ESL
In the Minnesota adult basic education system, ESL learners (as defined by the National Reporting System) make up roughly half of our students statewide. Of course, there are English learners in non-ESL (ABE) levels as well! Language learners do not check their language issues at the door when they test out of ESL-specific offerings in programs.
In addition, learning academic language, the language of access in our society, is a second language for everyone. Offering strong language development is a key component of our work in ABE, across all proficiency levels and teaching contexts. In response, ATLAS offers a number of professional development (PD) activities to support language development.
Language & Literacy Institute
One of our primary activities for improving ESL instruction is hosting the Language & Literacy Institute, a two-day, intensive training that takes place in late January each year. The large event brings together reading, writing, and ESL educators in ABE to collaborate with and learn from one another. The Language & Literacy Institute is organized by the Language & Literacy Advisory Team, and we offer an array of workshops on reading and literacy instruction topics that have emerged as priorities in the state.
Language Instruction Study Circles
Study circles are small learning groups of practitioners who meet several times with a facilitator to learn together around a specific topic. Prior to each session, participants read a selection of relevant research on the study circle topic, and they may be assigned written or classroom-based reflection tasks to complete as well. ATLAS offers a number of language instruction study circles, which are described below.
Study Circle Facilitator Guides
Practitioners are also encouraged to make use of our Study Circle Facilitator Guides, which provide step-by-step suggestions for conducting study circles no matter where your program is based:
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- Beginning ESL Literacy: See information below about accessing this study circle facilitator guide on Canvas.
- Low-Literacy Adult ESL Study Circle II
- Integrating Language & Numeracy Study Circle
- Pronunciation Study Circle
Study Circles
Pronunciation Study Circle
This 9-hour study circle is a professional learning activity for Adult Basic Education ESL teachers who are interested in integrating effective pronunciation instruction into their regular teaching practice. Study circle participants analyze the pronunciation needs of learners with diverse cultural backgrounds and English ability levels, explore relevant research and its implications for targeted pronunciation instruction, and actively engage in pronunciation instruction within their own teaching practices. Participants engage in both at-home reading and reflective classroom tasks that inform and deepen discussions and allow for maximum professional growth.
Integrating Language & Numeracy Study Circle
The purpose of this 9-hour study circle is to advance Adult Basic Education teachers’ ability to effectively and confidently integrate numeracy instruction and English language instruction. It is appropriate for teachers of all levels of English and math within Minnesota ABE, as teachers adapt tasks for their own levels and classrooms. Study circle participants explore relevant research and its implications for best practices in the classroom, as well as engaging in both at-home reading and reflective classroom tasks that inform and deepen discussions and allow for maximum professional growth.
Beginning ESL Literacy Study Circle I
This 9-hour study circle is a professional learning activity for teachers of low-literate Adult Basic Education ESL students – those learners with little or no first-language literacy. With a special focus on reading development for these learners, teachers explore relevant research and its implications for best practices in the classroom. Study circle participants engage in both at-home reading and reflective classroom tasks that inform and deepen discussions and allow for maximum professional growth.
Low-Literacy Adult ESL Study Circle II: Next Steps in Designing Balanced Instruction
This 9-hour study circle is a professional learning activity for Adult Basic Education teachers of low-literate adult ESL students – those learners with little or no first-language literacy. A follow-up to Low-Literacy Adult ESL Study Circle I, this circle focuses on balancing oral and written skills instruction in the classroom, in addition to establishing strong instructional routines that guide students to more independent and effective learning. Study circle participants explore relevant research and its implications for best practices in the classroom, as well as engaging in both at-home reading and reflective classroom tasks that inform and deepen discussions and allow for maximum professional growth.
Advisory Teams
Language & Literacy Advisory Team
The Language & Literacy Advisory Team (LLATé) is an ATLAS-sponsored team designed to strengthen language, reading, and writing instruction in Minnesota through relevant, meaningful, and effective professional development for practitioners.
The Advisory Team is responsible for visioning and the creating a long-term strategic plan for language & literacy PD in Minnesota, as well as specific tasks yearly to support established PD efforts, such as the January Language & Literacy Institute.
New ESL Resources
Cracking the Code: The Wilson Reading System
English Reading Demystified – ESL
Cracking the Code: Materials
Latest ESL Articles
Accessible Distance Learning for Beginning English Learners
Think distance learning is too much for beginning-level English learners? Think again! Learn about some accessible options for extending learning beyond class time. Read More
Upcoming ABE Events
Ask ATLAS in the ATLAS Lounge – ESL, Equity and More! Office Hour with Erin
Venue: Online (see details below) Join the ATLAS Lounge for Ask ATLAS Office Hours. Passcode to join the meeting: lounge2026 Welcome to a new endeavor for ATLAS – open office hours! Join the Zoom on Monday, October 26, between 2:00 – 3:00 pm. This office hour is dedicated… Learn More
Minnesota State/ABE Corequisite Affinity Group Meeting 1 of 6
Registration Deadline: WED. 10/28/26 Venue: Online (see details below) Purpose: To strengthen partnerships between Adult Education and two-year colleges so underprepared adult learners experience seamless transitions, comprehensive support, and greater success in postsecondary education. The Affinity Group meetings bring together ABE educators, college faculty,… Learn More
Minnesota State/ABE Corequisite Affinity Group Meeting 2 of 6
Registration Deadline: THU. 10/29/26 Venue: Online (see details below) Purpose: To strengthen partnerships between Adult Education and two-year colleges so underprepared adult learners experience seamless transitions, comprehensive support, and greater success in postsecondary education. The Affinity Group meetings bring together ABE educators, college faculty,… Learn More