Adult Career Pathways

Preparing learners for family-sustaining work is a big part of adult education! We teach transitions or “soft” skills, digital literacy, and of course basic skills such as reading, writing, math and language. All of these key skills are defined in our content standards documents, and they are further detailed in our CCR Standards and the ACES resource libraries. In addition, in ABE programs throughout the state, these skills are often embedded in a specific career pathway, building students’ skills while preparing them for specific career advancement at the same time.

To address the many challenges in designing, implementing and sustaining effective adult career pathway (ACP) programs and partnerships, ATLAS provides professional development and resources for ABE managers and practitioners who are developing or strengthening career pathways for their students.

Adult Career Pathways Resource Library

The cornerstone of our ACP offerings is the ACP resource library, providing over 50 (and growing!) vetted ACP curricula as well as a multitude of ACP program development tools. If you are teaching students in preparation for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, etc. – don’t recreate the wheel!  You can start with an ACP curriculum from this collection and tweak for your context.

Additional Opportunities

Professional development activities for Adult Career Pathways includes webinars and workshops at regional and statewide events on a variety of topics. Keep up with all things ACP-related by joining the ACP Networking group; details are below.

Webinar Series

Adult Career Pathways Webinar Series

Based on input from the Adult Career Pathways Advisory Team, ATLAS offers a webinar series throughout the year to promote and support Adult Career Pathways (ACP) and Integrated Education and Training (IET) in Minnesota Adult Ed. Topics vary and are determined by the Advisory Team.

Online Groups

Adult Career Pathways Online Group

This online networking community of practice was established to connect administrators and instructors working on adult career pathways, and it serves as a forum for discussion among those working with ACPs statewide, as well as a hub announcements, resources, and webinar and in-person event information.

Advisory Teams

ACP PD Advisory Team

The ACP Professional Development (PD) Advisory Team is an ATLAS-sponsored team designed to strengthen Adult Career Pathways (ACP) work in Minnesota ABE through relevant, meaningful, and effective professional development for ABE teachers and managers.

The Team is responsible for visioning and implementing a long-term strategic plan for Adult Career Pathways PD in Minnesota, as well as specific tasks yearly to support current and forthcoming PD efforts such as offerings around establishing partnerships with local colleges and employers, reaching out to Local Workforce Development Boards, and recruiting ACP students.

New Adult Career Pathways Resources

Commercial Driver’s License Permit Course

Students identify entry-level CDL employment options. Basic CDL concepts and terminology are covered as students develop their academic and study skills. Students will become familiar with truck driving culture and norms. || AUTHOR: Kris Klas, Hubbs Center (St. Paul ABE)

IET for English Learners Desk Aids

A set of three IET for English Learners Desk Aids and companion QuickStart Guide was developed in 2023 by the Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE). These resources are five to six pages…

ADVANCE IET Resource Repository

This repository, housed on the LINCS website and developed as part of the ADVANCE IET initiative, offers resources around all aspects of integrated education and training (IET) design and delivery. Resources are geared toward everyone from those creating their first IET program to those with extensive IET experience.
Adult Career Pathways

Adult Career Pathways Resource Library »

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PD Catalog

Get an overview of all MN Adult Education professional development (PD) activities in one convenient, searchable place!

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Latest Adult Career Pathways Articles

Adult Education: Providing High Value to Under-Prepared Students in Minnesota State Colleges

This article features the partnership work involving the Minnesota State System and Adult Education to serve college enrolled students who are under-prepared for the rigors of college courses and programs of study. Find out about the new corequisite model, as well as the Affinity Group you can join to explore and promote effective partnership models for student success in the co-req environment. Read More

Embracing Change: An Updated IET Approval Process

Teachers and administrators face many challenges when designing, implementing and sustaining career pathways. Particularly cumbersome is the Integrated Education and Training service model, commonly known as IET. Read on to learn more about the updated IET Approval Process with new documents and changes to the evaluation of Single Set of Learning Objectives. Read More

Upcoming ABE Events

January 15, 2025 12:30 pm–1:45 pm
ATLAS
Online

One-Room Schoolhouse Community of Practice

Online

Registration Deadline: Day of each session Join fellow one-room schoolhouse practitioners from around the state for our kickoff webinar! This first gathering of the year will be facilitated by Astrid Liden (MDE) and Patsy Egan (ATLAS), and we hope we bring together anyone who teaches adults in settings… Learn More

Online
January 15, 2025 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners

Online

Registration Deadline: WED. 1/15/25 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… Learn More

Online
January 17, 2025 10:00 am–11:00 am
SW ABE
Online

Support Staff Coffee Break – Digital Inclusion (Virtual)

Online

Registration Deadline: FRI. 1/17/25 On January 17, the Support Staff Online Coffee Break Series will continue with Elizabeth Bennett helping participants to understand what the word “digital inclusion” means in ABE. Discussion will focus on how access to technology can help learners be more included and empowered in… Learn More

Online