Students, Educators, and Parents (STEP) Center

Our staff is here to help!

Contact us at step@asdk12.org or call 907-742-3872.

• Coordinator: Burl Oliver
• Teacher Consultant: Karren Johnson
• Manager and Teacher Consultant: Barb Loutrel
• Secretary and Library Resources: Patti Voight
• Technical Assistant/Alaska Family Directory: Judy Thomson
• Web Technical Coordinator: Davie Kupiec
• Manifestations: Jayne Brundin

Resources available through the STEP Center

Lending Library

The STEP Center maintains an extensive lending library open to students, parents, teachers and community members. Books, DVDs, and videotapes cover a wide range of information on disabilities. The Center regularly adds new publications and maintains an up-to-date collection of resource pamphlets from support agencies in Anchorage and the surrounding area. Now all ASD employees have online access to the library resources database. Sign into District Connection and click STEP Library under Your Applications.

Visit us at:
Anchorage School District Education Center
5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd
Anchorage, AK  99504

Newsletters

These three newsletters include information on educational topics as well as listing upcoming opportunities. You may read the most current issues or peruse the archives from this link.

• AK Connect
• Options for Tomorrow
• Preschool Press

Child Check Brochures and Child Find Training

• The STEP Center disseminates Child Check brochures. You may download them through this link or request multiple copies by calling our office. This brochure explains when a child should be referred for possible evaluation by the Anchorage School District to determine whether they may need special education services. More information may also be found on this topic by visiting the Special Education Child Check page »
• Annual Child Find Training content of the mandatory annual child find training. Includes links to a PowerPoint and PDF version of the training as well. Go to the Annual Child Find Training page »

Teacher Assistants and Paraprofessional Resources

• Lending Library: The STEP Center full resource lending library is open to TAs. If you have District Connection access you can connect directly to the online STEP Library database and search for books/media you may want to check out. If you do not have District Connection access you must check items out physically at the STEP Center.
• Paraprofessional Connection newsletters: A monthly publication oriented to paraprofessionals and their professional development and skill building.

Web Resources

Disability Related Topics
This clearinghouse of information includes topics in the areas of: Learning Disabilities,  ADD-ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fragile X Syndrome, Tourette’s Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety related disorders,  assistive technology, parent resources and much more.

Where to Turn
Alaska's resource for children and adults with disabilities. Prepared to help you find the resources that may be needed for a child or adult who experiences a physical, mental, or emotional disability.

Educational Opportunities
Look here for a training calendar, a list of local parent educational opportunities and contact numbers for more information.

Just Anchorage
The Web sites listed here have local information for parents who live in the Anchorage School District.

National Resources
Key national education, government and organization Web sites with a focus on special education.

Special Education Laws
Learn more about the special education process and parental rights, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Alaska Family Directory
This Web site is funded by a grant from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development and maintained by the Anchorage School District. This section includes calendars of educational opportunities for parents and educators that are specific to a region of Alaska. Included in each regional section is a listing of community organizations that provide assistance to families of special needs children in that specific area.

Gateway to Online Training
A menu of training available online for ASD staff on Special Education topics. Descriptions, links and information for accessing the trainings are provided.