ATLAS ABE

Understanding the Impact of Trauma and Chronic Stress, Part 1, Presented by Andrea Echelberger
2025-06-11 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 6/11/25
Venue: Online (see details below)
Trauma and chronic stress can take many forms and affect how people learn, process information, and engage with others. These experiences often show up in adult education settings in ways that can be challenging for both learners and instructors. This training will cover the impact of stress and trauma on the adult brain, explore how they may manifest in the classroom, and how they can interfere with learning and retention.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series entitled Creating Healing-Centered Spaces for Adult Learners. Taking both sessions is not required, nor is it essential to take Part 1 before taking Part 2.
https://www.literacymn.org/understanding-impact-of-trauma-chronic-stress-part-1-presented-by-andrea-echelberger-webinar

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2025-06-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 6/16/25
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.

MobyMax Site Administrator Training
2025-06-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 6/18/25
Venue: Online (see details below)
Please attend this training to learn how to assign (and re-assign) learner seats on this state-supported distance learning platform. After July 7, each learner at your site/program will need to have a seat (license) assigned to them in order to access MobyMax content and earn distance learning proxy hours. When a learner leaves your program or stops using MobyMax, you can re-assign their seat to a new learner.
This training is REQUIRED for designated MobyMax administrators (1 or 2 staff members per site). These individuals received an email from the DL Team on May 29. Any staff member or volunteer is welcome to attend this training to learn more, but only designated MobyMax administrators will have the ability to assign MobyMax seats to learners.
The training will be recorded for staff who are unable to attend on June 18. Designated MobyMax administrators who do not attend the full training on June 18 will be required to view the recording and pass a quiz before being able to assign seats.
Please contact support@mnabedistancelearning.zendesk.com with questions and to request ASL interpretation or other accommodations.
After registering, you’ll receive an email from “MNABE Staff” with a link to join the Zoom meeting.

Strategies for Trauma-Informed Teaching, Part 2, Presented by Andrea Echelberger
2025-06-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 6/18/25
Venue: Online (see details below)
Once we understand the effects of trauma and chronic stress, we can respond with effective, supportive strategies. In this section, participants will learn trauma-informed teaching practices designed to create safe, welcoming environments from the moment adult learners walk in the door. These practices can help reduce barriers to learning, support positive classroom behaviors, and improve learner engagement and comfort.
This is Part 2 of a two-part series entitled Creating Healing-Centered Spaces for Adult Learners. Taking both sessions is not required, nor is it essential to take Part 1 before taking Part 2.
https://www.literacymn.org/strategies-for-trauma-informed-teaching-part-2-presented-by-andrea-echelberger-webinar-advanced

SiD: Prep for August Submission PY 2024-25
2025-06-25 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 6/25/25
Venue: Online (see details below)
In this session we’ll go over reports that are due to MDE and share tips for making sure your SiD program year data is current and complete. We’ll also review how to get started with the new 25-26 program year.
Target audience: Staff responsible for compiling and submitting their consortium’s NRS Program Year 24-25 August Submission to MDE

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2025-06-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 6/25/25
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 the Whole Learner: Supporting Mental Health and Neurodiversity in ABE - Presented by Jimmie Heags
2025-07-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 7/11/25
Venue: Online (see details below)
Adult learners bring a range of experiences, learning needs, and emotional challenges. This session helps ABE volunteers and professionals recognize signs of mental health concerns and neurodivergence (like autism or ADHD) without stepping into diagnosis.
You’ll learn practical, trauma-informed strategies and inclusive teaching tools based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support every learner—especially those navigating trauma, language barriers, or unrecognized learning differences.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Recognize signs of mental health challenges and neurodivergent behavior in adult learners.
Understand how trauma, learning disabilities, and language barriers can affect learning.
Use simple, trauma-informed strategies to support all learners.
Create a more inclusive classroom using Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Know when and how to connect students to outside help—without trying to diagnose.

WebChat with MN ABE
2025-07-16 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 7/16/25
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, June 30, 2025.

Topics will include:

Assessment updates
MSG targets
August Reporting Submission
State and Federal Adult Education Funding

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

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2025-07-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 7/21/25
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.

Ellii Q&A for Instructional Staff
2025-07-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 7/30/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

The Statewide Digital Learning Team will host two Q&A sessions for staff and volunteers interested in using the new, state-supported Ellii account.
Please complete the staff training BEFORE attending a Q&A session. These sessions are intended as a follow-up to the training, not a substitute.
Participants are welcome to attend either session, but each session will have a different focus.

The session on July 30 is primarily for instructional staff (teachers and volunteers with teaching/tutoring responsibilities).
The session on July 31 is primarily for support staff, administrators, and volunteers with non-instructional responsibilities.

The Q&A sessions will be recorded.
After registering, you’ll receive an email from “MNABE Staff” with a link to join the Zoom meeting.
Please contact support@mnabedistancelearning.zendesk.com with questions and to request ASL interpretation or other accommodations.

Ellii Q&A for Support Staff
2025-07-31 09:30 - 10:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 7/31/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

The Statewide Digital Learning Team will host two Q&A sessions for staff and volunteers interested in using the new, state-supported Ellii account.
Please complete the staff training BEFORE attending a Q&A session. These sessions are intended as a follow-up to the training, not a substitute.
Participants are welcome to attend either session, but each session will have a different focus.

The session on July 30 is primarily for instructional staff (teachers and volunteers with teaching/tutoring responsibilities).
The session on July 31 is primarily for support staff, administrators, and volunteers with non-instructional responsibilities.

The Q&A sessions will be recorded.
After registering, you’ll receive an email from “MNABE Staff” with a link to join the Zoom meeting.
Please contact support@mnabedistancelearning.zendesk.com with questions and to request ASL interpretation or other accommodations.

Volunteer Core Training Module 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
2025-08-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 8/4/25
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.

Online Statewide Courses Webinar - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED
2025-08-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: EVENT POSTPONED
Due to the delay of Federal funding, this webinar will not be held at this time.

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2025-08-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 8/8/25
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.

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2025-08-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 8/11/25
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.

2025 Summer Institute (in person)
2025-08-12 12:00 - 2025-08-15 12:00 | Park Event Center – Waite Park, 500 Division St, Waite Park, 56387
Registration Deadline: TBD
Events Cost: TBD

Volunteer Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
2025-08-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 8/18/25
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.

Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2025-08-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 8/21/25
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.

Volunteer Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2025-08-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 8/25/25
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.

CASAS Implementation for New Staff (Virtual)
2025-08-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 8/27/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

Join your state trainers virtually for a CASAS Implementation training for new staff. 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 new users of the assessments. Participants who complete this training will be certified to administer CASAS multiple choice assessments.

TABE Implementation for New Staff (Virtual)
2025-08-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 8/27/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

Join your state trainers virtually for TABE Implementation for New Staff. This training provides an overview of approved TABE tests. 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.

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2025-09-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 9/4/25
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

CCRS Foundations Refresher Webinar
2025-09-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 9/9/25

INFORMATIONAL FLYER>>

Join us as we take a moment to refresh on key components of CCRS Foundations! This webinar is for any teacher, coordinator, administrator, or program leader who would like to brush up on their CCRS Foundations knowledge.
Ask yourself:

Do I remember the math shifts and the standards for mathematical practice, and the difference between them? Do I remember what the three aspects of Rigor are and why they are important?*
Do I remember how to measure text complexity, both qualitatively and quantitatively? Do I remember the progression of text dependent questions that is outlined by Fisher and Frey?*

We will be refreshing on these topics and more!
* Please note: You will have the option to join an ELA breakout group or a math breakout group during the webinar.
If you require ASL interpretation, please contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Administrator Webinar Series (3-part series)
2025-09-10 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

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2025-09-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 9/15/25
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.

TABE Implementation for New Staff (Virtual)
2025-09-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 9/17/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

Join your state trainers virtually for a TABE Implementation for New Staff. This training provides an overview of approved TABE tests. 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.

WebChat with MN ABE
2025-09-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 9/17/25
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, September 1, 2025.

Topics will include:

Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
Adult Education Report Card
Grants and Finance updates
Transitions updates
Upcoming PD opportunities

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

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2025-09-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 9/24/25
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.

SiD: Fall Data Cleanup 2025
2025-09-25 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 9/25/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

Join us for this interactive session where you’ll learn practical strategies to keep your data clean all year long – so year-end reporting is quick and easy! We’ll tackle some of the most common user questions and guide you through running SiD reports using your own program data.

Designed for anyone who maintains SiD data – managers, coordinators, data entry staff, and teachers.

Introduction to MobyMax
2025-09-26 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 9/26/25
Venue: Online (see details below)

This is a beginner-level training for anyone new to using MobyMax (or anyone who would like a refresher). The training will provide a general overview of the platform and cover essential tasks for teachers and support staff, including managing your student roster and licenses, creating groups and shared classes, adjusting module settings, creating assignments, monitoring progress, and proxy hour reporting.

Audience: Teachers, administrators, and support staff who use (or are interested in using) MobyMax for distance learning
Do I need a MobyMax teacher account to attend this session? Yes, it will be very helpful to know your login credentials before attending this session. You can request a state-supported account here under “Key Information.” You should also discuss with your coordinator/manager how MobyMax student licenses are managed at your site.
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.
