Gov. Bill Walker’s proposed budget calls for the elimination of a $2 million pre-kindergarten program, which serves six school districts in Anchorage, Juneau and Western Alaska.
Education
Models show permafrost melting faster than thought
UAF researchers reported findings from Arctic permafrost modeling that indicates thawing may dramatically affect ecosystems and infrastructure.
Village of Beaver narrowly keeps its school, for now
The Yukon Flats Village will continue operating the school at a reduced level, at least through next May.
With child care shortage, local organizations offer assistance to future providers
Tlingit and Haida Central Council will help pay for First Aid and CPR certifications, background checks, a fire inspection, a business license, safety equipment and other costs of getting licensed.
28 teams compete in 9th annual Juneau Robot Jamboree
“It’s supposed to be like an NCAA tournament and a Hollywood film opening all at once. So we’ve got an emcee doing play-by-play for the robot matches. We’ve got a DJ playing music all day. Our referees are dancing and wearing silly costumes,” said Rebecca Soza with JEDC.
Fewer fish, fewer kids: Remote Alaskan island struggles to keep its students
A driving force behind the school’s declining enrollment is something the school can’t do much about: people leaving the island in search of a healthier economy.
Education reform bill keeps some elements of No Child Left Behind
Many lawmakers say they’re happy to dump No Child Left Behind, but the new education bill leaves in place major elements of the law, and that may not be a terrible thing.
School board to change complicated placement process for optional programs
Parents have called the placement process for the Juneau School District’s optional programs cumbersome and untimely. For Juneau’s charter school, the placement process may also be illegal.
UAF projects grim fiscal landscape in 2017
UA President Jim Johnsen has asked chancellors to look at vertical cuts, a strategy that could lead to programs with low student numbers to be eliminated or combined with another disciplines.
No Child Left Behind: An Obituary
Congress has done its part, and the much-maligned law is on its way out. But what will folks say at the education law’s wake? Hint: Most won’t have tears in their eyes.