- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 48 No. 02
Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
January 10, 2020
DEED Spotlight on Teachers: Barbara Ragan teaches 3rd Grade at Weller Elementary in Fairbanks.
Ms. Ragan often ponders the question posed by Regie Routman – “…how is what I’m having children do creating readers and writers?” Since becoming a teacher, Ms. Ragan has sought out meaningful literacy activities to help her students become lifelong learners and readers. She developed her own Reader’s Workshop in her classroom, a framework for students to build a foundation of literacy and excitement around reading.
The Reader’s Workshop allows students to spread across the classroom and spend time reading alone, reading to others, writing about reading, and practicing reading strategies independently and in small groups. The Workshop opens with a mini lesson that introduces or revisits a reading strategy, and closes with a student check-in. Ms. Ragan provides the students with access to ample reading materials so they can find “good fit” books, as well as digital resources and tools such as Epic!, Reader’s Notebooks, and Google Classroom.
It’s important to note that a Reader’s Workshop learning environment framework doesn’t just happen. It requires the creation of routines, procedures, and expectations that foster independent behaviors until they become habit. The students need ownership in the process, and they need to feel engrossed in their own reading experiences. A significant amount of time needs to be spent building a classroom community, defining and practicing behaviors, building stamina, and assessing the needs of each student. Eventually, the students self-monitor their own behaviors, and they practice and encourage each other to follow the defined behaviors. Ms. Ragan’s students leave her class with the motivation and desire to read!
Thank you for your 13 years of inspiring young readers, Ms. Ragan!
Want to share how you support reading? Tell us by tagging @alaskaDEED on social media, using #akreads, or emailing Rochelle.lindley@alaska.gov.
Last Call! KidWind Challenge 2020 Training Workshop
KidWind Challenge is an engineering design competition that allows students to design and test model wind turbines. Participate in the free training on January 11 to learn about the basics of wind energy in Alaska, activities about wind you can incorporate into your classroom, and how to get a team together for the KidWind Challenge. Participants who attend the training and bring a team to the Challenge have the opportunity to earn a free continuing education credit.
Last Call! 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, and the course begins January 14.
Last Call! Alaska Maritime Training Center Offers Courses to High School Students
The Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC)- Alaska Maritime Training Center’s Nautical Skills course introduces High School students to the exciting and lucrative Maritime Industry and assists them in developing the basic skills essential to their success and safety as a mariner. The twelve week program takes place January 14-April 6.
Last Call! Alaska State Council on the Arts Grant Opportunities
The Alaska State Council on the Arts has multiple grant categories open for application, including: organizations, individuals, and art education. Artists in Schools, and Cultural Collaboration grants have a deadline of January 15. Cultural Collaboration Excursion grant applications are available on a rolling deadline, with applications due 30 days prior to the planned arts excursion. Information on all available grants can be found on the website.
Last Call! American Modeling Teachers Association Offers Distance Learning
The AMTA will offer distance learning Modeling courses for the spring of 2020. The distance learning courses are synchronous sessions, 3 hours each, using the Zoom platform with video and break-out sessions. The leaders will dive deep into the Modeling pedagogy and use simulations and videos if labs cannot be conducted in participants’ own time.
- Intro to Modeling, 15-week course on Tuesdays 7-10 pm EST, starting January 14.
- Advanced Topics for Middle School Modeling, 5-week course on Wednesdays from 7-10 pm EST, starting January 15.
- Electricity & Magnetism Modeling course, 15 week course on Thursdays from 7-10 pm EST, starting January 16.
Last Call! 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.
Last Call! Paid Internship Opportunities at Alaska Museums
The Alaska State Museum is recruiting graduate student interns to work at three small Alaska museums during the summer of 2020. These paid internships will focus on collections management activities. Interns should be enrolled in museum studies programs or affiliated graduate degree programs. Applications are due January 17.
Last Call! 2020 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Applications are Now Open
Students can apply for a $40,000 college scholarship plus a 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.
The Perkins Performance Levels for Alaska’s Perkins State Plan for Secondary and Postsecondary are now available for public comment! The link will take you to a survey where you will have the opportunity to look at each measure and make specific comments. Your responses will only be recorded when you click “Next” at the bottom of the page.
NEW! 2020 Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) Outcomes Report
The 2020 APS Outcomes Report provides information relative to the number of applicants, categories of scholarships awarded, the dollar amount of scholarships awarded, and data regarding high school and postsecondary student performance and characteristics.
NEW! Alaska Postsecondary Access and Completion Network seeking individuals for its Board of Directors
The Alaska Postsecondary Access and Completion Network is currently accepting nominations for individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for the 2020-2023 Term. The Network relies on the efforts and expertise of its Board members to guide the successful development of the organization. Nominations are due February 13.
NEW! Applications open for Computer Science Workshops
Middle and High School teachers are invited to participate in 5-day Code.org workshops this June in Anchorage and Fairbanks. There is no cost to participate, and travel scholarships are available.
- CS Discoveries (Grades 6-10), June 1-5 in Anchorage or June 8-12 in Fairbanks
- CS Principals (Grades 9-12 and AP), June 1-5 in Anchorage
NEW! Presidential Primary Sources Project
Register for PPSP to learn about presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and George Washington directly from National Park Service rangers and presidential historians. This free, live, interactive web series for grades 4-12 runs January through March.
NEW! Register Now for the 6th Annual AlaskaCAN! 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 AlaskaCAN! Conference. The theme of the Conference will be Educational Equity. Early bird registration closes January 11.
NEW! University of Alaska Anchorage/Anchorage Daily News Creative Writing Contest
The Alaska Center for the Book is coordinating the annual UAA/ADN Creative Writing Contest. This statewide contest is open for writers of all ages in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry categories. Entries are due February 12.
Save the Date! The IECMHI+CAFBHC Conference will be held March 30-April 3 in Anchorage at the Dena’ina Convention Center.
Special Feature: CS for AK Launches a New Website
The new CS for AK website brings together a comprehensive picture of K-12 computer science work in Alaska, including initiatives, resources, and opportunities for students and educators.
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.
DEED Announces Alaska Agencies Providing Free Meals to Children
DEED, Child Nutrition Programs, announces the participation of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) agencies in Alaska to provide meals free of charge to enrolled children without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. You can find a list of CACFP agencies on the Alaska CACFP website.
Office of Migrant Education Offers Programs to Assist Migratory Children
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education, released a Notice Inviting Applications (NIAs) for two separate programs to assist migratory children: High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). Eligible applicants for both programs are institutions of higher education (IHE) or private nonprofit organizations. If a private nonprofit organization other than an IHE applies for either grant, that agency must plan the project in cooperation with an IHE and must propose to operate the project with the facilities of that IHE. Application deadline is January 28.
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.
Register Now for the 52nd Annual AKSNA Conference
Registration is open for the Annual Alaska School Nutrition Association Conference. 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
Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy
The United States Marine Corps is offering an immersive leadership experience for high school students June 15-20. Students are selected from a variety of backgrounds to attend the week-long Academy at the Marine Corps Base in Virginia. Students will be introduced to the Marine Corps mission, core values, military culture, and leadership principals. Application deadline is January 31.
Cornell High School Summer Engineering Academy
Cornell University is seeking high school students who excel in science and math and want to learn more about engineering! There are two different one-week summer residential programs – the Curie and Catalyst Academies. Target populations include junior and senior women students of all backgrounds; and junior and senior male and female students from underrepresented backgrounds and/or first generation college students. Tuition waivers may be available. For questions email dpeng@cornell.edu. Applications are due March 2.
2020 Justice for All Art Contest
Students are invited to interpret the importance of Fairness, Diversity, and Equality to our justice system in two-dimensional art forms (drawings, paintings, original prints, photographs, etc.) and then submit them to the 10th Annual Justice for All Art Contest. Deadline is March 16.
Nominate your Champion of Arts in Education
The Alaska Arts Education Consortium is looking to honor your teachers, students and community members. This is a great opportunity to recognize someone in your district, schools or community who has gone the extra mile to make the arts happen. Categories include: Arts Leader, Arts Educator, Arts Advocate, or Arts Student. The application deadline is January 31.
EPA Announces Funding to Reduce Emissions from Diesel Engines
The EPA announced the availability of grant funding to implement projects aimed at reducing emissions from older diesel engines. Public school districts, regional, state, local, or tribal agencies are eligible to apply. Eligible diesel vehicles include school buses. Application deadline is February 26.
Young adults age 18-24 can sign up for a ten-month service term to join a team and complete projects across the country that meet crucial community needs. After successful completion of their term, Corps members may be eligible to receive an award to be used to finance higher education or pay off student loans.
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.
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
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.
2020 Alaska Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Support Effective Instruction Conference Registration is Open
Reassess – Recharge – Reunite at the Alaska RTI/MTSS Effective Instruction Conference, January 24-26. Join educators from across the state at the largest education conference in Alaska at Anchorage’s Dena’ina Center. Contact Sam Jordan sjordan@alaskaacsa.org with questions.
Alaska Society for Technology in Education 2020 Conference
The ASTE is hosting its 40th annual conference February 22-25 in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook. The theme for this year is Securing our Future – securing life, health, and wellness; device security; digital citizenship; and securing funding for school, teacher, and state.
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 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.
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 March 19.
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.
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. The Alaska College of Education will cover tuition for current host teachers. Others: $92 plus fees. Contact Lisa Richardson lrichardson3@alaska.edu or Beth Hartley eahartley@alaska.edu. See attached flyer for more information. Course begins January 22.
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.
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.