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Recent Newsletter Articles
Focus on Writing Instruction This Fall with the ATLAS Writing Study Circle
Back by popular demand, the Writing Study Circle is scheduled for this fall and is open to teachers of all levels! The fall 2023 study circle meetings will be virtual, making participation from around the state easier. Participants will have the opportunity to dig deeply into some resources related to writing instruction and then implement key strategies with their students. Read More
Desmos: Interactive and Engaging Online Instruction
At the start of my virtual instruction journey in 2020, I tried out several instructional tools to make my online synchronous instruction more engaging than a talking head and a PowerPoint. Desmos is the only one I’m still using three years later. Originally built for math instruction, Desmos is a virtual instructional tool that allows you, the teacher, to build interactive practice for students, accessible via a link or code, and lets you see each student’s work live as they are doing it. Read More
Using Number Categories to Build Coherence – Part 4
In the previous articles on number categories, the number systems of whole numbers through rational numbers have been discussed. This article, the last of the series, introduces the irrational numbers and imaginary numbers – as well as the Big Idea behind it all! Read More
Using Number Categories to Build Coherence – Part 3
In our previous investigations into number systems, we connected the whole numbers to the integers. Now we backtrack to the next category that actually comes earlier in the CCRS and most books. While we have closed the operations of addition and subtraction with the whole numbers and integers, we now need to check on the next operations: multiplication and division, and how they lead us to rational numbers. Read More
Using Number Categories to Build Coherence – Part 2
Number systems are ways of categorizing values with common characteristics. Understanding how we label numbers and categorize their properties can help us to explain the coherence of operations to our students and connect the CCRS standards. This article will introduce problems that arise as operations other than addition create numbers that do not fit into the whole number system. Read More
Consider Joining the DL Advisory Team!
Consider joining the DL Advisory team, which will allow you to provide input to guide the state’s distance learning professional development and training efforts; offer input and feedback on policies and procedures governing distance education; advise on the purchase of statewide DL platform licenses; and participate in discussions regarding approval of platforms and courses for distance learning proxy hours. Read More
Updates: Northstar and MobyMax
Minnesota purchases several distance learning platforms for statewide use, via the Tech DL Supplemental Services grant with Literacy Minnesota. Following are updates on two of them: Northstar and MobyMax. Read More
Attention ESL Teachers: a Fall 2023 Conference for YOU!
Do you teach adult English learners? The MELEd (Minnesota English Learner Education) conference is the state's premiere professional gathering for anyone who works with English language learners This year, MELEd will be held *in person* at the St. Paul RiverCentre on November 17-18, 2023. Consider presenting; proposals are due June 21, 2023! Read More
Texting with Talking Points: Supporting Communication and Retention for Multilingual Learners
From reminders about assignments to checking in on a student who’s been out sick, finding the right text messaging tool has not only saved me precious time but has also strengthened my relationships with my students. I’ve tried a number of different tools, especially during the pandemic, but Talking Points is my favorite so far. Read More
Our Journey to Integrated Education and Training (IET)
The MN Department of Corrections has a long history of providing adult basic education and career technical education to individuals who are incarcerated; thousands of men and women have graduated from our programs. Looking back on 35 years of education programming, we see the overall successes of our students as fuel enough to keep the development and implementation of new Integrated Education & Training (IET) programs moving forward. Read More