ATLAS ABE

CCRS Support Webinar (1 of 3): Attention Teachers! Let's Talk about the New CASAS Assessments
2023-11-01 14:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: WED. 11/1/23
Heard about the new English language proficiency test on its way from CASAS that will replace the CASAS Life & Work Series? Wondering what it all means? You’re not alone! This session will help clarify what’s going on with the new assessment, how it’s related to CCRS and the English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards, and implications for instruction. We’ll share resources available to support your work, and think together about what it means to teach (and test) what matters to adult students learning English. Join your hosts Christine Wytaske from Metro South and Patsy Egan from ATLAS for some helpful information and discussion!
Note to registrants: This is the same session that was presented at the ATLAS North and South Regionals.

DevEd-ABE Partner Affinity Group Meeting
2023-11-02 14:00 - 15:15, 2023-11-03 10:00 - 11:15 | Online
No registration necessary: Contact Russ Fraenkel, rwfraenkel@gmail.com, to receive the direct Zoom link.
November 2023 dates:

November 2 from 2:00-3:15pm
November 3 from 10:00-11:15am

NOTE: The meetings on November 2 and 3 cover the same topics. Participants have the option to attend either one of the similar sessions.
All are welcome to participate in the engaging presentations and discussions of the DevEd-ABE Partner Affinity Group. This year, the Affinity Group’s 75-minute virtual meetings (in November, February, and April) will focus attention on the co-req classroom format within Guided Learning Pathways. Minnesota State campuses are required to implement the co-req format in stages of partial implementation to full implementation by fall 2026.
Affinity Group background
2023-24 marks the fourth academic year in which Minnesota State Developmental Education and Adult Basic Education teachers and administrators join ranks to ensure college enrolled students are academically ready for the rigors of credit-bearing coursework at Minnesota State campuses. Many students are in need of additional math, English, organization, navigation, and study skills to thrive in college. The DevEd-ABE Affinity Group was formed three years ago to focus on the effectiveness of new and existing classroom partnerships to support Dev Ed enrolled students. To this end, numerous tools and resources have been created and utilized.
Contact Russ Fraenkel, rwfraenkel@gmail.com, for further information.

Next Generation Nursing Assistant-Train. Test. Work. ABE Test Prep and 1 Free Test
2023-11-06 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/6/23
This webinar is hosted by HealthForce Minnesota and presented by Elaine Vandenburgh. A review of the free, asynchronous nursing assistant state exam prep/refresher course will be provided, along with an overview of how students will receive their promo code to test for free.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Xue's Office Hour
2023-11-07 12:30 - 13:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/7/23
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 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
2023-11-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/7/23
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.

MobyMax Training: Deep Dive into Reports and Data
2023-11-08 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/8/23

Besides how many minutes learners spend using MobyMax, what else can you learn from all those options under the Tools tab? The answer is…A LOT! We’ll also look at ways to monitor learner progress within specific subject modules under the Curriculum tab.
It will be helpful if you know your login credentials prior to the training. If needed, you can complete the form here under Key Information to request an account on the statewide license. MobyMax is a state-supported platform, so there is no additional cost to you or your learners!

Refining Your Teacher Talk
2023-11-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/8/23
Many tutors know they should limit their talking time, but struggle to do so. In this webinar, revisit the importance of reducing teacher talking time and learn ways to improve it to maximize learner engagement and comprehension.

Teaching Reading Vocabulary Remotely or In Person
2023-11-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/10/23
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.

Low-Literacy Adult ESL Study Circle
2023-11-10 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-12-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Online
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRI. 10/20/23 (registration is now closed)

The Low-Literacy Adult ESL Study Circle I is 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.
Like our other language instruction study circles, it involves reading a selection of relevant research and completing various classroom-based reflection. During the 3 meetings of 3 hours each, participants discuss the readings and tasks and explore together how research can inform classroom practice.
This fall the study circle will be facilitated by Andrea Echelberger from Robbinsdale Adult Academic Program.
Find out more about the Low-Literacy Adult ESL Study Circle >>
DATES: ALL ARE VIRTUAL ZOOM EVENTS!

Friday, October 27, 1-4 pm
Friday, November 10, 1-4 pm
Friday, December 1, 1-4 pm

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Strategies to Teach to a Multi-Level Classroom
2023-11-14 12:30 - 13:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/14/23
In this session, we will explore the challenges and advantages of teaching a multi-level classroom, share ideas on how to overcome these challenges, and brainstorm other strategies that we can use in the classroom.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

Administrator Webinar: Creative Ideas for Staffing, Recruitment & Engagement
2023-11-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/14/23
Join a panel of program administrators from around the state as they share “3 Creative Ideas” for tackling current challenges around staffing, recruitment & engagement. Karen Wolters, Chelsea Ritland, Wendy Sweeney, and others will be there to share some of their out-of-the-box thinking as this new program year gets going. Bring your creative solutions and thinking caps to this webinar with fellow administrators and coordinators in MN Adult Ed!

Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2023-11-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/14/23
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.

Karen History, Culture and Language and the Adult Education Classroom presented by the Karen Organization of Minnesota
2023-11-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/15/23
Hundreds of Karen learners have attended adult education classes in Minnesota, primarily in Saint Paul, Albert Lea and Worthington. Join this session to gain essential background knowledge in order to intersect your own culture with that of Karen learners. The session will include information on Karen history, culture, life in the US and language. Participants will also reflect on how they can apply this new knowledge to their work with Karen adult education students.

Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2023-11-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/15/23
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 set digital literacy learning goals.
How to help learners navigate Northstar Digital Literacy assessments.
How to guide learners through the Northstar Digital Literacy Online Learning Modules.

The training will be appropriate for tutors working one-to-one with learners or assisting in a computer lab.
If you are not familiar with Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments, please go to digitalliteracyassessment.org and take the Computer Basics assessment prior to the training.

Support Services Conference 2023 (Virtual)
2023-11-16 09:00 - 2023-11-17 15:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/10/23
PROGRAM: The conference program including session descriptions will be posted by mid-October at https://www.mnabeassessment.com/support-services-conference.
NOTE: Links to join the Zoom sessions will be sent out via email prior to the conference, along with the conference program. If you have connection issues on the day of the conference, contact Heather Williams, heather_williams@rdale.org.

2023 SUPPORT SERVICES CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Pre-Conference – Thursday, 11/16/2023
Virtual implementation trainings for both CASAS and TABE will be offered for all staff that may be responsible for intake and assessment.
9:00-12:00 – CASAS Implementation Training (Marty Olsen)
12:30-3:30 – TABE Implementation Training (Linda Keller and Dave Haugen)
Conference – Friday, 11/17/2023
9:00-9:45 – Opening Session featuring MN State ABE Staff
10:00-10:45 – Session 1 (Choose 1)

Google Session (Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt)
Racial Equity Grant (See Moua-Leske and Addy Wolbaum)
Mental Health Session (Wendy Sweeney)

11:00-11:45 – Session 2 (Choose 1)

Updates from GED Testing Service (Melissa Hultstrand)
CASAS Recertification (Marty Olsen)
SiD for Onboarding Staff (Jenny Schlukebier and panel)

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

TABE Recertification (Linda Keller)
Best Practices for Intake (Rachel Stiglitz and Heather Williams)
Deep Dive into SiD Reports (Jenny Schlukebier)

2:00-2:45 – Session 4 (Choose 1)

Testing Strategies Open Mic (Linda Keller and panel)
SiD – Student History (Jenny Schlukebier and Rachel Stiglitz)
HiSET (Tess Yurik and Tanya Haug)

More Information
For more information, you can contact Marylynn Dvorak, Chair of SPARC, at mdvorak@isd271.org.

Writing Activities for Beginning Literacy and Beginning English Language Learners - CANCELLED
2023-11-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Literacy Minnesota – main office, 700 Raymond Ave., Ste. 180, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
THIS WEBINAR HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
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.

Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
2023-11-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/21/23
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: Progress and Reports
2023-11-28 12:30 - 13:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/28/23
In this session, we will explore how to use the Progress component in Burlington Core and also how to run the different reports available to you.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2023-11-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/28/23
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.

Ability to Benefit: An Introductory Overview
2023-11-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: NONE; please click the Join Webinar link below to join on the day of the webinar:

JOIN WEBINAR: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/99072444305

Meeting ID: 990 7244 4305

This webinar will provide an overview of Ability to Benefit. Ability to Benefit is a federal financial aid rule that allows students without a high school diploma (or an equivalent like a GED diploma or home school diploma) to qualify for financial aid, if they prove they have the “ability to benefit” from a college education.

Exploring the HiSET
2023-11-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/29/23
An informative webinar designed for educators, support staff, and program personnel who are interested in learning about the HiSET exam and how to navigate the HiSET website. During the one hour webinar, topics that will be covered will include an introduction, test structure, how to register and schedule, study preparation and resources, and a walk through the website.

Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices for Adult Learners
2023-11-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/29/23
Learning new languages and skills as an adult is a challenge for most people, and that challenge grows when trauma and stress are present. Trauma and chronic stress can come in many forms, and impact people’s ability to learn new skills and process information in a variety of different ways. In this webinar, learn how stress and trauma can manifest in the adult education classroom, and learn about healing-centered teaching practices that can help to support positive learning behaviors and increase retention and learner comfort.

Hot Topics in Post-Secondary Partnerships Webinar
2023-11-30 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 11/30/23
The Times They Are A-Changin’, a wise Minnesotan once said! Maybe you have worked with local colleges a long time, or maybe you are new to this corner of adult education. Come to this webinar regardless, because some changes are afoot! We’ll tackle hot topics in post secondary partnerships including Ability to Benefit, self guided placement and the co-requisite model for Developmental Education. Not sure what those are?! Not to worry! ABE practitioners will share successes and challenges in their college partnership work, and we’ll have time for questions and discussion. Don’t think twice, it’s all right… Just join us on November 30!
Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

Articulate the purpose of and how to access Ability to Benefit as a postsecondary resource
Identify the shift toward Guided Self Placement in MN State system and its impact on adult education students and educators
Identify trends and challenges in Co-requisite Models in MN State course offerings and opportunities and puzzles in co-teaching with ABE

If you require ASL Interpretation, please email Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2023-12-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 12/4/23
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.

Cultivating Mathematical Literacy for English Language Learners
2023-12-05 14:30 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 12/5/23
Wait, I’m not a math teacher! I want to incorporate numeracy into my ESL classroom, but where do I even start?! How do I effectively address literacy and numeracy at the same time? Join Cindy Schultz and Meagan Hymes as they offer insights into these very real questions. You will get to see and experience routines that they have used with their ESL students in addition to hearing an administrator perspective on the hows and whys of supporting numeracy in language classrooms.

2023 VIRTUAL Literacy Volunteer Management Conference
2023-12-08 08:30 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 12/7/23
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.

Event Location: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: Free for participants in Minnesota; $20 for participants outside of Minnesota
The deadline to register is December 7, 2023.

Get Ready To:

Learn new strategies and ideas through 12 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.

Tips and Strategies for Adult Education Math Tutors
2023-12-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 12/11/23
Join us for this interactive session and pick up some ideas that will maximize your impact as a math tutor. This webinar will be appropriate for volunteers assisting a teacher in a math classroom as well as those leading their own classes, small groups or one-to-one sessions. Topics covered will include:

Levels of Math Knowing.
Procedural vs Conceptual Understanding.
Strategies for Fostering Independent Learning.
Asking Facilitating Questions.
Productive Struggle.

Racial Equity 201 with Jimmie Heags
2023-12-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 12/11/23
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.
