ESL
Recent Newsletter Articles
The Brand-New CILIA-T Curriculum is Now Available!
As a preview of our session at the upcoming Statewide Virtual Conference (April 17), learn more about the newly published, FREE e-textbook for CILIA-T, a curriculum for adult learners integrating U.S. history, civics, government, academic English and digital skills. Read More
Collective Joy: Leveraging Students’ Collectivist Mindset as a Classroom Asset
Collective joy is more than a feel-good classroom moment—it’s a powerful instructional asset rooted in many learners’ collectivist cultural strengths. This article explores how Adult Education teachers can intentionally cultivate shared responsibility, connection, and identity as part of everyday instruction. Read More
Resources for Literacy & Language & More!
Katrina Benson, John Trerotola, and Kristine Kelly facilitated a "Conversations by the Copier" session at this year’s Language & Literacy Institute. Educators from across the state came together to name their go-to tools and compare what’s working for learners at all levels. The conversation moved quickly, but clear themes emerged around digital literacy, reading resources, hybrid teaching, and meaningful assessment options. Read More
Packet-based Lessons for Beginning EL Literacy Students
Teachers of Beginning EL Literacy (NRS ESL Level 1, CASAS STEPS 160-183) know this level presents its own unique challenges (and joys!). This curriculum project has 10 planned units with 2 available now. These lessons can be used in class or assigned out of class for proxy hours by a TVM-certified teacher. Read More
2026 Language & Literacy Institute: Registration Now Open!
Join us for the 2026 Language & Literacy (virtual) Institute on January 29-30, 2026! This two-day conference offers language and literacy-related workshops that you will NOT want to miss, including featured presentations by Jayme Adelson-Goldsten, Betsy Parrish, and Michelle Benegas. If you teach any aspect of language and literacy—at any level—this event is for you! Read More
The Human Library Experience at LESLLA 2025: Centering Learner Voices Through Identity Texts
At the 2025 LESLLA Conference in Québec City, attendees took part in a Living Human Library, where LESLLA learners from Québec shared identity texts created with support from their teacher and a Université Laval research team. Learners presented personal stories highlighting their languages, backgrounds, and lived experiences. The space became a lively hub of dialogue, curiosity, and cultural exchange. Read More
Ellii + Ventures
Are you an English teacher in the ABE world that uses Ventures? Did you know that Ellii has an entire feature that has aligned many of the activities and resources with the different Ventures levels? Curious about how it works either way? Hear from other ABE English teachers who have been using it and get other general Ellii tips and tricks right here! Read More
Reading Skills Stories: Resources for Beginning ESL Literacy
Teachers across Minnesota have been asking for more accessible, adult-appropriate phonics materials—and "Phonics Stories" deliver. Keep reading to learn why we’re excited to highlight this resource! Read More
A Story of Leveled Readers
In response to the disappearance of the Bow Valley readers for beginner-level learners, ATLAS and Immigrant Welcome Center partnered to create additional leveled readers for practitioners to use with students in their multi-level classes. Practice test questions are available at the higher levels. We hope these resources are beneficial! Read More
Bow Valley Readers – An Update!
Many Beginning English educators are asking, “Where have the Bow Valley Readers gone?” They've been sunsetted, but keep reading to gain access to some of the originals and another collection of helpful literacy readers. Read More