ATLAS ABE

Minnesota State/ABE Corequisite Affinity Group Meetings
2025-10-30 14:00 - 15:15, 2025-10-31 10:00 - 11:15 (America/Chicago) | 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

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2025-11-03 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/3/25
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.

AI Crash Course - Session 1
2025-11-04 15:00 - 16:00
Registration Deadline: On the date of each webinar
Venue: Online (see details below)

AI Crash Course 2025
November 4, 11, 18 @ 3:00pm – 4:00pm
This FREE webinar series is open to all adult education staff and volunteers. Please register for the series and attend the sessions that work for your schedule.
Session 1: What is AI? What are effective prompts?
TUE. 11/4/25
A beginner-friendly introduction to working with AI. Learn what AI is, how to access and navigate AI platforms, and how to create effective prompts (i.e., help the AI “understand” what you want it to do).
Session 2: AI for Teaching
TUE. 11/11/25

Start learning how to use MagicSchool AI, an AI platform developed for teachers. It has tools to support you with many common tasks, including:

Creating academic texts, lessons, worksheets, and rubrics
Drafting unit plans and course syllabi
Brainstorming ideas for choice boards, differentiation, and accommodations
And much, much more!

Session 3: Now what? AI Literacy for EVERYONE
TUE. 11/18/25
Discuss what AI literacy means and why it matters: for learners, teachers, administrators, and everyone. Consider how we can support appropriate, responsible, and ethical use of AI tools.
Additional information:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link to join the sessions.
To request accommodations (ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact the DL helpdesk at support@mnabedistancelearning.zendesk.com.
Sessions will be recorded and shared on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel.
CEUs will be available.

Volunteer Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
2025-11-05 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/5/25
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.

Healing-Centered Organizations: Stress and Trauma’s Impact on Adult Education Programs and Teams
2025-11-06 14:30 - 16:00
Registration Deadline: THU. 11/6/25
How does trauma show up in our organizations? Trauma is not only an individual’s experience or responsibility, but an organizational pattern that can be perpetuated in schools and programs. This webinar presented by frequent ATLAS speaker Lucille Amis Rosario explores the types and signs of organizational trauma, including patterns like parallel process and re-enactment that can undermine team cohesion and the wellbeing of both students and staff. Learn how communication dynamics may reflect deeper stress, and discover practical ways to interrupt harmful cycles through a healing-centered approach. Lucille will also introduce a Sequence of Engagement framework to guide healthier interactions and support programs in becoming places of healing.
If you require ASL interpretation contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Math Institute 2025 (Virtual Conference)
2025-11-07 08:45 - 15:15
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRI. 11/7/25
Keynote Talk: Math is Figuroutable!
Keynote Speaker: Pamela Weber Harris
Pamela Weber Harris is changing the way we view and teach mathematics. She is the author of several books, including Numeracy Problems Strings K-5, Developing Mathematical Reasoning, and Building Powerful Numeracy. As a mom, a former high school math teacher, university lecturer, and an author, she believes everyone can do more math when it is based in reasoning than math as memorizing and mimicking. Pam has created online Building Powerful Mathematics workshops and presents frequently at national and international conferences. Her particular interests include teaching real math, building powerful numeracy, sequencing rich tasks to construct mathematics, using technology appropriately, smart assessment, and vertical connectivity in curricula in schools PK-12. Pam helps leaders and teachers to make the shift that supports students to learn real math because math is figureoutable!
If you require ASL Interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu
Schedule:
8:45am- 10:15 – Welcome and Keynote – Keynote address (Pam Harris)
10:15-10:30 – Break
10:30-12pm – Workshop (Problem Strings with Pam Harris)
12:00-12:45 – Lunch
12:45-2:15 – Concurrent Workshops
2:15-2:30 – Break
2:30-3:15 – Resource Share

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning: Instruction for Literacy Level Adult Learners - Presented by Andrea Echelberger
2025-11-07 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/7/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

Do you work with an adult learner or a class of learners who are just beginning to read and write? Tutoring literacy level adult ESL learners has unique rewards and challenges. There are very few textbooks aimed at this level, and it can be difficult to break down their learning goals into smaller, achievable steps. This session will cover suggested goals, processes, and activities for helping an adult ESL learner get successfully started on the road to literacy.

AI Crash Course - Session 2
2025-11-11 15:00 - 16:00
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/18/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

AI Crash Course 2025
November 4, 11, 18 @ 3:00pm – 4:00pm
This FREE webinar series is open to all adult education staff and volunteers. Please register for the series and attend the sessions that work for your schedule.
Session 1: What is AI? What are effective prompts?
TUE. 11/4/25
A beginner-friendly introduction to working with AI. Learn what AI is, how to access and navigate AI platforms, and how to create effective prompts (i.e., help the AI “understand” what you want it to do).
Session 2: AI for Teaching
TUE. 11/11/25

Start learning how to use MagicSchool AI, an AI platform developed for teachers. It has tools to support you with many common tasks, including:

Creating academic texts, lessons, worksheets, and rubrics
Drafting unit plans and course syllabi
Brainstorming ideas for choice boards, differentiation, and accommodations
And much, much more!

Session 3: Now what? AI Literacy for EVERYONE
TUE. 11/18/25

Discuss what AI literacy means and why it matters: for learners, teachers, administrators, and everyone. Consider how we can support appropriate, responsible, and ethical use of AI tools.
Additional information:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link to join the sessions.
To request accommodations (ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact the DL helpdesk at support@mnabedistancelearning.zendesk.com.
Sessions will be recorded and shared on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel.
CEUs will be available.

Volunteer Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2025-11-12 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/12/25
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.

Support Services Pre-Conference: CASAS and TABE Training
2025-11-13 09:00 - 16:00
Conference Details & Information
Venue: Online (see details below)

SPARC, along with the Minnesota Department of Education and SW ABE, sponsors an annual statewide conference for support professionals. Day one features CASAS and TABE Implementation Training. Day two is a full day of conference sessions. The day will feature ABE update from our state ABE director and other state ABE staff, followed by concurrent sessions specifically of interest to support staff.
If you require ASL Interpretation, contact Marty Olsen @ martha.olsen@gmail.com

Support Services Conference
2025-11-14 09:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/12/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

SPARC, along with the Minnesota Department of Education and SW ABE, sponsors an annual statewide conference for support professionals. Day one features CASAS and TABE Implementation Training. Day two is a full day of conference sessions. The day will feature ABE update from our state ABE director and other state ABE staff, followed by concurrent sessions specifically of interest to support staff.
If you require ASL Interpretation, contact Marty Olsen @ martha.olsen@gmail.com

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2025-11-14 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/14/25
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.

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2025-11-17 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/17/25
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.

Ellii November Webinar: Admin & Support Staff Coffee Break
2025-11-18 10:00 - 11:00
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/18/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

If you manage Ellii classes and learner accounts, run Ellii participation reports for DL hours, or otherwise support learners and teachers using Ellii for distance learning, then this session is for you! We’ll talk about some successes and failures we’ve encountered so far; share some tips, tricks, and hacks; and have time for questions, venting (if needed), and troubleshooting. BYOB.

Audience: Coordinators, managers, and support staff in programs using the state-supported Ellii plan for distance learning proxy hours
Do I need an Ellii teacher account to attend this session? No. An account is helpful (get one here), but not required.
How do I join the session? Register here, then look for an email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link.
Accommodations: To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, please email the DL help desk.
Will there be a recording? Yes! The recording will be posted on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel.

AI Crash Course - Session 3
2025-11-18 15:00 - 16:00

I Hear You! Effective Listening Instruction for English Language Learners - Presented by Andrea Echelberger
2025-11-20 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: THU. 11/20/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

Come learn how explicit listening instruction builds a foundation for literacy skills and fosters independence for language learners. This workshop will identify authentic learning tasks that English learners encounter daily, try out a variety of listening activities across multiple levels, and discuss which explicit listening strategies are used for each one. Participants will leave with ideas for listening tasks that can be used in remote or in-person instruction.

Apex & Pointful CTE Courses Q&A Session
2025-12-01 15:30 - 16:30
Registration Deadline: MON. 12/1/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

Did you know that there are state-supported online curricula to help learners explore careers and prepare to earn industry-recognized credentials? Learn more about these Pointful CTE courses and how to access them on the Apex platform. Courses with credential preparation include:

Architectural Design I: Prepare for the AutoDesk Certified User in AutoCAD exam.
LEED Green Associate: Learn about the LEED process and sustainable design and construction. Prepare for the LEED Green Associate exam.
Java SE 8: Learn the basics of programming in Java and prepare for an Oracle Certification exam.
Drones: Remote Pilot: Begin preparing for the FAA exam to become a Certificated Remote Pilot.

Other Pointful courses include Career Exploration in Healthcare, Dentistry, and Finance; three courses related to early childhood and general education; Personal Finance; Entrepreneurship and Small Business; Project Management; Cybersecurity; Construction; and Building Maintenance. View the complete course list here and request a staff account here.

Session audience: Teachers, coordinators, managers, and support staff interested in offering career-focused courses
Do I need an Apex staff account to attend this session? Not necessarily, but an account will be helpful. You can request one here.
How do I join the session? Register above, then look for an email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link.
Accommodations: To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, please email the DL help desk.
Will there be a recording? Yes! The recording will be posted on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel.

Chart Your Course with Exact Path!
2025-12-04 15:00 - 16:30
Registration Deadline: THU. 12/4/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

Join us for an introduction to Exact Path, a state-supported (no additional cost) distance learning platform for individualized instruction and practice in reading, language arts, and math. You’ll learn how to find Exact Path within the Edmentum platform, assign diagnostic assessments, manage individual student Learning Paths, and use reports to monitor progress and track DL proxy hours. The training will be interactive and will include time for hands-on practice and questions.

Session audience: Teachers, coordinators, managers, and support staff interested in using Exact Path with learners
Do I need an Edmentum staff account to attend this session? Yes, an account will be very helpful. You can request one here.
How do I join the session? Register above, then look for an email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link.
Accommodations: To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, please email the DL help desk.
Will there be a recording? Yes! The recording will be posted on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel.

Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2025-12-05 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: FRI. 12/5/25
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.

Holding Space: Healing-Centered Routines and Practices for Classroom Instruction
2025-12-08 14:30 - 16:00
Registration Deadline: MON. 12/8/25
For many learners and teachers, stress and trauma can seem like insurmountable barriers to developing academic skills. However, the resilience and empathy that many people in adult education have developed can form a foundation for a learning community grounded in curiosity and compassion. Incorporating healing-centered routines and instructional practices in the classroom can improve academic outcomes for learners, promote a sense of belonging, and decrease stress and pressure for learners and teachers alike. In this webinar, learn how to apply the Sequence of Engagement framework and healing-centered approaches in a classroom setting to build community, promote personal growth, and create a safe space for everyone to learn and thrive.
If you require ASL interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Getting Started with Workplace Literacy
2025-12-09 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: TUE. 12/9/25
Getting Started with Workplace Literacy is a two-hour webinar designed to introduce the foundations of Workplace Education, including key terms such as program definitions, milestones, and MSGs.
Participants will hear from a panel of local ABE managers and workplace literacy partners who will share real-world examples of how programs launch, grow, and demonstrate value. Attendees will also get a first look at a set of customizable tools designed to help programs engage effectively with employers. Panelists will describe their own Workplace Education programs and respond to guiding questions that explore what inspired them to get started, how initial conversations turned into action, and the strategies that helped “seal the deal.”
This session is ideal for anyone looking to understand the essentials and learn from practitioners already doing the work.
If you require ASL Interpretation, please contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Ellii December Webinar: Keepin’ It Real: Examples from Your Minnesota Colleagues
2025-12-10 14:30 - 15:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 12/10/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

In this session, we’ll showcase examples of how Minnesota adult education teachers are using Ellii in their classes and for distance learning. Come learn from your peers about the activities and resources that they and their learners have loved.

Audience: Teachers and volunteers who are using or interested in using Ellii, all levels
Do I need an Ellii teacher account to attend this session? No. An account is helpful (get one here), but not required.
How do I join the session? Register here, then look for an email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link.
Accommodations: To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, please email the DL help desk.
Will there be a recording? Yes! The recording will be posted on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel.

2025 Virtual Literacy Volunteer Management Conference
2025-12-12 08:30 - 14:45
Registration Deadline: THU. 12/11/25
Cost: FREE for participants in Minnesota and Wisconsin; $25 for participants outside of Minnesota or Wisconsin. Registration is not refundable, but recordings and materials will be available to registrants after the conference.
Venue: Online (see details below)

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. The conference is virtual, on Zoom.
Get Ready To:

Learn new strategies and ideas through a keynote presentation and concurrent session offerings.
Get practical resources you can use right away.
Network and share your professional wisdom with colleagues.
Earn CEUs.

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2025-12-15 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: MON. 12/15/25
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.

How Adult Brains Learn Languages - Presented by Andrea Echelberger
2025-12-18 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: THU. 12/18/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

Learn what research has to say about how adult brains learn a new language, how trauma and stress impact learning, and how this influences the teaching practices that we use in the language classroom. Participants will leave the webinar with suggestions for ways teachers and tutors can apply brain-based teaching practices as we are helping adult ESL students develop their language skills.

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2026-01-09 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: FRI. 1/9/26
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.

Volunteer Core Training Module 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
2026-01-13 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: TUE. 1/13/26
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.

Supporting Future Paraprofessionals: Integrating Content Standards into ABE Instruction
2026-01-14 14:30 - 16:00
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: WED. 1/14/26
Paraprofessionals play a vital role in classrooms, supporting student learning and fostering inclusive, effective instruction. This interactive webinar will explore the essential skills needed to succeed as a paraprofessional and how Adult Basic Education programs can help learners build those skills. Using content standards integration as a framework, we’ll examine key transition, digital literacy, math, and literacy skills critical for paraprofessional success—and share practical strategies for embedding these skills into classroom instruction.
If you require ASL Interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2026-01-14 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 1/14/26
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.
