ATLAS ABE

Helping Students Build Word Part Knowledge
2022-11-18 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/18/22
Teaching word parts (prefixes, suffixes, root words) is a great way to help students build their decoding and comprehension skills. Come learn a variety of fun and easy-to-use routines and activities for helping intermediate-level readers develop these important tools.

MN Hyflex Community of Practice Meeting
2022-11-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: NONE; please click the link below to join on the day of the meeting.
Please join us for the fall series of MN Hyflex Community of Practice meetings. All meetings will be held on Google Meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Meetings are November 17 and December 15. Future meetings and professional development TBD. No hyflex experience necessary and no need to RSVP, but please do let me know if you would like to put something on the agenda!

JOIN MEETING: https://meet.google.com/quk-iiwu-tmp

2022 Support Services Conference
2022-11-17 09:00 - 2022-11-18 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/11/22
Please joint us virtually for the Support Services Conference on Thursday, November 17 and Friday, November 18, 2022!
Thursday, November 17 will feature a CASAS Implementation Training (9:00 to 12:00) and a TABE Implementation Training (12:30 to 3:30). These trainings are intended for all staff who are new to ABE and are not CASAS or TABE certified.
Friday, November 18 will feature a keynote address by the State ABE staff (9:00 to 9:45) followed by concurrent sessions (10:00 to 3:00) on topics including mental health, SiD best practices, high school equivalency testing, technology, and many more.
The conference program with session descriptions will be posted by mid-October at https://www.mnabeassessment.com/support-services-conference.
For more information, you can contact Marty Olsen, martha.olsen@gmail.com.

Administrator Webinar: Everyday Adulting Includes Math! Let’s Make Room for It
2022-11-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/15/22
“Both literacy and numeracy are critical skills for adults in order to fully engage in their communities.” This statement is part of the official stance of MN Adult Education. Yet reading and writing often receive faaaaar more attention in the classroom by teachers and students alike! Most adult educators are more comfortable with literacy instruction than with numeracy. As administrators and program leaders, it is up to YOU to shift this culture and make math a priority, and also to give teachers support in what may be a scary new endeavor!
Join us as we articulate the difference between numeracy and math, locate key instructional and professional development resources, and discuss the challenges and possible solutions to give math its rightful place in your programs.

Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
2022-11-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/15/22
Participants learn how to apply teaching practices that support language and skill development for all learners. These practices include ensuring that instruction is learner centered, using an appropriate level of teacher talk and delivering error correction.

Reading Activities for Beginning Literacy and Beginning English Language Learners
2022-11-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/14/22
Teaching and tutoring very beginning level ESL readers can be intimidating for volunteers and professional teachers alike. Attend this webinar to get practical activities and ideas for one-on-one, remote and in-person instruction with tech and no-tech options. Leave feeling ready to provide your learners with meaningful and effective reading activities.

Edmentum New User & Refresher Training: Courseware and Exact Path
2022-11-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/14/22
Katie Janis from Edmentum will provide training for teachers who are getting started or want to review how to use Edmentum (Plato) Courseware and Exact Path for distance learning.

Teaching Reading Vocabulary Remotely or In Person
2022-11-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 11/10/22
Vocabulary is everyone’s favorite reading component! And helping students master reading vocabulary is a key to helping them master comprehension.
But how many words should you teach? And which words are the most important? What strategies are best for helping students learn new words? How do you get students to make new words part of their receptive and productive vocabularies? This webinar will focus on the theory and best practice behind choosing, teaching and reviewing reading vocabulary. You’ll get a chance to learn about (and practice) a variety of activities that can be done remotely or in person. Links to great online resources will also be provided.
This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.

Fall Managers' Meeting
2022-11-10 09:30 - 15:00 | Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn – Burnsville, 14201 Nicollet Ave S, Burnsville, 55337
Registration Deadline: THU. 11/03/22
Any staff person with a leadership role in a Minnesota Adult Education program is invited to attend this year’s in-person Fall Managers’ Meeting. Each Minnesota ABE consortium is expected to send at least one representative to this workshop.
We cannot provide food or materials if you register after Thursday, November 3. If you register and later decide not to attend, please let Neill Allard (neill.allard@state.mn.us) know ASAP so we can revise the lunch count. Registration check-in begins at 8:45am. Meeting will be held in the Ballroom at Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn in Burnsville, MN.
Meeting topics include:

Accountability updates
Current programming trends, including discussion of contact hour trends and implications for 23-24 funding
High School Equivalency (HSE) updates
Transitions programming and updates

Travel Information
For those who need an overnight stay, we have reserved a hotel block at the Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn, located at 14201 Nicollet Ave S, Burnsville, MN with a room rate of $109.99 (plus room tax) along with a complimentary breakfast. To receive this rate, please mention Group ID 7C4EY3C1. You can book online at Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn or call the hotel directly at 952-435-2100. The deadline to book is Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
Initial payment of travel expenses is the responsibility of the local program, but for those traveling 100 miles or more roundtrip, Literacy Action Network will reimburse you or your program for lodging and mileage expenses. Contact Wendy Her at info@literacyactionnetwork.org for more information.

Teaching the Notes and Melodies: Incorporating Effective Pronunciation Instruction into EL Lessons
2022-11-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Literacy Minnesota – main office, 700 Raymond Ave., Ste. 180, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/9/22
English pronunciation is a challenge for teachers and learners alike! In order for learners to be able to add the features of English pronunciation to their speaking toolbox, they need explicit instruction so that they can hear and produce the target sounds and rhythms. In this in-person training, learn about techniques to teach pronunciation that will be helpful for learners from a variety of language backgrounds and English language levels, and multisensory activities that can be used during in-person or remote instruction that go far beyond “listen and repeat.” The training will also discuss the importance of focusing on intelligibility in contrast to accent reduction, and provide suggestions for incorporating the techniques and activities into existing curriculum rather than stand-alone classes.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Progress and Reports
2022-11-08 12:30 - 13:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/8/22
In this session, we will have an overview of how to use Progress and also go over the reports feature. We will go through helpful tips on how to increase student usage.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2022-11-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/8/22
Participants develop their personal cultural awareness and learn how expectations around school culture shape how people teach and learn. Guiding principles for effectively delivering instruction to adults are also covered. Finally, participants increase their sensitivity to the challenges of learning English and developing literacy as an adult.

CCRS TA Webinar: Math Sprinkles for Your Classroom Routines
2022-11-03 14:30 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 11/3/22
Don’t teach a math class? No problem! This session will go over a few numeracy routines that you can use in your classroom no matter what content you teach. Come experience some math-y ways of taking attendance, talking about the weather, and building graphic literacy. These activities will not only address CCR math standards, but will also incorporate academic vocabulary and reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Let’s build numeracy with all of our students regardless of what class they are in!

WIOA MOU/IFAs for ABE Professionals
2022-11-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 11/3/22
Local workforce development boards are currently working on redoing their MOUs and IFAs with WIOA required partners. Come learn more about these documents and the role of ABE in this work. Presenters include: Jeanna Fortney, Director of the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards and Juanita Borton, CareerForce Systems Operations Coordinator at DEED.

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2022-11-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/2/22
Come and review the important role of fluency in reading instruction. We will discuss the three key components of reading fluency and look at a variety of activities tutors and teachers can try. We will talk about the mechanics of doing fluency practice via Zoom, Google Meet, Teams or any other remote tutoring tool (including the phone!). Participants will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share resources.
This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.

Core Training Module 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
2022-11-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/1/22
Participants learn about Adult Basic Education programming in Minnesota, demographics of learners, instructional content standards as well as initial and on-going assessment. This session wraps up with learner motivations, barriers and persistence.

Adult Education (ABE) Foundations at a Distance - Webinar Series
2022-11-01 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-10-25 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-10-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: until day of each webinar
Due to the virtual Summer Institute conference this year, we will not be holding the in-person Adult Education (ABE) Foundations Workshop, but the online course is a great option for those new to ABE! It’s a lot of information, and we recognize that having the in-person workshop allows you to ask questions, meet key leaders in the field, and build relationships with other colleagues new to ABE. So to add to the online course experience, we are offering 3 webinars to support your entry into the field:

Tuesday, October 18 – Webinar 1 (registration available through October 18)
Tuesday, October 25 – Webinar 2 (registration available through October 25)
Tuesday, November 1 – Webinar 3 (registration available through November 1)

October 18 is the FIRST webinar in the series. Participants are expected to complete the first two modules of ABE Foundations Online Course prior to the webinar:
Webinar 1:
Introduction to ABE Students
MN Adult Secondary Credentials
Webinar 2:
MN ABE Model & Delivery System
MN ABE Policy & Accountability
Webinar 3:
Introduction to MN Content Standards for ABE
Volunteers
Professional Development Resources

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Pronunciation and Recording
2022-11-01 12:30 - 13:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/1/22
In this session, we will explore the speech and pronunciation features in Burlington English. We will go over the Speech Trainer, speech in the Vocabulary Practice, and the tutorials.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

Writing Activities for Beginning Literacy and Beginning English Language Learners
2022-10-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 10/26/22
While most in our society take the ability to write for granted, it can be laborious for ESL learners with little experience with this skill. Attend this webinar to learn about and try out engaging, interactive activities for English Language Learners in Beginning Literacy and Beginning level classes. Ideas for in-person, remote, one-on-one, all-class, as well as low-tech and no-tech options will be covered.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Writing in My Portfolio
2022-10-25 12:30 - 13:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 10/25/22
In this session, we will learn how to use the My Portfolio feature in Core. We will also go over best practices for Writing activities.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2022-10-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 10/24/22
Participants will engage in a couple of classroom activities to experience scaffolding, checking comprehension and the gradual release of responsibility. These aspects of teaching and tutoring are then defined, explained further and participants get opportunities to practice them.

Edmentum Exact Path Webinar
2022-10-24 15:00 - 16:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 10/24/22
Katie Janis from Edmentum will provide a training on using Exact Path for diagnostic assessments and individualized Learning Paths in reading, language arts, and math. Exact Path is a relatively new feature that is now available for all Minnesota adult education teachers using the state-supported Edmentum (Plato) account for distance learning.

Reading Activities for Beginning Literacy and Beginning English Language Learners
2022-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Literacy Minnesota – main office, 700 Raymond Ave., Ste. 180, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Registration Deadline: WED. 10/19/22
Teaching and tutoring very beginning level ESL readers can be intimidating for volunteers and professional teachers alike. Attend this in-person workshop to get practical activities and ideas for one-on-one, remote and in-person instruction with tech and no-tech options. Leave feeling ready to provide your learners with meaningful and effective reading activities.

Helping Students Build Word Part Knowledge
2022-10-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 10/18/22
Teaching word parts (prefixes, suffixes, root words) is a great way to help students build their decoding and comprehension skills. Come learn a variety of fun and easy-to-use routines and activities for helping intermediate-level readers develop these important tools.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Xue's Office Hour
2022-10-18 12:30 - 13:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 10/18/22
You will be able to join Xue’s open office hour to come with any questions or issues that you have. If you need help with a technical issue, Xue will be able to walk you through and train you in how to resolve the issue. If you need teaching tips or strategies, we can brainstorm in this session. If you need training in a specific area of Burlington English, Xue will be able to help you navigate through the features.

Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
2022-10-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 10/17/22
Participants learn how to apply teaching practices that support language and skill development for all learners. These practices include ensuring that instruction is learner centered, using an appropriate level of teacher talk and delivering error correction.

North ABE Fall 2022 Regional
2022-10-14 08:00 - 15:00, 2022-10-13 17:00 - 21:00 | Chase on the Lake, 502 Cleveland Blvd., Walker, MN, 56484, United States
Registration Deadline: FRI. 10/7/22
If you require ASL interpretation, please contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu
Schedule: Thursday – 5:30-8:45 p.m. | Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Cost:

$25 for both Thursday and Friday (get Thursday for free!)
$25 for Friday only
$15 for Thursday only
$15 late fee will be incurred for registrations made after 10/7/22

Lodging: Chase on the Lake Resort & Spa, 502 Cleveland Boulevard, PO Box 760, Walker, MN 56484
A hotel block with a special discounted rate has been reserved at Chase for the night of Thursday, October 13. If you would like a guest room at the hotel (room and tax paid by ATLAS), you must request a room through the event registration process prior by Friday, October 7. After this date, a room cannot be guaranteed.
Registration Cancellation Policy:
Due to non-refundable costs incurred for venue bookings and catering, registrations cancelled less than 5 business days prior to an ATLAS-sponsored event will not be eligible for reimbursement and will be billed at the normal rate. If you must cancel after this time, you are encouraged to send a substitute if possible. Thank you for your understanding.
IMPORTANT: No-shows for guest room reservations, and rooms cancelled after October 7, will be billed directly to your program.

AGENDA:
Thursday, October 13
2:00-5:00 pm

ACES Foundations
This session will serve as an introduction to ACES/TIF for new teachers and administrators, but it will also provide a valuable refresher for teachers and administrators who have not had any ACES training for a couple of years. Learners need soft skills, such as time management and the ability to participate in a group, in order to have success at work or in school. In this session, we will explore how to identify the ACES skills (soft skills) that are already in your lessons, and how to enhance your lessons to include even more. The session will also explore how ACES/TIF fits with the other two sets of MN ABE Content Standards.

6:00-7:30 pm

Mental Wellness!  It Matters! Mental Health Tips in the ABE Classroom
Many people are well aware of methods to stay physically healthy, but few are educated about what it means to stay mentally healthy.  Mental and physical health are closely intertwined, and both should be priorities in our lives.  Come to this session to learn how to teach mental health strategies to ABE students using PANDA’s new mental health tip sheet.  Discover its benefits for your students and how it can be used for teachers’ self-care. The session will share concrete examples of how the tips can be incorporated into lessons to help your students get on the road to mental wellness.  This workshop is intended to address the re-licensure areas of key warning signs of early-onset mental illness or English Language Learners.
IET 101
If you’re new to IET, you may want to know the basics. Join us as we break down the basics of Integrated Education and Training (IET). The session will provide you with information on the key components of IET, the benefits of this from adult career pathways programming, and where to locate resources to begin your IET journey.

Friday, October 14
8:30-9:30 am

General Session: Expanding Access Through Collaborative Delivery Models
Over the course of the past several years, the landscape of Minnesota adult education has shifted. As more students and programs have become comfortable with online learning and teaching, new opportunities for providing services across geographic boundaries have emerged. Come hear examples of statewide, regional and consortium-wide classes and consider implications for your students and program.

9:45-11:15 am

Math Sprinkles for Your Classroom Routines
Don’t teach a math class? No problem! This session will go over a few numeracy routines that you can use in your classroom no matter what content you teach. Come experience some math-y ways of taking attendance, talking about the weather, and building graphic literacy. Let’s build numeracy with all of our students!
So Nice to See You Again: Getting Reacquainted with the ACES/TIF Sample Lesson Plans
In this interactive session, participants will have a chance to preview the newly updated ACES/TIF lesson planning template and two sample lesson plans and provide input. The presenter will discuss some current trends in education and how they are being incorporated into these lessons. Participants will have an opportunity to work in small groups and discuss ways to make these materials work at a variety of levels. Participants will then leave with two lesson plans that can be implemented in a future class. For practitioners who are new to ABE in Minnesota, this workshop session will be an opportunity to learn more about ACES/TIF and why it is one of the three sets of content standards for MN ABE.
Northstar Digital Literacy Foundations
What is digital literacy, why does it matter in ABE, and how can teachers include it in their existing classes (with minimal headaches)? Come to this session to find out! We’ll look at some examples of integrating digital literacy into ELL and ELA courses, practice modifying a sample lesson to include Northstar standards, and discuss why all this “technology stuff” is worth the time and effort, even for in-person classes. You’ll also get a preview of the new Northstar Digital Literacy Foundations course for ABE teachers and learn where to find resources to support you as you teach digital literacy.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Roundtable Discussions

HiSET Practice Test debrief
ESL Roundtable
Student Recruitment & Outreach
Join us for a brief overview of the new LAN Outreach Toolkit, followed by a facilitated discussion about how you can use the toolkit and other recruitment strategies and materials to build your programs!

1:15-2:45 pm

Interactive Lessons using Google Slides
Google Slides is a robust, interactive, and flexible presentation tool that can also be interactive and fun for students. This session will walk participants through creating interactive lessons they can use virtually and in their classroom.
What’s Up with the HiSET Language Arts-Writing Test?
Curious about the HiSET Language Arts-Writing test? Join Kristine Kelly from ATLAS and Chrysti Nielsen from NW Service Coop as they compare some basics of the GED & HiSET language and writing tests and share their impressions based on the official practice test, along with feedback trends from colleagues taking the practice tests statewide. Participants will have an opportunity to work with some practice HiSET language questions and an essay prompt and then engage in discussion about can stay the same about high school equivalency writing instruction and what may need to change.
