ATLAS ABE

AI Playgroup & Makerspace
2025-01-28 15:00 - 16:30, 2025-02-25 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Registration Deadline: Date of each webinar
You’re invited to our playgroup! Join your adult education colleagues and members of Literacy Minnesota’s Digital Learning team for a fun, informal, and interactive learning experience. Each month, we’ll focus on a different application of generative AI to support teachers and volunteers in their work with learners. You’ll get to see lots of examples, talk about pros and cons, and have “playtime” to develop resources that you can use in your teaching context right away. Most importantly, we’ll share our creations with each other and develop a collection of open resources for adult educators.
Instead of focusing on specific AI tools or platforms, we’ll look at various “use cases” for AI:

January 28: Teaching Academic Vocabulary
February 25: Dialogues and Speaking Practice
March 25: AI and Math
April 22: AI and the Writing Process
May 27: Adapting and Developing Appropriate Texts for Adult Learners

Minnesota practitioners can earn 1.5 CEUs for attending each meeting and additional CEUs for creating, sharing, and evaluating teaching resources outside of the meeting time.
Additional information:

After registering, you’ll receive an email from “MNABE Staff” with a link to join the meetings.
Attendance at all five sessions is NOT required. Register for the series, and you can join on the days that work for you.
NO prior knowledge or AI expertise is necessary! We’ll help you get started with a free AI tool if needed. Just bring yourself (and a sense of humor).
A portion of each session will be recorded.
To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, contact support@mnabedistancelearning.zendesk.com
This will be fun!

Leadership Book Club FY25
2025-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: Day of Each Meeting
The books have already been ordered for this round (Brene Brown, Dare to Lead). If you already have a copy and are interested in the Leadership Book Club (or might want to join the next book!), please email Patsy Egan, pegan02@hamline.edu.
Please note that all attendees need to register to receive the Zoom link to join.

Meeting 1: WED. 1/29/25 – REGISTER
Meeting 2: WED. 3/5/25 – REGISTER
Meeting 3: WED. 4/9/25 – REGISTER

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2025-01-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 1/29/25
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.

Volunteer Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2025-01-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 1/29/25
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.

Minnesota State - ABE Corequisite Affinity Group Meeting
2025-01-30 14:00 - 15:15, 2025-01-31 10:00 - 11:15 | Online
No Registration – use this JOIN LINK to join each Zoom meeting.
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 & TIMES: JOIN LINK
Fall 2024 (both meetings will have the same content; attend the one that best fits your schedule)
Meeting 1: Thursday, October 31, 2024 – 2:00-3:15pm (CDT)
Meeting 2: Friday, November 1, 2024 – 10:00-11:15am (CDT)

Winter 2025 (both meetings will have the same content; attend the one that best fits your schedule)
Meeting 3: Thursday, January 30, 2025 – 12-1:15pm (CST) NOTE TIME CHANGE!
Meeting 4: Friday, January 31, 2025 – 10:00-11:15am (CST)

Spring 2025 (both meetings will have the same content; attend the one that best fits your schedule)
Meeting 5: Thursday, April 3, 2025 – 2:00-3:15pm (CDT)
Meeting 6: Friday, April 4, 2025 – 10:00-11:15am (CDT)
If you require ASL interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2025-01-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 1/30/25
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.

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.

Phonics in Beginning ESL: Recommendations, Activities and Resources
2025-01-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 1/31/25
Phonics–the knowledge of the sounds letters make when they are combined to make words–is essential to beginning literacy and beginning level English language instruction. But, many teachers and tutors lack the knowledge, confidence and resources to teach the topic. Attend this session to learn why phonics instruction is important and leave with several ideas for phonics activities and resources to bring back to your teaching and tutoring sessions.
This session will be most useful to tutors and teachers working with beginning literacy, low beginning and high beginning English language learners.

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2025-02-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 2/3/25
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.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Multi-Level Strategies and Differentiation
2025-02-04 13:00 - 13:45 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 2/4/25
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.

Google Sheets Series, Session 1: Introductory Data Analysis
2025-02-04 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 2/4/25
Google Sheets is a powerful tool to summarize data and understand trends in learner data, but many users don’t understand how to maximize its potential. In this session, beginning users of Google Sheets will learn how to filter data and use a few basic functions to discover valuable data points within their learner population. This PD session will be useful for teachers looking at class data or administrators looking at data across a whole program.
Additional information:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from “MNABE Staff” with the link to join.
To request accommodations (ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact the DL helpdesk.
A recording will be available after the training.

Math Content Webinar: Dyscalculia
2025-02-06 14:30 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/6/25
Join us for a session on dyscalculia; a specific learning disability that makes numerical reasoning and comprehension challenging for our learners. This session will build on previous trainings on dyscalculia, diving into identifying students with math learning needs and working to shift students’ mindset and reduce math anxiety. This session will look at previously discussed number sense routines and work on coaching teachers on how to implement and use these routines in the classroom to build confidence in their math learners, while providing support for atypical learners.

Learn more about dyscalculia >>

PELSB Cultural Competency Training - Part 1
2025-02-07 08:30 - 12:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/6/25
Facilitated by Dr. Rose Wan-Mui Chu and Andrea Echelberger, this online PELSB-approved cultural competency training is aligned to state statute and provides Minnesota adult educators the opportunity to engage in dialogue, activities, and reflective practices to increase their cultural awareness and competency. The training also takes a deeper look at the role race equity plays in creating culturally responsive classroom teaching and learning spaces.
Per MN Statutes 122A.181 and 122A.182, and MN Administrative Rule 8710.7100, every teacher in Minnesota who is seeking relicensure needs to complete the cultural competency training requirement. This PELSB-approved cultural competency training is aligned to MN Administrative Rule 8710.0310 Subpart 1D.
Note: This is a two-part training taking place via Zoom from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm on BOTH February 7 and February 28. You must attend both days in full to meet the PELSB requirement. The training will not be recorded.
Meeting 1: Friday, February 7, 2025 – REGISTER
Meeting 2: Friday, February 28, 2025 – REGISTER
If you require ASL interpretation, please contact Gail Rutan (grutan01@hamline.edu) by January 27, 2025

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2025-02-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/7/25
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.

It Begins With Us
2025-02-10 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-11 09:00 - 16:00 | The Upper Room – Marshall, 100 West College Drive, Suite #300, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/7/25
COST: $45 per day
Come join us for our annual It Begins with Us Conference on February 10-11! We will be at a new location this year at The Upper Conference, located in downtown Marshall.

Day 1 will be an immersive and interactive Virtual Dementia Tour (taking place on site) facilitated by a representative from Minnesota River Agency on Aging. The Virtual Dementia Tour is the original patented, evidence-based scientific method of building a greater understanding of dementia by building awareness and empathy in individuals caring for people living with dementia.
Day 2 will be filled with speakers, panels, and our keynote speaker, Dr. Anton Treuer. Dr. Anton Treuer is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books such as Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but Were Afraid to Ask. There will be space created for participants to have reflective discussions to deepen awareness and understanding centered around belonging.

Lunch will be provided from local ethnic restaurants.
CEUs will be available and this event has approval from PELSB to meet the cultural competency requirement for educators.
Student rates and scholarships are available. Please call the Southwest ABE-Marshall office at 507-537-7046 for student rates and scholarship promo codes.

WebChat with MNABE
2025-02-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/12/25
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, January 27, 2025.

Topics will include:

Follow-up around topics from the Fall Manager Meeting, including Statewide Online Training Courses, post-testing expectations, Barriers to Employment, and collection of SSNs
Assessment updates
Statewide contact hours update

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

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2025-02-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 2/18/25
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.

SiD - It's All About Students
2025-02-19 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/19/25
In this interactive session, we’ll spotlight student records – entry and re-entry; shared students; barriers to employment and other history items; assessments; and more!

Essential Zoom Skills for Online Instruction
2025-02-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/19/25
Join this hands-on session to learn and practice essential Zoom skills for the virtual classroom that may not be in your repertoire if your experience with the platform is limited to meetings with friends and colleagues at work.
The workshop will cover:

Turning off participants’ cameras and microphones
Re-naming participants
Sharing your screen
Annotating your screen
Setting up and visiting breakout rooms

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Multi-Level Strategies
2025-02-20 13:00 - 13:45 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/20/25
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.

Google Sheets Series, Session 2: Deep Dive into Data Summarization with Pivot Tables
2025-02-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/20/25
Pivot Tables are one of the most powerful tools in Google Sheets and Excel, but they strike fear into the hearts of most casual spreadsheet users. Join this PD session to learn more about how to use Pivot Tables in Google Sheets to summarize data easily and quickly. Participants will walk away with an understanding of how to import a file into Google Sheets, perform quick and basic data cleaning, and then use pivot tables to summarize information and draw conclusions.
Additional information:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from “MNABE Staff” with the link to join.
To request accommodations (ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact the DL helpdesk.
A recording will be available after the training.

Support Staff Coffee Break - CASAS eTesting (Virtual)
2025-02-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Registration deadline: FRI. 2/21/25
On Friday, February 21, 10:00-11:00 a.m., the Support Staff Online Coffee Break Series will continue with Linda Keller and Jeff Galbavy virtually sharing their experiences with CASAS eTesting. They will offer some tips and tricks, along with local lessons learned during the implementation of eTesting. Join us, and bring your specific questions and concerns, so that they can facilitate a lively discussion. All staff are welcome to attend.

Reading Activities for Beginning Literacy and Beginning English Language Learners
2025-02-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/21/25
Teaching and tutoring very beginning level ESL readers can be intimidating for volunteers and professional teachers alike. Attend this webinar to get practical activities and ideas for one-on-one, remote and in-person instruction with tech and no-tech options. Leave feeling ready to provide your learners with meaningful and effective reading activities.

Adult Education Check-In: Q&A on Federal Funding and Policy Changes
2025-02-21 14:30 - 15:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/21/25
In response to the recent LAN survey on immigrant rights, we will be offering a webinar where we’ll explore topics from the survey findings, address questions, and provide a space for discussion. Stay tuned for details and join us for this important conversation! This webinar will be co-hosted by LAN, MN ABE, ATLAS, and #IamABE.

Karen History, Culture and Language and the Adult Education Classroom presented by the Karen Organization of Minnesota
2025-02-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 2/24/25
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.

Administrators, Where Shall We Begin? Planning & Budgeting for the Coming Year
2025-02-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/26/25
Decisions, decisions… It’s that time again; planning for the coming school year is upon us! Join your colleagues and state staff for a time of discussion and learning around making plans and budgeting strategically for the 2025-2026 school year. State ABE Program Quality Specialist Jodi Versaw will be on hand for questions, and administrators from various contexts from around the state will share their puzzles and strategies, with ample time for conversation.

Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2025-02-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/26/25
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.

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.

Volunteer Data Mid-Year Check-In
2025-02-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/26/25
If you’re a new volunteer coordinator, teacher, or just need a refresher on updating your volunteer data in SiD, this mid-year check-in session is for you! Literacy Minnesota is partnering up with SiD to help you to clean up your volunteer data in SiD and provide access to volunteer trainings completed by your volunteers. Minnesota now require programs to provide volunteer trainings. Literacy Minnesota will provide information on how programs can have access to up-to-date completed volunteer trainings in this session. This training is for new ABE staff who uses SiD to update program service, and any other staff that needs a refresher for updating volunteer data in SiD. This training is free for all Minnesota ABE staff.
