Information Exchange Vol. 48 No. 3

January 17, 2020

DEED Spotlight on Teachers: Katie Koski, Grade 2, Riverbend Elementary in Juneau 

Students arrive in Ms. Koski’s classroom with a wide range of reading abilities – from learning the sounds of letters, to emerging readers. In addition to teaching fundamental literacy skills, Ms. Koski’s role is to inspire and foster a love of reading for all students at their ability level. She feels it is just as important for students to see reading as an academic tool, as it is for students to find enjoyment in reading.

Ms. Koski hosts monthly reading challenges and book talks, stocks a library full of interesting and relevant books, assigns student book reviews, and schedules daily read-aloud time.

As an educator in the Artful Teaching community, she also integrates the arts into reading as much as possible. At the end of each week students demonstrate their understanding of the weekly reading theme through the creation of a “Tableau” – a still picture made with their bodies that silently communicates a concept from their reading.

Thank you, Ms. Koski, for your creativity in inspiring young readers!

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! 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.

Last Call! 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.

NEW! State Board to meet January 20 by Audio Conference

The State Board of Education and Early Development will hold a special meeting on January 20 by audio conference. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. The board’s meeting packet is available online.

NEW! DEED Announces Federal Literacy Development Sub-Grant Recipients

DEED announced in October 2019 that it received a $20.7 million five-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand the state’s efforts to improve literacy skills for all students. In addition to using grant funds to develop and implement a comprehensive state literacy program, competitive sub grants were offered to school districts for projects to advance literacy skills.

NEW! Summer Food Service Program Looking for Local Sites

Too many children who rely on school meals do not have access to meals in the summer. Are there children in your community who will go hungry this summer? DEED’s Child Nutrition Programs is looking for school districts, parks and recreation departments, non-profit organizations, and churches to operate Summer Food Service Program feeding sites for children and youth in low-income areas in Alaska. All sponsors receive training and technical assistance from DEED/CNP prior to starting their Summer Food Service Program, and throughout the program’s duration. Applications are due April 15. For questions or to register contact Jennifer Cherian at jennifer.cherian@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4969. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

• In-Person Training in Anchorage for All Sponsors:

February 27, 2020            8:30AM to 4:30 PM         All SFSP Administrators

• Distance Delivery for All Sponsors – Training Delivered via WebEx

March 18, 2020                 9:00 AM to 3:30PM         All SFSP Administrators

• Distance Delivery for School Food Authorities - Training Delivered via WebEx

March 19, 2020                 1:00PM to 4:30 PM         School District SFSP Administrators ONLY

NEW! A4LE 2020 Transformations Grant

The Alaska Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) is pleased to accept submissions of applications for grant funding for design and construction projects that transform Alaskan educational environments and promote Alaska student involvement through hands-on learning in school planning, design and construction projects. The total grant amount will not exceed $4,000.00. Applications must be received by January 26.

NEW! New Application Process for Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) Program

The U.S. Department of Education closely evaluated the SRSA application process and determined that the applicant burden could be significantly reduced while maintaining appropriate accountability in our grantmaking procedures. The Department will conduct webinars for school district staff on February 4, March 19, and April 2 to demonstrate the new process for submitting the SRSA application. More information is detailed in the attached letter from the Department.

NEW! AK|NEXT Statewide Youth Leadership Program

Do you know a high school student who would like to spend a week in Juneau this summer as part of a free youth leadership program? Applications are now open for AK|Next.  The program is seeking students who want to make a positive impact in their community and connect with other youth from different cultures and communities across Alaska. Applications are due February 29.

NEW! 2020 National High School Design Competition

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum recently launched its fifth annual National High School Design Competition, challenging teens with: What would you design to help more of us feel included? Prizes include trips to New York City and Minneapolis to participate in various mentoring activities, and more. Entries are due February 10.

NEW! Building a Strong Future for Evidenced-Based Improvement in ESSA Implementation

To better understand the Center on Education Policy’s (CEP) implementation research on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) this webinar will focus on the challenges and opportunities for states and districts as they implement evidence-based interventions to support low-performing schools under ESSA.

NEW! Educator Retention and Turnover Under the Midnight Sun

Conducted by Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Northwest, this study examines trends in educator movement, and the relationships of those trends to educator and school characteristics, during a six-year period in Alaska.

NEW! Creative Coding is now included in BrainPOP Subscription

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? And now, BrainPOP is offering Creative Coding to teach coding and computer science to students and educators. Contact Martha Ketsdever, BrainPOP Account Manager for Alaska State Libraries, for more information at marthak@brainpop.com.

NEW! Spring 2020 AK-CASE Scholarship

Alaska Council of Administrators of Special Education (AK-CASE) is offering a $1,000 scholarship to provide support for students currently enrolled in UAA, UAS, UAF, or an online program and pursuing a career in special education or related service field. For more information please see the attached letter. Applications are due March 17.

NEW! Annual DNA Day Essay Contest

The American Society of Human Genetics is proud to support National DNA Day through the Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 worldwide and asks students to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics. Prizes offer grants for genetics materials. Submission deadline is March 4.  

NEW! Webinar on Civil Legal Justice: The Crucial Role of Libraries

Webinar participants can learn about the status of civil legal justice, the vital role public libraries can play in reducing the justice gap, and about the live, multi-week course to be offered in April, which takes a deeper look at supporting people to navigate the complexities of the legal system. Register for the February 11 webinar.

NEW! Education Programs Affected by the 2020 Census

Census responses drive decisions on the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funds to states and communities. The data from the census could impact funding formulas used by these programs as soon as the 2021-22 school year, and will continue to impact school funding for the next decade. In March 2020 households will receive a notice in the mail to complete the 2020 Census. The public can begin responding to the census online at 2020census.gov, or by mail or phone. Learn more about how the 2020 Census can affect schools by visiting www.census.gov/schools or by reviewing the attached flyer.  

NEW! USDA Announces School and Summer Meal Reforms

The USDA announced two proposals that will put local school and summer food service operators back in the driver’s seat of their programs. The school meals proposed rule will offer increased flexibilities for local school districts to serve children food they will want to eat. Reforms to the Summer Food Service Program will offer operators more local control to better serve children.

Reminder: DEED is Seeking Public Comment on the Perkins Performance Levels for Alaska’s Perkins State Plan for Secondary and Postsecondary

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. Feedback deadline is January 26.

Reminder: 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.

Reminder: 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.

Reminder: 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

Reminder: 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.

Reminder: Register Now for the 6^th 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 6^th annual AlaskaCAN! Conference. The theme of the Conference will be Educational Equity. Early bird registration closes January 11.

Reminder: 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.

Special Feature: Alaska Reads Act

On January 15 at Turnagain Elementary School Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy unveiled the Alaska Reads Act. Sponsored by Governor Dunleavy and Senator Tom Begich, the Alaska Reads Act is a bill that would create a comprehensive statewide K-3 reading program designed to improve reading outcomes.

“By working together, Governor Dunleavy and Senator Begich have demonstrated that the importance of reading transcends political party. I am grateful for the character and dedication they have invested on behalf of Alaska’s students,” said Alaska Education Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson. “Ensuring students read proficiently by the end of third grade was identified as a top priority by the State Board of Education and Alaskan stakeholders in the Alaska’s Education Challenge. The Alaska Reads Acts translates that priority into policy. I look forward to working with all Alaskans, including our dedicated educators, to effectively implement the Alaska Reads Act.”

Check out the recent news articles highlighting the Alaska Reads Act:

• Dunleavy and Top Legislators Announce Bipartisan Plan to Improve Alaska Kids Reading Scores
• Governor’s New Bill Could Mean Help for Juneau Preschools
• Dunleavy Rolls Out Bill to Improve Elementary Reading Levels
• Dunleavy, Begich Collaborate on Reading Proficiency Plan
• Governor Dunleavy Unveils Alaska Reads Act

*photo courtesy of Anchorage School District Superintendent Dr. Deena Bishop

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.

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. 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.

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.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Institute + Child, Adolescent, & Family Behavioral Health Conference

Save the Date! The IECMHI+CAFBHC Conference will be held March 30-April 3 in Anchorage at the Dena’ina Convention Center.

Register Now for the 52^nd 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 10^th 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.

AmeriCorps NCCC

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.

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.

2020 National Youth Science Camp Competition is Open

The 57^th 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.

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 (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 20^th 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 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.

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.