E-NEWS

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A weekly digest of education news for Alaska's School Board Members.

Association of Alaska School Boards, 1111 West 9th St., Juneau, AK 99801. Tel.

907-586-1083, Fax 907-586-2995. Carl Rose, Executive Director,

crose@aasb.org:    John Greely, Editor, jgreely@aasb.org. Review past issues of

the E-News on the AASB Website at <http://www.aasb.org>. To unsubscribe send an email stating the same to jgreely@aasb.org.

 

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AASB E-News                                                                                                                     

October 18, 2007

 

 

-- Peer helpers put positive pressure on high schoolers

-- 2007 Technology Survey Says Districts Offering More 21st Century Learning Opportunities

-- School Boards Lead the Way with
1 to 1 Learning

-- Celebrating Excellence in the Arts

-- Youth-Adult Community Project Application

-- School Wellness Online Survey

-- TWO ALASKA SCHOOLS WIN NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

 

Peer Helpers puts positive pressure on high schoolers

Peer Helpers is a program designed to encourage peer leadership among teens in schools and the community. "What we want to do is to take the talent, the energy and the influence young people have to set a positive influence within their schools. They serve as positive role models from all types of groups," said Jim Holen, the district-wide Peer Helpers coordinator and a counselor with Mat-Su Services.  Peer Helpers addresses topics that range from substance abuse and suicide prevention to student health issues and positive school climate.  See full story here:    

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/matsu/story/9386216p-9299578c.html

 

 

2007 Technology Survey Says Districts Offering More 21st Century Learning Opportunities

School districts across the country are revising their academic curriculum to give students more 21st century learning opportunities, according to a survey issued today by the National School Boards Association (NSBA) at the organizationÕs annual T+L Conference.

 

More than 50 percent of responding school districts reported that they have revamped their curricula to include higher math, science, and technology standards; and nearly 50 percent have indicated they are now using new assessment measures for 21st century learning skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. 

 

ÒWe believe this is a good indication that school districts are moving beyond the basic requirements of No Child Left Behind and really looking at the advanced skills that students are going to need to perform well in the workplaces of the future,Ó said NSBA Executive Anne L. Bryant.  See full story here:

http://www.nsba.org/site/doc.asp?TRACKID=&VID=2&CID=90&DID=41767

 

 

School Boards Lead the Way with
1 to 1 Learning

United in their wish to provide the best possible outcomes for their students, AASB and several school board members came together to launch a statewide 1 to 1 learning initiative for Alaska schools. Since then, over 55 pilot school sites in 18 districts have received Apple notebook computers for all students and teachers. And AASB continues to chart a new course in learning for students living in the Last Frontier.  See full story here:

http://www.apple.com/education/profiles/aasb/

 

 

Celebrating Excellence in the Arts

Glacier Valley Elementary School held a community celebration for winning a coveted national award for its Art is Elementary program. Glacier Valley is one of five schools across the nation to win the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network Creative Ticket National Schools of Distinction Award. The award came for a program that infuses reading, writing, science and math with art. The arts-integrated program has been credited with increasing test scores, improving attendance and reducing discipline problems. See full story here (may require registration):

http://juneauempire.com/stories/101807/loc_20071018002.shtml

 

 

Youth-Adult Community Project Application

AASB/Alaska ICE is offering reimbursements to communities that wish to develop community service projects that team youth with adults. 

 

Youth and adults involved in faith-based or community organizations may apply for funding. Groups whose members are all over the age of 18 must include work

with youth under the age of 18 as part of their projects.  Youths and adults must write the application together.  For more information and to apply, visit http://www.alaskaice.org.   

 

 

School Wellness Online Survey

National School Boards Association's School Health Programs Department is partnering with Action for Healthy Kids to help promote wellness within the school environment. Action for Healthy Kids is conducting an online survey to gather perspectives and opinions on the current state of school wellness. The 10-minute survey addresses critical issues in school wellness, including barriers and opportunities surrounding whatÕs working for and against school wellness, and what more it will take to insure adequate nutrition and physical activity for all children. To participate in the survey, please click the link below or cut and past it into your browser:
https://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=796719

 

 

TWO ALASKA SCHOOLS WIN NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Delta Junction Elementary School and Richard Johnson Elementary School in Metlakatla have been named 2007 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

 

ÒI congratulate the students, the schoolsÕ staffs, and their communities for this well-deserved recognition,Ó said Alaska Interim Education Commissioner, Barbara Thompson.  ÒThey represent the many Alaska schools that strive to improve the academic achievement of all their students.Ó

 

Delta Junction Elementary, in the Delta-Greely School District, serves nearly 400 students in pre-kindergarten through grade five. Richard Johnson Elementary, in the Annette Island School District, serves nearly 150 students in kindergarten through grade five in a predominantly Native community.

 

They are among 287 schools nationwide to win the award, which honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels or for making progress in closing the achievement gap between disadvantaged students and other students.

 

ÒDisadvantagedÓ is defined as students who are from low-income families, or are limited English proficient, or are migrant students.

 

Both of AlaskaÕs awarded schools are dramatically improved schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

 

Only 413 schools nationwide can be nominated by the states, apportioned by state student enrollments. Alaska was allowed three nominations. Nominated schools are then invited to submit an application if they want to be considered for the honor.

 

See: http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2007/index.html.

 

Representatives from the awarded schools will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on November 12-13.

 

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Association of Alaska School Boards

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1111 West 9th Street, Juneau, Alaska 99801-1510 Tel. 907-586-1083

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