ELA
Recent Newsletter Articles
50 Shades of Meaning
Explicit vocabulary instruction can often be a neglected vein of ESL instruction. This article provides research-based, user-friendly ideas to grow students beyond a surface level knowledge of words to deeper vocabulary comprehension and usage. Read More
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
EdReady Personalizes and Improves Students’ Math and English Mastery
EdReady, a free tool available to Minnesota adult educators, personalizes and improves students' math and English mastery. Find out more, and join us for an EdReady webinar on May 11, 1:30-2:30 CST to learn more about the student experience and understand the details in the reports. Read More
Project-Based Learning in Action: How to Be a Successful Online Student – Part 2
Instructor Dan Bruski describes how he led his low-intermediate ESL students through a project-based learning activity around composing a list of rules and expectations for their online class. The culmination of the lesson was the creation of a video on "How to be a successful online student," which has an authentic use for orienting new students. Read More
Project-Based Learning in Action: How to Be a Successful Online Student – Part 1
Instructor Dan Bruski describes how he led his low-intermediate ESL students through a project-based learning activity around composing a list of rules and expectations for their online class. The culmination of the lesson was the creation of a video on "How to be a successful online student," which has an authentic use for orienting new students. Read More
CCRS Resources: Start the New Year Right! – Part 2
There have been so many CCRS webinars, tools, and activities developed over the years, it is sometimes hard to remember the plethora of FREE resources housed on the ATLAS website. Check out this list of many of our prominent CCRS resources – all in one place! Whether you are looking for professional development to complete individually, a PD activity to dive into with a small group/PLC, or the next task to engage in during a regular staff meeting, you’re sure to find some gold nuggets here! Read More
CCRS Resources: Start the New Year Right! – Part 1
There have been so many CCRS webinars, tools, and activities developed over the years, it is sometimes hard to remember the plethora of FREE resources housed on the ATLAS website. Check out this list of many of our prominent CCRS resources – all in one place! Whether you are looking for professional development to complete individually, a PD activity to dive into with a small group/PLC, or the next task to engage in during a regular staff meeting, you’re sure to find some gold nuggets here! Read More
Podcasts for the ESL Teacher – or Any Teacher!
Do you miss sharing ideas with colleagues around the copy machine? Is having regular interaction with others on topics of language, teaching and culture something hard to come by these days? Maybe listening to a good podcast can help fill the void. Read on to see one teacher’s recommendations. Read More
CCRS Teacher Workouts – Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!
Read on for three NEW CCRS Workouts to strengthen your CCRS "muscles" (even during a pandemic). Regardless of the delivery method of our instruction and programming, the standards will always be THE benchmark for instruction. Each workout takes between 20 and 45 minutes and focuses on a key CCRS shift or shifts, standard, or practice. When it comes to CCR standards implementation, we can’t stop, won’t stop...no matter what! Read More
An Introduction to Blended Learning with CommonLit: Part 3
This is Part 3 of a three-part series introducing Blended Learning using the state-approved platform CommonLit. Part 1 provided practitioners a simple exemplar of what instruction would look like with Blended Learning. Part 2 delved into the "how" and "why" of using CommonLit for Blended Instruction. Part 3 explains how to build a course in CommonLit and highlights some of its available features. Read More