School PD Requirements in Alaska
What professional development requirements does a school in Alaska need to meet?
According to Alaska law, a school district and the department must provide youth suicide awareness and prevention training.
The commissioner will approve youth suicide awareness and prevention training if the training meets standards for professional continuing education credit in the state.
The approved suicide prevention training for Alaska schools may be offered through an individual study of designated materials.
What are the professional learning standards for schools in Alaska?
School staff members in AK often receive one-time training on topics, however real and lasting change requires ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
Continuing opportunities for learning and reflection are critical for all who work with students: school administration, teaching staff, paraprofessionals, support staff, afterschool providers, and community members. Everyone in a school community has a role and needs to be prepared to support students.
How can Alaska school leadership implement trauma-informed professional learning?
- Inventory professional learning structures, resources, time allocation, and supports already in place.
- Develop an ongoing professional learning plan that utilizes best practices.
- Ensure job-embedded learning focused on integrating trauma engaged practices throughout the school year.
Alaska educators and national experts suggest professional learning for trauma-engaged practice address topics such as:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and inequities in Alaska and the impact on learning
- Historical and intergenerational impacts of trauma
- Cultural strength, resilience, and multi-generational models for healing
- Relationship-building with students, staff, families and community
- Adult social-emotional skills (e.g., collaboration, conflict resolution, consensus building)
- Schoolwide practices that create physical, emotional, cultural and academic safety
- Helping students develop self-regulation and social-emotional skills
- Resources and community partnerships for helping students with specific trauma (e.g., parent in jail, military deployment, alcohol and drugs, violence)
- How students’ trauma impacts school staff and staff self-care
How do I contact the Alaska DEED?
Contact the AK Department of Education and Early Development.
PO Box 110500
Juneau, AK 99811-0500
(907) 465-2800
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your school and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Education requires. The new continuing education information and school PD requirements in Alaska listed on this page are current as of April 27th, 2023 to meet the best information available. State professional development requirements and may change and it is your responsibility as a school administrator to know your state staff development requirements and the process for submission and approval of all professional and staff development hours. Professional Learning Board can not guarantee acceptance by your school, district, state Department of Education or local authority.