich for details at barbnroy@ecsalaska.com. Application window closes December 20.
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 October 2 and run through April 29. 500 level credit offered through UAA Pace.
To submit news items, please contact Rochelle Lindley at (907) 465-6535 or rochelle.lindley@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.