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.
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.
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.
To connect administrators and instructors working on adult career pathways, ATLAS is establishing an online networking community of practice on Schoology. This online community of practice will serve as a forum for discussion among those working with ACPs statewide, as well as a hub for announcements, materials, and face-to-face event information.
Watch for more info coming soon!
The Transitions 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.
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Contextualized curriculum is often a large part of career pathways coursework and can also include GED-focused ABE classes. Collaboration can be key in making contextualized curriculum work seamlessly in the classroom and is the ultimate benefit for students and teachers. Read More
Many ABE learners need a driver’s license as a step toward their family, career or community goals – and many ask for our help. Access curriculum and resources your ABE program can use to meet this need. Read More
Registration Deadline: MON. 7/15/19 Presented by Marn Frank, ATLAS Literacy & STAR Coordinator: Thursday, August 1 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. AND Friday, August 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon This afternoon and morning training over two days is focused on alphabetics and fluency, also known… Learn More
Registration Deadline: THU. 8/1/19 The Karen are an ethnic group from the mountainous border regions of Burma and Thailand. They have long been subject to persecution and ethnic cleansing by the Burmese government, leading to their resettlement to Minnesota. There are approximately 17,000 Karen living in Minnesota, and… Learn More
Registration Deadline: WED. 8/14/19 (NOTE: Registrations after July 19 will incur a $25 late fee. Cancellations will not be accepted after July 26; no refunds will be granted after this deadline.) ABE Summer Institute is Minnesota’s annual statewide Adult Basic Education conference. The Institute is co-sponsored by Literacy Action Network… Learn More
