Teaching and Learning Support

In an effort to provide information, resources, and leadership to support educators during this challenging time, the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) launched a Teaching and Learning Support website. The goal of the website is to provide Alaska’s educators and families with relevant resources as they prepare for possible school closures related to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. The site will continue to evolve and grow over the coming days and weeks.

DEED invites educators to contribute feedback, ideas, and resources through the site's submission form so DEED can share the good work of so many educators and parents statewide as we face this unprecedented challenge together. 

Developed by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, the Alaska Statewide Virtual System (AKSVS) aims to expand opportunities for K-12 students across Alaska through high-quality, online coursework.

AKSVS is shifting to summer learning support for students in Grades 6-12. Summer learning opportunities are traditional, full-semester content courses for middle and high school learners. Courses are available at no cost for students currently enrolled in any one of Alaska's 54 school districts.

For the latest information on COVID-19 relating to schools, please follow DEED on social media at @AlaskaDEED

DEED developed this site to share the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. Please check for frequent updates, as staff is reviewing and editing the site daily as we respond to this emerging outbreak. 

Alaska Smart Start 2020

The Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), developed guidance to support planning and strategies for reopening schools. ‘Alaska Smart Start 2020’ framework for K-12 schools provides a tiered approach based on COVID-19 pandemic risk levels per community. School districts and communities will work together to develop clear, actionable steps that are necessary for teaching and learning to continue throughout the 2020-2021 school year. These health parameters provide a basis for plans that are specific, actionable, and broad enough to be adaptable. 

Alaska Smart Start 2020 is built upon the guidance and recommendations of health officials and collaborative conversations with education stakeholders; it is aligned to the reopening guidelines that have been provided by our state and federal leaders; and it is designed to help districts prioritize the health and safety of students and teachers as they deliver instruction for the 2020-2021 school year.

To continue the creative discourse and scenario planning achieved through the Alaska Smart Start 2020 webinar series held this spring, DEED, with the support of the Region 16 Comprehensive Center, is launching the Alaska Smart Start Summer Virtual Summit 2020 to be held throughout the month of August. The Virtual Summit invites teachers, parents, district staff, tribal leaders, community members, and education stakeholders to interact daily with expert guest speakers, network with a statewide community of learners, and collectively plan for the conditions, continuity, and capacities for learning in the upcoming school year.

To learn more about the Alaska Smart Start Summer Virtual Summit 2020 and to register visit aklearns.org/smartwebinar/.

• Revised! Alaska Smart Start 2020 Framework Guidance
• NEW! Alaska Smart Start Summer Virtual Summit 2020
• From Uncertainty to Certainty – Alaska Smart Start 2020 Webinar Series Archive
• CDC’s School Reopening Decision Tool
• CDC’s Interim Guidance for Schools and Day Camps
• State by State School Reentry Guidance and Resources
• 2020 Primary Election Planning in Response to COVID-19

State-Issued Health Mandates

To prevent or slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the State of Alaska issued its first health mandate on March 13, 2020. The mandate dictates that all scheduled public school days starting March 16, 2020 through March 27, 2020 will be non-student contact days in which students will not be attending school.

On March 16, 2020, Governor Dunleavy directed all residential boarding school programs to begin the process of returning students to their home communities. The process of returning students home should be completed by March 27, 2020.

Governor Dunleavy’s COVID-19 Health Mandate – April 9, 2020

Governor Dunleavy’s COVID-19 Health Mandate – March 20, 2020

DEED’s COVID-19 Memo Extending School Closure – March 20, 2020

Governor Dunleavy's COVID-19 Health Mandate - March 16, 2020

DEED COVID-19 Memo to Alaska Residential School Programs - March 16, 2020

Governor Dunleavy’s COVID-19 Health Mandate - March 13, 2020

DEED COVID-19 Memo to Alaska Public Schools - March 13, 2020

Background Information

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that was first detected in China in December 2019. Health experts are concerned because it spreads from person to person and has the potential to cause severe illness. While in some cases illness can be severe and require hospitalization, many individuals infected with novel coronavirus recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking pain and fever-reducing medications.

What is the difference between seasonal and novel coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses and there are different types of coronavirus within that family, much like there are different types of influenza viruses. Coronaviruses in general are not new, they are quite common and are a frequent cause of respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Coronaviruses tend to circulate in the fall and winter months, similar to influenza. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives.

The type of coronavirus that has recently emerged in Wuhan, China is a new type of coronavirus and is infecting people for the first time (which means that people do not have any immunity to it).

What are common symptoms of COVID-19?

Information to date suggests this virus is causing symptoms consistent with a respiratory illness such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. It should not be assumed that respiratory illnesses are novel coronavirus; however, if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 please call a medical provider in advance of seeking medical care. Calling ahead will help the medical provider’s office take steps to keep other people from being exposed. You may also use the Coronavirus Checker website to assess your symptoms and risk.

COVID Relief Information

For Health Information and Support Relating to COVID-19 in Alaska

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)

The Alaska Section of Epidemiology is closely monitoring the rapidly-emerging outbreak of COVID-19. On March 12 the first case was detected in Alaska.

DHSS is working with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other state and local public health partners to respond to this emerging public health threat. Please refer to the website below for current information.

coronavirus.alaska.gov

DHSS COVID-19 Dashboard

Please call 269-8000 for medically-related questions

Call or email 2-1-1 with any non-clinical questions

The Department of Health and Social Services also made a webpage specific for parents and caregivers as they navigate the new school year. Whether children are homeschooling, remote learning, or in a classroom with other students, there are many ways to help keep kids safe from COVID-19 while learning.

DHSS Back-to-School Page

Other Health and Safety Resources:

• Alaska Careline Suicide & Crisis: Call 877-266-4357 (HELP)
• National Suicide Hotline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 741741
• Self-Injury/Cutting: Call 1-800-366-8288 | selfinjury.com
• Runaway Hotline: 1-800-786-2929 | Chat 1800runaway.org
• Child Abuse Hotline: Call or Text 1-800-478-4444 | Chat ReportChildAbuse@alaska.gov
  
• Helpful Tips for Protecting Children and Reporting Abuse During the COVID-19 crisis
• Domestic/Relationship Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 6 | Text LOVEIS to 22522 | Chat thehotline.org

Be Prepared

The following steps can be taken to prepare for the prevention and response to an outbreak:

• Review important links for updated guidance.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently, ideally with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
• Train nurses and staff members to watch for signs and symptoms of illness, which are similar to those of lower respiratory illness. Students or staff members who exhibit these signs should be sent home immediately.
• Create an absentee and sick leave policy for students and staff requiring the ill to stay home. Distribute policy to parents.
• Prepare for possible vaccine distribution within schools. Once the vaccine is available, vaccinations will be voluntary, but may be targeted at school-aged children.
• Update district crisis response plans. Districts are required by law to have current crisis response plans in place. Visit the School Safety and Emergency Management webpage for more information.

COVID-19 serves as an important reminder of the importance of including pandemics/disease outbreaks in district crisis response plans. Districts are encouraged to check that their crisis response plans include planning for these types of events, and that these plans are updated. District plans should include the following basic components:

• Improve the sanitation of your schools and the personal sanitation of staff and students.
• Communicate with parents about their responsibilities to monitor their children’s health.
• Communicate with parents about school actions regarding the flu.
• Encourage staff and students to consider obtaining annual flu vaccinations
• Watch for flu symptoms among staff and students, and send ill people home.

Preparing for and Responding to Emergency School Closures

Given the recurrent nature of pandemics/disease outbreaks, districts also should prepare a plan for when they would close schools and how to educate students when schools are closed. If a school is closed, DEED will expect the district to submit an education plan.

In the event of emergency school closures, districts are required to notify the department in writing within 24 hours and submit a modified school calendar as soon as possible. Districts are provided several options for substituting closure days; however, the commissioner will decide whether to approve all, some, or none of the days requested. For more information regarding the regulations surrounding emergency school closures, please review the links below.

• Sec. 14.03.030. School term.
• Sec. 14.03.040. Day in session.
• 4 AAC 05.090. Discontinuation or closure of schools
• 4 AAC 05.900. Definitions

Other Helpful Resources

State of Alasks Resources

• 2019 Novel Coronavirus Flyer (DHSS)
• Influenza Information from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
• Alaska Weekly Flu Snapshot Report
• 2017 AK School Emergency Operations Plan Guidebook and Template
• Infectious Disease Management: Guidelines for Alaska Schools (DHSS)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC has numerous resources on its website regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). School districts may find the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, specifically the FAQs for K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs, helpful in creating an appropriate and educated epidemiologically based response to concerns regarding COVID-19.

• COVID-19 Cases and Transmission in 17 K–12 Schools in Wisconsin
• Considerations for School Closure
• Community Mitigation Strategy
• COVID-19 Guidance for Schools and Childcare Providers
• Interim Guidance for Administrators of U.S. Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to COVID-19
• Information for Schools & Childcare Providers
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Influenza (Flu)
• Pandemic Flu Checklist: K-12 School Administrators
• Get Your School Ready for the Pandemic Flu

U.S. Department of Education

• FERPA and Virtual Learning During COVID-19
• FERPA and Virtual Learning Resources
• U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 webpage
• Addressing the risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting Civil Rights
• FAQs Relating to FERPA and COVID-19

Contact Us

schoolhealthandsafety@alaska.gov