ATLAS ABE

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Writing in Burlington English
2024-11-05 12:30 - 13:15 (America/Chicago) | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/5/24
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.

Math Institute 2024
2024-11-08 08:30 - 15:30
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/8/24
If you require ASL interpretation, please contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu by October 25, 2024
AGENDA
8:25 am – Login and test your audio and video
8:30 am – WELCOME & INFORMATION – Patsy Egan, ATLAS
8:45 am – KEYNOTE 1: Hidden Teachers: The Stories of Adult Basic Education Mathematics Teachers in the United States – presented by Dr. Brooke Istas
Dr. Istas will present a study of n=38 ABE mathematics and numeracy teachers’ personal narratives using life history methodology to share and understand their personal narratives about their own mathematical journey. To learn about their mathematical identity through their lived experiences as mathematics learners and their understanding of mathematics as an ABE mathematics and numeracy teacher. The stories of this population will be shared, and the implications for adult numeracy research and practice will be discussed.
9:45-9:55 – BREAK
9:55-11:35 – KEYNOTE 2: Students Need Your Conceptual Understanding – presented by Amy Vickers
How well do you understand the math you teach? In Adult Education, as generalists, we often find ourselves teaching math when we don’t necessarily feel sure of our math background. In this session, we will do activities to see how building your conceptual understanding can help students. Spoiler: Learning along with students is good!
11:35-12:05 – LUNCH
12:05-1:45 – KEYNOTE 3: Will This Be on the Test? – presented by Sarah Lonberg-Lew
Standardized testing, whether it is for high school equivalency or measuring student gains, is a major concern in adult numeracy classes. It can be tempting to “teach to the test” in the hopes of getting students ready to get a passing score as quickly and painlessly as possible. However, making test preparation the main focus of instruction does not create lasting learning and often is not even effective in achieving passing scores or demonstrating gains. It is possible to teach conceptually and do explicit test preparation at the same time. When students get exposure to—and practice with—standardized test questions in a context that prioritizes conceptual understanding and flexible thinking, they will be more prepared to achieve test scores that fully reflect their skills and understandings.
In this workshop, you will be introduced to Test Talks, an instructional routine for building student confidence, understanding, flexibility, and familiarity with standardized test questions. You will experience Test Talks as a learner and learn how to facilitate them yourself. In addition, you will get access to a resource containing a bank of test questions to use with Test Talks.
1:45-2 – BREAK
2-3:30 – CONCURRENT SESSIONS
(A) Problem Strings: A Flexible Numeracy Routine to Build Reasoning – presented by Kathryne Chiqui, Minneapolis Adult Education
Interested in further developing your own numeracy skills and learning how to support students in doing the same? Well, then this session is for you! In this session, expect to actively participate in a classroom routine called problem strings, followed by reflection and discussion about how to use this routine.
(B) Exploring CCRS Level D/E Standards – presented by Donna Escobedo, Metro North ABE, and Genna Hart, Project for Pride in Living
This session will look at how to make sense of the D/E standards and explore ways we can help students learn the math skills needed at these levels. We will practice how to break down these often confusing standards and split them into manageable pieces for deeper understanding. Versatility of this routine using 3 different levels of math content will be modelled. Free resources will be shared.
(C) Linear Functions for All – presented by Mark Trushkowsky, CUNY Adult Literacy Program
This session is designed to be accessible to all participants. All teachers, regardless of math teaching background, are encouraged to attend. In this session we will talk about rate of change and starting amount, which are fundamental (and accessible) elements of functions. We’ll look at how to help students analyze tables, rules, and graphs, and learn to use rates of change and starting amounts in solving problems. The activities we’ll be exploring come from a free math resource called Tools of Algebra: Linear Functions, which teachers can use with students.
GRADUATE CREDIT OPTION: Attendance at the virtual ABE Math Institute is free of charge. Please note that ATLAS & Hamline are now able to offer this 1-day event as a CSPD (Continuing Studies Professional Development) course. You can sign up here, and for a $200 tuition fee, you can count attendance at this event as 1 graduate non-degree seeking credit.
IMPORTANT: Please note that this non-degree seeking credit can not count towards a degree, certificate or credential, but can be recognized within districts for CEUs/Credits toward lane/step changes. Specific numbers of CEUs and how it can be used is district-specific, so please inquire at the district level.

This year’s featured presenters:
KEYNOTE: Brooke Istas, Ph.D., consultant, adult education mathematics subject matter expert, Cowley College Mathematics Faculty, and an adult education researcher. She is recognized internationally for her knowledge of adult mathematics and adult mathematical instruction. She has given several presentations at state, national, and international conferences on enhancing mathematical instruction, understanding higher-level mathematical content, teaching math at a distance, and contextualizing mathematics for engagement. She is always willing to share what she has learned with others. She understands that adult education is enhanced through collaboration with other adult education programs.
Brooke is also devoted to understanding adult learners’ perceptions of mathematics to identify moments of disconnect or frustration. Her research delves into pivotal moments when adult learners transition from positive to negative perceptions of math, aiming to alleviate anxiety and enhance learning experiences. She collects adults’ mathematical journeys through qualitative methods.
Additionally, Brooke is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the LINCS (Literacy Information and Communication System), serving as the moderator for the Math and Numeracy Community of Practice. She is also a reviewer & trainer for the Math & Numeracy, Financial Literacy, and Science online resource collection.
Brooke is a fifth-generation rancher who resides on her family’s ranch in Kansas, where she carries on the tradition of operating a working ranch. She refers to land as her frontier and enjoys reading on the front porch. Her home is the birthplace of her grandmother. Living there makes her feel connected to all the generations before.
Amy Vickers teaches math and guides students to earn high school equivalency diplomas at Nicolet College, a technical college in northern Wisconsin. Previously she started with adult education and spent eight years teaching for Minneapolis Adult Education. Amy earned a M.Ed. in Adult Education from the University of MN and a M.A in Mathematics with an emphasis on Community College Teaching from University of Northern Iowa.

Sarah Lonberg-Lew has worked in the field of adult numeracy for over ten years, both as a classroom teacher and providing professional development for math and numeracy teachers. She is a consultant for the SABES (System of Adult Basic Education Support) Mathematics and Adult Numeracy Curriculum & Instruction PD Center at TERC where she develops and facilitates trainings and workshops and coaches numeracy teachers. She is the treasurer for the Adult Numeracy Network (ANN.)

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2024-11-11 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/11/24
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.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Progress and Reports
2024-11-12 12:30 - 13:15
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/12/24
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.

ACES/TIF Foundations Webinar Series
2024-11-12 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-26 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-12-10 14:00 - 15:30
Registration Deadline: Date of each webinar
Get Acquainted with ACES/TIF! Are you the kind of person who believes that 2’s company and 3’s a party? Are you new to ABE in MN and looking to connect with colleagues in a supportive environment? Maybe you’re not new, but you’d still enjoy a chance to collaborate, learn, and get inspired by other ABE professionals. If this sounds like you, please join us this fall for a 3-part webinar series in which we will learn about ACES/TIF, one of the 3 sets of MN ABE Content Standards. This webinar series is geared towards ABE professionals who have enrolled in the ACES Foundations online course in Canvas, but who haven’t yet completed it.
Two ACES/TIF veterans will help you to navigate and process the course content in a short, defined timeframe with colleagues. We will spend time discussing instructional routines and learning activities that can be used to build ACEs skills at a variety of levels. Even if you have previously completed the course or are still considering registering, this webinar series is an opportunity to get fresh ideas to use with your students.
Webinar 1: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 2-3:30 pm (CST) – REGISTER
Webinar 2: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 2-3:30 pm (CST) – REGISTER
Webinar 3: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 2-3:30 pm (CST) – REGISTER
If you require ASL interpretation, please contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu.

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2024-11-12 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/12/24
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.

Support Staff Pre-Conference – CASAS Implementation Training (online)
2024-11-14 09:00 - 12:00
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/11/24
Join your state trainers virtually for a CASAS Implementation training on Thursday, November 14, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This training provides an overview of the approved CASAS tests. It will cover selection and administration of the appropriate CASAS test, interpretation of test scores, and measurement of student progress. This training is geared toward newer users of the assessments. Participants who complete this training will be certified to administer CASAS multiple choice assessments.
For more information on this training, contact Marty Olsen – martha.olsen@gmail.com

Support Staff Pre-conference - TABE Implementation Training (online)
2024-11-14 13:00 - 16:00
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/11/24
Join your state trainers virtually for a TABE Implementation training on Thursday, November 14, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This training provides an overview of TABE 11 & 12. It will cover selection and administration of the appropriate level test, interpretation of test scores, and measurement of student progress. This training is geared toward newer users of the assessments. Participants who complete this training will be certified to administer TABE multiple choice assessments.
For more information on this training, contact Marty Olsen – martha.olsen@gmail.com

Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: THU. 11/14/24
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.

Support Services Conference 2024 (online)
2024-11-15 09:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/11/24
Join the Support Professionals’ Advisory Resource Committee for the annual Support Services Conference to be held virtually on Friday, November 15, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This conference is designed especially for support staff that work in areas such as student registration and intake, student testing, data entry and management, and any other accountability role. This could also include teachers or managers with multiple roles who also serve as a program’s support staff.
Agenda:
9:00-9:45 – Opening Session featuring MN State ABE Staff
(Note: After registering, you will receive a Zoom link via email to enter the Opening Session, during which links for the remaining sessions will be shared.)
10:00-10:45 – Session 1 (Choose 1)

Intake Data Collection and WIOA Barriers (Brad Hasskamp, Brandy Logan, Jenny Schlukebier, Rachel Stiglitz)
PANDA Services & Navigating the Website (Wendy Sweeney)
Minnesota’s Resettlement Landscape (Rachele King)

11:00-11:45 – Session 2 (Choose 1)

Updates from GED Testing Service (Mellissa Hultstrand)
CASAS Recertification (Marty Olsen)
Active Listening: The Secret Sauce for Client Support (Julia Reimer)

12:00-1:00 – Lunch Break
1:00-1:45 – Session 3 (Choose 1)

TABE Recertification (Linda Keller)
Advancing Equity Through Digital Inclusion (Elizabeth Bennett)
SiD Scavenger Hunt (Jenny Schlukebier and Mary Zimmerli)

2:00-2:45 – Session 4 (Choose 1)

AI in the ABE Office (Susan Wettenkamp-Brandt)
CASAS eTesting – Getting Started & Tips and Tricks (Jeff Galbavy and Linda Keller)
Connecting Students to WIOA Resources (pending)

For more information on this training, contact Rachel Stiglitz (Rachel.stiglitz@moundsviewschools.org) or Marty Olsen (martha.olsen@gmail.com).

Solidarity Not Charity: Challenging the White Savior Complex in Adult Education - Presented by Kris Klas and Erin Cary
2024-11-15 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/15/24
What is “white saviorism” and how does it show up in adult education? During this session, participants will explore a shared definition of the term “white savior complex.” We will strategize ways to address this concept both in the context of working with adult learners and on a personal level. Through the use of educational anecdotes, scenarios, and personal introspection, participants will consider how perspectives on this topic have evolved in recent years and the impact of white savior complex on our learners.

Volunteer Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
2024-11-18 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/18/24
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.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Readers
2024-11-19 12:30 - 13:15
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/19/24
In this session, we will explore the Burlington Readers and strategies on how you might use them with your class.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2024-11-19 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/19/24
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.

NOVEMBER TUESDAYS FOR TEACHERS - AI Literacy: Preparing Students for Success in a Digital Age
2024-11-19 14:30 - 15:30
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/19/24
Explore the critical role of AI literacy in modern education. We enhance digital competency and foster critical thinking by helping students and educators distinguish between AI-generated and human-created content. The session includes interactive activities such as image and text analysis, creative writing, and real-world applications of AI. Participants will leave equipped with practical strategies to integrate AI tools responsibly into the classroom, encouraging innovation, ethical use, and continued learning in an AI-driven world.

Fall North Regional Follow-Up
2024-11-21 11:00 - 12:00
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/19/24
Join your northern Minnesota colleagues for an informal opportunity to share how you’ve applied something you learned at the regional event on October 3-4. Anyone who attended a session related to digital literacy, online/HyFlex teaching, or distance learning is invited! Contact Elizabeth (ebennett@literacymn.org) with any questions.

Volunteer Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2024-11-25 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/25/24
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.

HSE Testing Coffee Talk Series
2024-11-26 13:30 - 14:30
Registration Deadline: Register up to the date of each Coffee Talk.
This past year, we have added a new option to our testing services, making us a two-test state. We have had and continue to need help with connectivity issues, online proctoring, scheduling availability, student identifications, accommodation issues, etc. This series is intended to begin creating a space for us to come together, discuss, share, and problem-solve.
Coffee Talks will take place from 1:30-2:30 pm on every 4th Tuesday of the month in the 2024 calendar year.
Questions?
Please contact mde.abe@state.mn.us

AI Playgroup
2024-11-26 13:30 - 14:30
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/26/24 (for the final session)
How are generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, MagicSchool, Khanmigo, and many others) affecting you, your colleagues, and adult learners? Are you using AI all the time, curious about it, worried about it, or just confused?
Wherever you are, join Nick Houlson, Jason Brazier, and Elizabeth Bennett from Literacy Minnesota for an informal AI playgroup! Each Tuesday, we’ll learn a little about an AI tool, play around with it, and explore implications for our practice. Everyone is welcome: teachers, administrators, support staff, and volunteers.
Please note the following:

After registering, you’ll receive an email from “MNABE Staff” with a link to join the meetings.
Attendance at all three sessions is NOT required. Register for the series, and you can join on the day(s) that work for you.
NO prior knowledge, preparation, or homework is necessary! Please just bring yourself (and a sense of humor).
We are not planning to record these sessions, but we will share a Padlet with resources to explore on your own.
We promise that you won’t break anything. This will be fun!

Administrator Networking Webinar: Computer-Based Testing
2024-12-03 14:00 - 15:30
Registration Deadline: TUE. 12/3/24
Do you want to get started with computer-based testing in your program? Or maybe you’ve started and are running into challenges? Come share your experiences, challenges and questions about implementing computer-based and remote testing with other program adult education managers. Linda Keller, ABE Accountability Coordinator at Metro North and state assessment trainer, will answer questions and share some tips, tricks and lessons learned.
If you are an administrator, coordinator, or otherwise hold a leadership role in an MN adult education program, please plan to attend.
If you require ASL Interpretation, please contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu.

Working with Literacy and Beginning Level English Language Learners
2024-12-04 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 12/4/24
Learners with limited English and literacy skills have unique needs for in-person and remote instruction. Participants will learn best practices and tips for success at this level. They’ll also get several ideas for routines, activities and resources to use in their classes and tutoring sessions.

BurlingtonEnglish/Prepare for CASAS STEPS Overview
2024-12-05 07:30 - 08:30
Registration Deadline: THU. 12/5/24
Come join our session to learn about how Burlington English can help prepare your students for the new Prepare for CASAS STEPS assessment. In this session, we will cover the new Burlington English Reading CASAS STEPS feature and how you can use Burlington Core to help your students achieve skill gains. We will answer any questions you might have!

One-Room Schoolhouse Community of Practice
2024-12-05 14:00 - 15:15
Registration Deadline: Day of each session
Join seasoned one room schoolhouse educators from Project for Pride in Living in Minneapolis and Lakes Area Adult Education in Detroit Lakes for this final Community of Practice meeting on Friday, Feb 28, 1:30-2:45pm. Presenters will be sharing their strategies for tracking student goals and progress, which is always a challenge in this context! Following the panelists there will be time for open questions and sharing as well.

Presenters: Genna Hart & Denise Goldman, Project for Pride in Living; Staci Landsem & Jen Hellekson, Lakes Area Adult Education

Register for any or all of this year’s meetings!

Meeting 1: Thursday, December 5, 2024 – 2-3:15 pm – REGISTER
Meeting 2: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 – 12:30-1:45 pm – REGISTER
Meeting 3: Friday, February 28, 2025 – 1:30-2:45 pm – REGISTER

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2024-12-10 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: TUE. 12/10/24
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.

2024 VIRTUAL Literacy Volunteer Management Conference
2024-12-13 08:30 - 14:45
Registration Deadline: THU. 12/12/24
The Volunteer Management Conference (VMC) is a one-day professional development opportunity that brings together Adult Basic Education staff who work with volunteers: coordinators, teachers and managers alike. This year, the conference will be virtual, on Zoom.
Cost: FREE for participants in Minnesota; $20 for participants outside of Minnesota. Registration is not refundable, but recordings and materials will be available to registrants after the conference.
Get Ready To:

Learn new strategies and ideas through a keynote presentation and nine concurrent session offerings.
Get practical resources you can use right away.
Be inspired by this year’s award winners for Excellence in Volunteer Engagement.
Network and share your professional wisdom with colleagues.
Earn CEUs.

Questions? Contact Sophie at sphan@literacymn.org or 651-251-9063.

Conference Schedule
8:30-9 a.m. | Kickoff and awards ceremony
9:15-10:15 a.m. | Keynote presentation:
Now What? Emerging Strategies for Leading Volunteers in a Post-Pandemic World
Polly Roach, MAVA
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Concurrent sessions
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lunch break
12:30-1:30 p.m. | Concurrent sessions
1:45-2:45 p.m. | Concurrent sessions

Racial Equity 201 Presented by Jimmie Heags
2024-12-16 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: MON. 12/16/24
Please note, it is recommended that you take any basic diversity, equity and inclusion class or training before you take this session, but it is not required.
This class will define and explore the origins of the white supremacy class and caste systems in the United States and the racial trauma caused as a result of these systems. The session will provide learners with a mental model for understanding and disrupting white supremacy classism and its impact on mental health. Participants will be introduced to mindfulness activities discussed in Resmaa Menakem’s book My Grandmother’s Hands for processing internalized racial embodied reflexes and trauma.
Learning Objectives:

Explore global caste systems of oppressions.
Define and explore the origins of the white supremacy class and caste system in America.
Examine the origins of internalized racial reflexes and trauma.
Develop a mental model for disrupting class systems of oppression.
Practice mindfulness activities for processing internalized racial embodied reflexes and trauma.

Strategy Session for Edmentum Program Administrators
2024-12-16 14:30 - 16:00
Registration Deadline: MON. 12/16/24
We heard your feedback! Edmentum can be really useful, but it’s…complicated. This strategy session will address housekeeping issues and provide some quick tips to make managing “all the things” on this platform easier. Topics will include:

A brief overview of Courseware and Exact Path – and how to decide which options are best for your context
Program names and locations
Assigning users to the correct location
Naming conventions for users and classes
Deactivating unneeded user accounts and class sections
Helping staff with different roles (teachers, administrators, support staff) navigate the platform
Time for questions and sharing your own pro tips

After the meeting on Monday, you can sign up for a time to meet with our Edmentum representative, Andrew Kappel, on Tuesday, December 17. He can work with you on your program-specific questions or challenges. Multiple staff from your program/site can attend the same meeting; just add all of their email addresses in the Notes field. If that day doesn’t work, please contact the DL helpdesk to arrange an alternative.
Additional information about the meeting:

Any ABE staff member who uses Edmentum, or is interested, is welcome to join. Please note, however, that this meeting will focus on technical and administrative issues, rather than instructional issues.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from “MNABE Staff” containing the meeting link.
You should know your Edmentum login credentials prior to the training. You can use the “Forgot password?” option on the login page, complete the form here under Key Information to request a new account on the statewide license, or contact the DL helpdesk for further assistance.
To request accommodations (ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact the DL helpdesk.
A recording will be available after the training.

Additional information about Edmentum:

Edmentum is a state-supported distance learning platform, so there is no additional cost to you or your program!
The platform offers a wide variety of content to support reading, language arts, math, science, social studies, GED/HiSET preparation, and career pathways classes.
Edmentum is recommended for high-intermediate or above ESL learners and ABE learners. Most content is at a middle or high school reading level, but some elementary content is available.
The platform can be used to supplement in-class learning or for standalone distance learning.

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2024-12-16 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: MON. 12/16/24
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.
