ATLAS ABE

Online & HyFlex Teaching Support Webinar - Session 1 of 2
2026-02-12 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/12/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

This webinar series is a follow-up to the Online & HyFlex Teaching Foundations workshop offered as a pre-conference session at the 2025 Summer Institute. All staff and volunteers who are involved with online or HyFlex classes are invited to attend.
These webinars will be interactive and based on YOUR questions and requests. In Session 1, Digital Learning Team members will facilitate a sample online lesson using EdTech tools. You will reflect on your experience of the lesson and be given a small reflection and application assignment to complete before the next meeting. In Session 2, you’ll be able to share what you learned and have time to ask questions and swap ideas with colleagues in similar teaching contexts.
CEUs will be awarded for attendance at each session as well as for completion of the application assignment.

Audience: Teachers, program managers/coordinators, support staff, and volunteers who teach or support online and HyFlex classes. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you did not attend Summer Institute or are not yet offering online or HyFlex classes.
How do I join? Register here and answer all of the questions. Then, look for an email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link. The same link will work for both sessions.
Do I have to attend both sessions? You are strongly encouraged to attend both sessions and complete the “homework” activity before Session 2. However, we understand that schedules are complicated, so please join us for whatever time your schedule permits.
Accommodations: To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, please email the DL help desk.
Will there be a recording? Yes! The recordings will be posted on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel. (Time spent in breakout room discussions will not be recorded.)

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/12/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Research shows that explicitly teaching a set of comprehension strategies is a great way to help intermediate-level readers maximize their understanding of texts. Come learn a handful of great comprehension tools that will help students develop critical thinking skills and comprehension skills.

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2026-02-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 2/16/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

WebChat with MN ABE
2026-02-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/18/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

WebChat with MN ABE is a webinar discussion led by state ABE staff from the Minnesota Department of Education. Web Chat webinars provide updates from the state ABE office on new and emerging issues and an opportunity for local ABE staff to ask questions and provide information to the Minnesota Adult Ed state team.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
If you need ASL interpretation for this event, please contact Wendy Lindblom at info@literacyactionnetwork.org by Monday, January 26, 2026.

Topics will include (but are not limited to):

Federal funding update, as available
State WIOA Plan revision
HSE Subsidy status
Contact hour year-over-year comparison
Grant updates
Transitions updates
Upcoming Professional Development opportunities

For those unable to attend, the meeting and materials will be available on the Literacy Action Network website after the meeting.

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2026-02-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/18/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

Support Staff Coffee Break (Virtual): Minnesota ABE Remote Assessment Hub
2026-02-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/20/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

The Support Staff Online Coffee Break Series continues with Linda Keller and Marty Olsen, both state CASAS trainers, sharing about the new Minnesota Remote Assessment Hub and explaining how your program can take advantage of this opportunity. They will explain how the Hub works, the responsibilities of the program, and the expectations of the students. We also want to listen to your needs for testing and answer questions you may have.

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2026-02-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 2/24/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

Antiracist Praxis Study Circle
2026-02-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-04 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
Application Deadline: FRI. 2/13/26
Many of us have heard the terms antiracist and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), but how do we actually implement these large frameworks into our adult English classrooms? This study circle goes beyond defining antiracism and explores how the research around Translanguaging by Ofelia García (2017) and Culturally Responsive Teaching by Zaretta Hammond (2015) provides us with tools to change the way we approach teaching. Participation in this activity is by application only.

Learn more about the study circle >>
APPLY NOW >>

Questions? Contact Patsy Egan, pegan02@hamline.edu

Study Circle Dates:
Wed. 2/25/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
Wed. 3/4/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
Wed. 3/11/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
Wed. 3/18/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
Wed. 4/8/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
If you require ASL interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Manager Retreat - LOCATION CHANGED to Hamline!
2026-02-26 08:30 - 16:00 | Hamline University – Anderson Center, 774 Snelling Ave. N., Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States
The retreat will now be held at Hamline University in St. Paul. Registration is now through Eventbrite. See this tutorial for questions about registration.
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/20/26
Take a break from the daily fires and join fellow ABE Managers for a day designed to reconnect, reflect, and re-energize. The upcoming Manager Retreat will focus not on policies or paperwork, but on who we are and how we lead. Participants will share experiences, explore strategies, and discover tools for managing time, projects, and people with confidence. Check back soon for detailed session descriptions and registration in January 2026.
If you require ASL interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2026-03-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 3/2/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

You don’t need to be a computer expert in order to teach computer skills! Come learn how help students build their digital literacy skills using Northstar Digital Literacy.
In the webinar, participants will learn:

The features of Northstar Digital Literacy.
How to help learners navigate Northstar digital literacy assessments.
How to use the Northstar instructor-led curriculum.
How to guide learners through the Northstar Digital Literacy Online Learning Modules.
Additional digital literacy resources.

Administrator Webinar Series (3-part series)
2026-03-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: Day of event
Join us for a three-part webinar series for Minnesota Adult Education administrators focused on leadership, program improvement, and state/federal priorities. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll gain practical tools, timely updates, and opportunities to connect with peers across the state.

Webinar 1: WED. 9/10/25 – REGISTER
The first webinar in a 3-part Administrator Webinar Series is focused on Building Student Leaders and Incorporating Student Voices into Program Decisions. Hear directly from a panel of Adult Education programs that are putting these ideas into practice—from student councils to peer-led initiatives. You’ll walk away with real examples, fresh ideas, and the chance to share your own experiences. If your program values student leadership, this is a can’t-miss event!
Webinar 2: NEW DATE! (changed from 1/21/26) TUE. 3/3/26 – REGISTER
Planning & Budgeting for the Coming Year: In this annual budgeting webinar, Minnesota Department of Education leaders Brad Hasskamp and Jodi Versaw will kick off the conversation by breaking down the core components of ABE funding, including federal vs. state funding streams, funding formula, contact-hour rates, and other key terms. Then participants will have time to share strategies and concerns regarding their upcoming FY27 budgets. This webinar is appropriate for new and experienced Adult Education Managers alike, with the goal of clarifying the fundamentals and offering practical insights. Join us for this conversation!
Webinar 3: TUE. 5/19/26 – REGISTER

Minnesota ABE Leadership Book Club: Cultivating Genius
2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:15, 2026-04-08 12:00 - 13:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: By each meeting date
DATES: (YOU MUST REGISTER FOR EACH DATE)
Meeting 1: Wednesday, March 4 – 12-1:15 pm (CST) – REGISTER
Meeting 2: Wednesday, April 8 – 12-1:15 pm (CDT) – REGISTER
Meeting 3: Wednesday, May 13 – 12-1:15 pm (CST) – REGISTER

Join fellow Minnesota Adult Education leaders for a three-part book club exploring Gholdy Muhammad’s Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy. Together, we’ll reflect on how Muhammad’s four learning pursuits—identity, skills, intellect, and criticality—can inform leadership and instructional practices across ABE programs. Each session will blend discussion, reflection, and application to our unique adult learning contexts.
Where can I read more about this book?
Scholastic Website: https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/teacher/books/cultivating-genius-an-equity-framework-9781338594898.html
Is there a digital or audio version available?
Yes, this book is available on Kindle and Audible, as well as other platforms. NOTE: ATLAS is not providing digital or audio versions of the book, only physical copies to those who complete the form.
Who is invited to this Leadership Book Club?
All current or aspiring ABE administrators, coordinators, teacher-leaders
What is the format for the book club?
Three online sessions (do please come to all three if you can, but we understand if you can only come to one or two).

For March 4, read Part 1, through pg.61
For April 8, read Part 2, through pg.133
For May 13, read Part 3, through the end of the book, p.171.

Volunteer Core Training Module 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
2026-03-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 3/9/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2026-03-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 3/10/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Teaching intermediate alphabetics (syllables, 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.

Online & HyFlex Teaching Support Webinar - Session 2 of 2
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 3/12/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

This webinar series is a follow-up to the Online & HyFlex Teaching Foundations workshop offered as a pre-conference session at the 2025 Summer Institute. All staff and volunteers who are involved with online or HyFlex classes are invited to attend.
These webinars will be interactive and based on YOUR questions and requests. In Session 1, Digital Learning Team members will facilitate a sample online lesson using EdTech tools. You will reflect on your experience of the lesson and be given a small reflection and application assignment to complete before the next meeting. In Session 2, you’ll be able to share what you learned and have time to ask questions and swap ideas with colleagues in similar teaching contexts.
CEUs will be awarded for attendance at each session as well as for completion of the application assignment.

Audience: Teachers, program managers/coordinators, support staff, and volunteers who teach or support online and HyFlex classes. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you did not attend Summer Institute or are not yet offering online or HyFlex classes.
How do I join? Register here and answer all of the questions. Then, look for an email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link. The same link will work for both sessions.
Do I have to attend both sessions? You are strongly encouraged to attend both sessions and complete the “homework” activity before Session 2. However, we understand that schedules are complicated, so please join us for whatever time your schedule permits.
Accommodations: To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, please email the DL help desk.
Will there be a recording? Yes! The recordings will be posted on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel. (Time spent in breakout room discussions will not be recorded.)

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2026-03-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 3/16/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

Support Staff Coffee Break: "CASAS Reports 'But Wait. . .There's More!'"
2026-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 3/20/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Did you know that you can use TOPSpro Enterprise to pull content standards and competency reports based on both CASAS etests and paper tests, and you can do this for individuals and whole classes? Our next Coffee Break will show you how to do this in TOPSpro and Teacher Portal. SPARC members Alec Lunneborg of Metro South, and Jeff Galbavy and Rachel Stiglitz from Metro East will share their knowledge and experience, and try to answer all of your questions.

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2026-03-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 3/20/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Research shows that explicitly teaching a set of comprehension strategies is a great way to help intermediate-level readers maximize their understanding of texts. Come learn a handful of great comprehension tools that will help students develop critical thinking skills and comprehension skills.

Volunteer Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
2026-03-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 3/23/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

How the Hotline Supports Your ABE Program
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 3/26/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

The Adult Literacy Hotline helps connect learners to ABE programs across the state—but referrals are just one part of our work. In this session, Caspian from Literacy MN will explain how to see what kinds of requests are coming from your area, how we support outreach efforts like sharing hotline flyers with local libraries, and tips for directing students to your program effectively. Jenny and Mary from SiD Support will also review tips for how to keep your program information up to date and will answer your questions live.

Volunteer Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2026-03-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 3/30/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2026-04-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 4/1/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

Teach Basic Skills with Socially Relevant, Standards-Aligned Content
2026-04-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/7/26
When content is relevant and impacts students’ lives in ways that go beyond learning basic skills, students are more engaged. Their interest in the content becomes the scaffolding that lifts them to higher and higher levels of complexity. Come and learn about a FREE source of multi-level, multi-format, student-written stories that provides powerful, inspiring content, along with standards-aligned activities, such as prompting students to read for and write with evidence, write for different tasks and purposes, identify point of view, compare and contrast information, learn grammar, and use context clues to determine meaning. Thanks to ATLAS’s bulk subscription to The Change Agent, teachers will leave this workshop with log-in information that will give access to classroom-ready activities for teaching reading, writing, and speaking and listening.

Minnesota State/ABE Corequisite Affinity Group Meetings
2026-04-09 14:00 - 15:15, 2026-04-10 10:00 - 11:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: Day of Event (see below)
Developing and advancing effective College and ABE co-req classroom partnerships is the business of ABE and Minnesota State educators working together through periodic Affinity Group (AG) meetings. The Affinity Group’s composition by role includes ABE Educators, Faculty, College Deans and Administrators, anyone with co-req reporting responsibility, and ABE Regional Directors. The Affinity Group sessions bring together all these practitioners who wish to explore and promote effective partnership models for student success in the co-req environment. All voices are welcome to help shape local and statewide collaboration strategies.
Additional information about the Affinity Group >>
Meeting Dates:

1. Thursday, October 30, 2-3:15 pm – REGISTER
2. Friday, October 31, 10-11:15 am – REGISTER
3. Thursday, January 15, 2-3:15 pm – REGISTER
4. Friday, January 16, 10-11:15 am – REGISTER
5. Thursday, April 9, 2-3:15 pm – REGISTER
6. Friday, April 10, 10-11:15 am – REGISTER
