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Building Sentence-Writing Fluency Through Timed Writing Practice
This spotlight features two resources from the Iowa Reading Research Center that focus on building sentence-level writing fluency through timed, repeated writing practice. It includes an article explaining the approach and an example lesson plan that shows how timed writing sessions can be used and adapted in the classroom. Read More
Health Literacy Resources
This collection of multi-language health videos, classroom lessons, and support resources was created to support language learners who are new to English and who may have limited literacy skills to reduce barriers to access healthcare and improve health literacy. Read More
Let’s Talk about (Biological) Sex
This GED Science lesson explores data interpretation and DNA through the lens of biological sex. Students will read about 6 genetic combinations beyond XX and XY and discover what characteristics scientists consider when defining sex. This lesson could be taught over 1-2 class periods, depending on length of class time and whether the teacher assigns work for students to do ahead (watching videos to discuss). If everything is done in class, 3-4 hours. Read More
Making Sense of the Amendments
Students will read and summarize some of the amendments to the Constitution, focusing especially on the 14th Amendment. This will be used as an opportunity to discuss, model, and practice strategies for making sense of unfamiliar challenging text. Students’ work is self-paced; they work on this assignment for about an hour a day over two weeks. Read More
Teaching for Justice
Explore a growing collection of justice-focused lessons and resources created for adult educators and learners. Designed by local MN adult educators, these ready-to-use materials support equity, civic engagement, and critical thinking on timely topics—from disability rights to immigration and executive power. Lessons and multimedia resources spark discussion, reflection, and action in today’s complex world. Read More
Don’t Believe Everything That You Read! Information/Media Literacy
When it comes to the information that we are reading, hearing, and passing along, it is no wonder that it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine its validity. To this end, it is more important than ever to incorporate information/media literacy instructional strategies and activities into the ABE classroom. Moreover, these strategies and activities are beneficial for all levels of students and can be delivered within all types of instruction. This adaptable lesson will help students become more critical readers and listeners in this age of mass information and, depending on class time, can be taught during one or multiple sessions. To be most effective, it should be taught after lessons/discussions about the First Amendment (especially freedom of speech and freedom of the press) and the role(s) of media in society. Read More
United States National Parks: Impact of 2025 Federal Layoffs
This reading lesson centers around a news article about how the 2025 U.S. federal layoffs impacted the National Park Service, the parks, and their employees. Read More
How the Constitution Established our Government
This lesson teaches students how the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution to establish the U.S. government. Students will learn about the three main Articles of the Constitution and how each one establishes the three branches of government. They will then learn the role of each branch of government and the significance of “Checks and Balances.” Read More
Know Your Rights: 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments
In this module, students will read about exercising their 4th, 5th and 6th amendment rights during an encounter with ICE. Students will practice listening for specific phrases they can apply to interactions with ICE and practice using those phrases in role plays. Read More
Know Your Rights with ICE
A 2-3 hour long lesson (extensions built in) for beginning ESL students on differentiating types of law enforcement and understanding their rights in those interactions with an emphasis on Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). Read More