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Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 44

Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
December 06, 2019

Last call! Alaska Week of Code Starts Next Week!

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.

Last call! DDRC Lunch and Learn: There is More than One Waiver

Provided by the Developmental Disabilities Resource Connection (DDRC) program, this Lunch and Learn session will discuss the different waivers available. Available via webinar. December 10 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm.

Last call! 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.

Last call! 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.

Last call! 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.

Last call! 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.

Last call! 2020 Alaska Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Support Effective Instruction Conference Registration is Open

Join your colleagues and explore themes of social emotional learning, math and ELA instructional practice, school leadership and early childhood and special education instructional practice. Early bird registration ends December 15. The conference will be held January 24-26 in Anchorage. Contact Sam Jordan sjordan@alaskaacsa.org with questions.

NEW! State Board Seeks Public Comment on Expanding Emergency Certificates

The State Board of Education and Early Development, meeting December 4 by audio conference, opened a period a public comment on expanding the issuance of emergency certificates to include administrative and teacher certificates, as well as proposed regulation changes relating to Alaska’s statewide assessment and accountability system.

NEW! DEED Seeking Input Regarding Test Design for the New PEAKS Science Assessment

DEED is recruiting educators to provide input regarding test design for the new Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools (PEAKS) Science assessments based on the new Alaska Science Standards adopted in June 2019. The Assessment Review will be held in Anchorage on January 14-16. Educators should apply by December 10 by completing the Interested Applicant Survey. Please contact Isaac Paulson at isaac.paulson@alaska.gov with any questions.

NEW! Distinguished Special Education Administrator of the Year Nominations

The Alaska Council of Administrators of Special Education are seeking nominations of outstanding Special Education Administrators. The winner of the Distinguished Special Education Administrator of the Year will be announced at the Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference. Nomination packet components should be emailed to jtowarak@bssd.org. Nominations are due by January 10.

NEW! Alaska Counts Mini-Grants

Alaska Counts is working to prepare Alaska for Census 2020, and is offering mini-grants to organizations wanting to raise awareness and help local Census outreach efforts. Nonprofits, government organizations, regional housing authorities, schools, tribal organizations, or tribes are welcome to apply for up to $250. Groups are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited!

NEW! Save the Date for the 6th Annual Alaska CAN! Conference

Representatives from Alaska agencies, institutions, school districts, industries, businesses, and Alaska Native organizations will meet in Anchorage on February 27–28 for the 6th annual Alaska CAN! Conference. The theme of the Conference will be Educational Equity.

NEW! 2019 Statewide Summer Reading Program Results

At the end of each summer, participants of the Statewide Summer Reading Program are asked to complete a report and evaluation of their summer reading program. The statistics and information received is included in a final grant report, and used to create a Summer Reading infographic.

NEW! How Will 2020 Census Data Be Used?

The results of the 2020 Census are critically important because this once-a-decade census data helps businesses, researchers, and communities make decisions. Learn how census data helps inform funding for things that impact communities.

NEW! Register Now for the 52nd Annual AKSNA Conference

Registration is now open for the Annual Alaska School Nutrition Association Conference. The early bird discount ends December 31. The conference will be January 27-30 in Anchorage.

  • January 27, 2019 – Preconference – Nutrition 101:  A Taste of Food & Fitness with ICN Instructor Laura Thomas, MED, RD, LD, and ServSafe Certification and Exam with Theresa Wilson.
  • January 28-30, 2019 – Regular Sessions with keynote presenter Chef Garrett Berdan

NEW! 2020 ACSA Legislative Fly-In

The Alaska Council of School Administrators will host its 2020 Legislative Fly-In on March 15-18 in Juneau. This is a valuable opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the state to receive policy updates on relevant topics, engage in professional development in leadership and to have unified efforts to reach legislators on important education matters during the legislative session.

NEW! 2020 National Youth Science Camp Competition is Open

The 57th annual National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) competition is now open to Alaskan high school students who will graduate by June 30, 2020. NYSC is a great opportunity for seniors with a dedicated interest in scientific and engineering research. The application deadline is February 28. For more information contact Bjorn Wolter at bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov

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 run through April 29. 500 level credit offered through UAA Pace. Check out the upcoming December events.

NEW! 2020 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Applications are Now Open

Students can apply for a $40,000 college scholarship plus guaranteed paid software engineering internship at Amazon. All high school students who have taken or are currently enrolled in AP computer science and intends to study computer science in college are eligible. The application period closes January 17.

NEW! League of Women Voters Provides Elizabeth Peratrovich Book to Alaska Schools and Libraries

The League of Women Voters of Juneau, in partnership with the Alaska State Library and the League of Women Voters of Alaska, has mailed each middle school library and public library in Alaska: Fighter in Velvet Gloves: Alaska Civil Rights Hero Elizabeth Peratrovich. More information can be found in the attached press release.

NEW! Enhance Your Lessons with Real-World Census Data

The Statistics in Schools (SIS) program is hosting a webinar to show educators how to use free SIS resources to bring census data into classrooms as a teaching tool. Register online for the December 11 webinar. Attendance is limited on a first-come-first-served basis.

Reminder: 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.

Reminder: 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.

Reminder: 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.

Special Feature: Hour of Code

Next week, December 9-15, launches the Hour of Code week in Alaska. Schools around Alaska and the world set aside time for an activity called the ‘Hour of Code’ that help to demystify what it means to write computer code, and to learn the basics of computer science. Learn more about the Hour of Code in Alaska.

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.

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 - 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

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.

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.

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. Transition Series: Supported Decision-Making Agreements and Alternatives to Guardianship            includes 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 at 5:30-7:00 pm, through 3/19/20.

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.

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 Alaska State Libraries, for more information at marthak@brainpop.com.

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.

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.