|
In this edition of the Alaska Reading Newsletter:
- Looking Back and Moving Foward - IEE DIrector Susan McKenzie
- Alaska DEED Free Course Guidelines/Expectations *UPDATED
- DEED/R16CC Professional Development *UPDATED
- Important DUE DATES regarding Alaska Reads Act requirements
- 2023 SoR Symposium Recordings and Information - 2024 Dates Announced
- Coffee and Content *MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- Reads Act Implementation Webinars/Info
- DEED Reading Resource webpages *UPDATED
- Alaska School Spotlights - on hold for Summer; submissions open
- Initiatives and Other PD Updates
- AKLearns and Quick Links
Please help us spread the word by forwarding this newsletter to all staff, your colleagues, and interested stakeholders. Encourage them to sign up on mailing list (see below) to receive the Alaska Reading Newsletter.
 |
|
Looking Back and Moving Forward
A Message from DEED - IEE Director Susan McKenzie
|
Over the past year the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development has focused efforts on putting a strategic reading plan in place to direct reading support efforts, prepare for implementation of the Alaska Reads Act, and communicate with education stakeholders around the state in support of reading improvements.
Following engagement of stakeholders, regulations for all but the virtual education component of the Alaska Reads Act were adopted by the State Board of Education (SBOE) on April 19, 2023. Over 50 implementation documents have been developed so far, with continued development occurring as needed. At least 70 in-person and virtual presentations, two new sets of webpages on the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development website, and over 1350 subscriptions for the Reading Newsletter have provided communication to districts and communities in preparation for the Alaska Reads Act.
Here are just a few project highlights to support our efforts to support reading improvement:
- English Language Arts adoption initiative: almost 50% of our elementary students will have access to new science of reading-based curriculum this next school year!
- RTI/MTSS System Refresh: 18 of our districts have committed to a refresh of their systems to support multi-tiered instruction!
- Science of Reading Symposium: about 1800 attendees (virtual and in-person) received professional development in reading this spring!
- Alaska Literacy Blueprint: our state roadmap for literacy improvement was completed!
Moving forward, the department continues to increase capacity to support districts across Alaska with the goal of achieving Priority #1 of the Alaska Education Challenge (proficiency in reading by third grade). Region 16 Comprehensive Center has supported the department’s efforts with professional development and communication with stakeholders. Regional Education Laboratories Northwest is working with the department on assessment of implementation efforts. In addition, we are preparing to implement Alyeska Reading Institute with the singular focus to provide support to districts with implementation efforts of the Alaska Reads Act. The implementation support efforts provide leadership, resources, and support so that together, we can provide an excellent education for every student every day.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
K-3 Alaska Reads Act Verified: Alaska DEED FREE Reads Act
Professional Development Courses
Guidelines/Expectations – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
All certified educators who teach, provide, and/or supervise reading instruction to students in grades K-3 must complete Alaska DEED-approved evidenced-based training (these courses are currently open to anyone working in K-6). An educator is defined as a professional who is responsible for, creates, or supervises the literacy instruction of student(s). This may include, but not limited to, the primary classroom teacher, an instructional coach, a reading Interventionist (in grades K-3), a special education teacher, an English language learner teacher, a Title I teacher, building principal, director, or ANY other educators who are responsible for supervising/delivering reading instruction and have been employed to teach kindergarten or any of grades one through three.
Alaska DEED is covering the cost of an educator to participate in one FREE PD course to meet Alaska Reads Act educator requirements (currently, Keys to Literacy, NWEA for Leaders, and LETRS). An educator must successfully COMPLETE a course in its entirety to avoid being dropped from the course. Please check your schedule for live session dates and the coursework requirements for potential conflicts prior to enrolling. The expectations of these graduate-level courses are listed below:
- Attend ALL virtual-live meetings for the course (MUST attend the FIRST and LAST meetings)
- Complete ALL modules in the asynchronous online course.
- Complete the pre-assessment and receive a passing score on the post-assessment.
- Complete ALL course requirements within the course timeframe.
In the case of emergency, participants may miss one meeting in between the first and last meetings but need to attend the missed live session facilitated by Alaska DEED within the course timeframe. You MUST notify a course instructor or Alaska DEED (akreads@alaska.gov) before the next course meeting if an emergency arises.
Due to the high cost and demand of these courses, Alaska DEED must avoid losing course seats due to registrants not participating or dropping courses. Should this be the case, please understand that registering for a course that you do not complete may result in loss of priority to register for free Alaska DEED professional development in the future. Keep in mind, this could mean paying for a course or exam out of pocket to meet Alaska Reads Act educator requirements if no seats become available in the FREE Alaska DEED courses.
Relevant Alaska Reads Act Teacher Requirement Regulations:
Beginning July 1, 2023, if the applicant seeks to qualify for certification under AS 14.20.015 or AS 14.20.020 to teach students in grades kindergarten through three, has met the requirements of 4 AAC 12.393(a).
To qualify for a K-3 Reads Act Verification, an educator shall:
(1) hold a teacher certificate issued under 4 AAC 12.305; and
(2) submit documentation to the department that the applicant has
a. completed three semester hours or the equivalent of an evidence-based reading
training that includes a summative assessment and is approved by the department; or
b. achieved or exceeded the required score under 4 AAC 12.407 for
i. the ETS Praxis II Teaching Reading examination, test code 5204;
ii. the ETS Praxis II Teaching Reading: Elementary examination, test code 5205;
iii. the ETS Praxis II Teaching Reading: Elementary examination, test code 5206; or
iv. the Pearson Foundation of Reading examination.
DEED sponsored Science of Reading Courses
Please visit the DEED Professional Development webpage for SoR course updates. You can also visit https://aklearns.org under "events" to look for calendar updates with information.
 |
|
Keys to Literacy SoR Courses
|
There will be one more Keys to Literacy Summer Cohort. The registration deadline is June 23rd. REGISTER NOW! The cohort will meet on the following days/time:
Summer 2023 (fast tracked course; Registration is open and closes on June 23rd)
June 27 - August 8, 8:30 -10:30 am Tuesdays
Meetings on July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8
Fall 2023 (Registration opens 7/31 and closes 8/11)
Cohort 1: Aug. 14 - Dec. 6, 4:00 - 6:00 pm (Wednesdays)
Meetings on 9/6, 9/27, 10/18, 11/15, 12/6
Cohort 2: Aug. 14 - Dec. 7, 4:00 - 6:00 pm (Thursdays)
Meetings on 9/7, 9/28, 10/19, 11/16, 12/7
Cohort 3: Aug. 14 - Dec. 9, 8:30-10:30am (Saturdays)
Meetings on 9/9, 9/30, 10/21, 11/18, 12/9
Winter 2023 (Registration opens 11/6 and closes 11/17)
Cohort 1: Nov. 22 - Mar. 13, 4:00 - 6:00 pm (Wednesdays)
Meetings on 12/13, 1/10, 1/31, 2/21, and 3/13
Cohort 2: Nov. 22 - Mar. 14, 4:00 - 6:00 pm (Thursdays)
Meetings on 12/14, 1/11, 2/1, 2/22, 3/14
Cohort 3: Nov. 22 - Mar. 16, 8:30 - 10:30 am (Saturdays)
Meetings on 12/16, 1/13, 2/3, 2/24, 3/16
Spring 2024 (Registration opens 1/29 and closes 2/9)
Cohort 1: Feb. 12 - May 22, 4:00 - 6:00 pm (Wednesdays)
Meetings on 3/6, 3/27, 4/10, 5/1, 5/22
Cohort 2: Feb. 12 - May 23, 4:00 - 6:00 pm (Thursdays)
Meetings on 3/7, 3/28, 4/11, 5/2, 5/23
Cohort 3: Feb. 12 - June 1, 8:30 - 10:30 pm (Saturdays)
Meetings on 3/9, 3/30, 4/13, 5/4, 6/1
Summer 2024 (fast tracked course; Registration opens 4/8 and closes 4/19)
Apr. 22 - June 22, 8:30 - 10:30 am (Saturdays)
Meetings on 5/18, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22
Summer 2024 (fast tracked course; Registration opens 5/6 and closes 5/17)
May 20 - June 24, 8:30 - 10:30 am (Mondays and Thursdays)
Meetings on 6/10, 6/13, 6/17, 6,20, 6/24
Visit the Alaska Keys to Literacy website for more information:
https://keystoliteracy.com/alaska-reads-professional-development/
Note: Keys to Literacy satisfies Alaska Reads Act educator qualification requirements for both teachers and leaders. It is open to educators in Grades K-6, but required for K-3. Please make sure you have reviewed your schedule and the DEED Guidelines/Expectations for Courses sheet prior to registering. Full participation and attendance is expected.
NWEA for Administrators SoR Course
|
|
 |
The NWEA for Administrators course opened for registration on May 8, 2023. There are multiple course option dates available. Register NOW!
Applicants should register for their preferred term (fall, winter, or spring).
Cohorts 1 & 2 will occur August 31–December 14
Cohorts 3 & 4 will occur October 26–February 29
Cohorts 5 & 6 will occur January 9–April 25.
The detailed schedule for virtual seminars can be accessed via the registration link.
https://dpdol.nwea.org/pl/sa/AK/AK_Literacy_LeadershipRegistration_Flyer_FY23.pdf
Note: It is recommended that District Leaders take this course, however Keys to Literacy and LETRS also satisfy Alaska Reads Act educator qualification requirements.
LETRS for Classroom Educators (Cohort 7) will launch in June, followed by additional cohorts for K-5 teachers, administrators, and early childhood educators in late summer and early fall 2023. To learn more or to apply for an upcoming LETRS training, please visit the Alaska LETRS Overview Guide at bit.ly/ak-letrs.
IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING
ALASKA READS ACT REQUIREMENTS
|
District Reading Intervention Plan (K-3 MTSS Plan)
DUE: on or before September 1
It is exciting to report that DEED has already received the K-3 MTSS Plans from five districts. The team has been able to starting reviewing and scoring those documents. Don't delay!
|
|
K-3 Literacy Screener Waiver
DUE: on or before March 1 of each year
Did you know? 96% of districts have chosen to use the state-adopted literacy screener, Amplify’s mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition.
|
|
K-3 Educator Qualifications Requirement
DUE: July 1, 2025
Long term schedules for both Keys to Literacy for Teachers and NWEA for Leaders are now available to help you in planning for meeting Alaska Reads Act educator qualification requirements. When registering, please assure you can commit to attending all meetings and completing course requirements. For your convenience, DEED has developed an expectations/guidelines sheet with information about the DEED FREE PD courses.
|
|
