- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 48 No. 05
January 31, 2020
DEED Spotlight on Teachers: Amy Gallaway, 2020 Alaska Teacher of the Year, Grades 9-12, West Valley High School in Fairbanks
As a high school civics teacher, reading and literacy are the foundation of Ms. Gallaway’s teaching. Reading helps students build their knowledge base so they can be life-long learners and engaged citizens. When creating assignments or activities, Ms. Gallaway looks for topics that will be relevant to her students so they feel the significance of the lesson.
Ms. Gallaway supports literacy through her use of close reading strategies and structured academic conversations. Students close read in-depth articles about relevant public issues, then work through a 4 step discussion process as a team using the knowledge from their reading.
- Students are assigned the pro or con side of an issue and must prepare to teach their main arguments
- Students teach each other their assigned stance on the topic
- Students discuss in teams their personal academic viewpoint using evidence from the article
- The team must find two points of consensus, ending their work together on points of agreement
The activity demonstrates to students the importance of using reading skills to build knowledge, efficacy, and agency.
Thank you, Ms. Gallaway, for engaging students and teaching the importance of reading!
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! Association of Alaska School Boards Leadership and Legislative Fly-In and Youth Advocacy Institute
Join school board members from around the state to learn about Board/Superintendent relationships, hear about key issues for this legislative session, develop legislative priorities, and receive guidance on how to advocate for public education.
- Pre-Conference session for Superintendents and School Board Presidents – February 7 in Juneau
- Legislative and Leadership Fly-In and Youth Advocacy Institute – February 8-11 in Juneau
Last Call! The Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference
ASSEC is committed to providing high quality professional development relevant to the cultural, rural, and remote characteristics of our great state. Join fellow special educators, administrators, paraprofessionals and families to learn more about disabilities and education from nationally recognized speakers and local experts. Pre-conference February 15-16, and main conference February 17-19 in Anchorage. Early registration discount ends February 1.
NEW! Initial FY22 Attendance Area Report for District Review
District requests for changes to the attendance area report utilized to determine space eligibility for FY2022 school construction projects are due by March 1. Contact Sharol.Roys@alaska.gov for more information.
NEW! DEED Awarded a Grant from the EPA to Test for Lead in School Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded DEED $111,000 to initiate a testing program for lead in drinking water at schools and child care facilities, prioritizing facilities serving children under six-years old and in underserved and low-income populations.
NEW! The Snapdragon Book Foundation offers Grants for Books for Schools
The Snapdragon Foundation was established to provide funds to improve school libraries for disadvantaged children. Schools that serve PreK through grades 12 are eligible to apply. Applications are due February 16.
NEW! The SHLB Coalition Releases 2020 Policy Roadmap
The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition released its 2020 Policy Roadmap outlining the path forward for community anchor institution (CAI) broadband. Schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other CAIs rely on high-quality broadband to provide essential services to their communities.
NEW! 2020 AIA Frank Maier High School Design Competition
The American Institute of Architecture (AIA), Alaska, is seeking entries for its 2020 AIA Frank Maier High School Design Competition. This year’s competition is titled “Equality Exchange” and challenges students to think about the rights of Alaska’s citizens. Submissions are due April 18. Please see the attached flyer for more information, or contact Richard Rearick at Richard.rearick@uiccs.com or (907) 273-1824.
Reminder: State Board Meets to Prepare for 2020 Legislative Session
The State Board of Education and Early Development, meeting January 20 by audio conference, received budget and legislative updates in advance of the 2020 legislative session.
Reminder: The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is hiring!
Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and challenging work environment? Do you work well independently and as part of a team? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and supportive work environment? The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is seeking applicants for the following positions in Juneau:
ACPE is the State's postsecondary education agency, promoting access to, and success in, education and career training after high school.
Reminder: Nominate an Outstanding Alaska Secondary School Principal and Assistant Principal
The Association of Secondary School Principals is accepting nominations for Regional Principal of the Year and Regional Assistant Principal of the Year. Nominations can be made by anyone in the community of school. Nominations are due February 28.
Reminder: Fourth Annual Positive Leadership for Active Alaska Youth (PLAAY) Summit
Register for the 4th annual PLAAY Summit in Anchorage February 14-15. Remote conferencing is available. The summit is a conference for leaders of youth that provides tools to better address physical, emotional, and mental health issues facing Alaska’s youth. Professional development credits and Nursing and Social Work contact hours are available.
Reminder: Renewable Energy Alaska Project is seeking a STEM Educator
REAP is seeking a STEM Educator to join its clean energy and training team. The STEM Educator will assist with REAP’s education and outreach efforts through classroom visits and teacher trainings, curriculum development and review, and general outreach and promotion of energy education to stakeholders around the state.
Reminder: King Tech High School Students Selected as CTE Presidential Scholar Candidates
Congratulations to Austin Chase of Eagle River and Xochitl Davis of Anchorage on being selected as CTE Presidential Scholar Candidates for 2020! Both Austin and Xochitl attend King Tech High School in Anchorage. The program was established to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. A full list of 2020 candidates is available.
Reminder: 2020 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest: The Right to Vote
The Ninth Circuit is hosting its 2020 Civics Contest, and the theme is Right to Vote. The essay and video contest is for high school students in the western United States and Pacific Islands. Alaska high school students won first place in 2017 and 2019! Entries are accepted from February 15 through March 25.
Reminder: Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education Student Poster Contest
Using the theme “Together We’re Better”, students in grades K-6 in Alaska are invited to create posters depicting topics such as: Why is it important to have friends of all abilities? How can you learn from your friends of all abilities? How can we be better and stronger together at school and in a community? A flyer with more information is attached, along with a submission form. Contact elena.markova@alaska.gov for more information. Submission deadline is February 14.
Special Feature: Governor Dunleavy’s Focus on Education
Governor Dunleavy delivered his second State of the State Address on Monday, January 27. He concluded his address by talking about Alaska’s greatest resource – its children. He stated that “every decision we make this year should be made with our children and grandchildren in mind. And as a state, we have a moral imperative to provide the best education we possibly can for every Alaskan child.”
Governor Dunleavy addressed teacher retention in Alaska, noting “The cornerstone of a great educational program starts with a great teacher. Alaska for too long has suffered from high teacher turnover rates and an inability to attract and retain quality teachers in some of the most remote parts of our state.” To combat teacher retention, DEED’s Commissioner Johnson will assemble a working group of teachers, administrators, and others to review and address the causes of teacher turnover.
Additionally, Governor Dunleavy reminded viewers of the Alaska Reads Act – a bill to create a statewide comprehensive K-3 reading policy. Introduced by Governor Dunleavy and Senator Begich, the Alaska Reads Act has gained bipartisan support and had its third hearing this week in the Senate Education Committee.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Save the Date! The IECMHI+CAFBHC Conference will be held March 30-April 3 in Anchorage at the Dena’ina Convention Center.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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 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.
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.