A team of researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has received a $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the effects of climate change on mental health. The study will focus on Alaska Native communities, which are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The researchers will use a variety of methods to collect data, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. They will also use satellite imagery and other data to track changes in the environment.
The study is expected to provide valuable insights into the mental health effects of climate change and help develop interventions to address these effects.
Alaska Department of Education releases new report on student achievement
The Alaska Department of Education has released a new report on student achievement. The report found that overall, student performance has remained flat over the past three years.
However, there were some positive trends. For example, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations on the Alaska Performance Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (AK PEAK) increased from 36% to 42% in English language arts and from 39% to 41% in mathematics.
The report also found that there are large disparities in student achievement between different groups of students. For example, American Indian/Alaska Native students are less likely to meet or exceed expectations on the AK PEAK than white students.
The Department of Education is working to address these disparities through a variety of initiatives, including early childhood education, professional development for teachers, and increased funding for schools that serve high-needs students.
School lunch programs in Alaska receive boost in federal funding
School lunch programs in Alaska will receive a boost in federal funding thanks to a new law signed by President Biden. The law will increase funding for the National School Lunch Program by $30 billion over the next five years.
The additional funding will allow schools to provide more nutritious meals to students, as well as offer breakfast and after-school snacks. This will help to ensure that all students have access to the food they need to learn and grow.
The new law is a welcome development for Alaska, where food insecurity is a major problem. According to the Alaska Food Bank, one in six Alaskans experiences food insecurity, including one in five children.
The additional funding for school lunch programs will help to reduce food insecurity and improve the health and well-being of Alaska’s children.