Support Services
Recent Newsletter Articles
Making Change Happen: The Rider, the Elephant & the Path (Part 1)
We’ve all been in the meeting where everyone agrees, heads nod, and great ideas are shared. But consensus is only the beginning. Meaningful change requires clarity, commitment, the right conditions, and follow-through. This two-part article explores how we can turn shared ideas into intentional action and learn from the work along the way. Read More
Register Now for the 2026 Support Services Conference
Join us for this free event over Zoom Thursday, November 12 & Friday, November 13 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Read More
Support Services Conference – Check Out These Sessions!
The Support Services Conference, held annually in November and organized by SPARC (Support Professionals Advisory Resource Committee), has been recognized as a one-of-a-kind conference, because its focus is on meeting the needs of support staff. If you were unable to attend the conference in November 2025, you still have the opportunity to view the presentations—and save the date for the 2026 conference! Read More
How to Help Our Students Navigate Legal Questions
As ESL educators, we often get questions from students about legal issues, and more specifically about their legal status in the US. How do we respond? And how we make sure our students get the best help and information possible? Read More
Everything You Need to Know About Social Security Numbers But Didn’t Know to Ask!
Do you have questions about the “who, what, where, when, why, and how” of Social Security number collection? It’s important that you know this information so that you can clearly and comfortably request that students share their information with you. Join the Support Staff Coffee Break virtually on Friday, January 16 at 10:00 AM to learn more. Read More
Support Service Opportunities – Fall 2025
There are several great professional development opportunities coming up for Support Staff this fall – including a Support Staff Coffee Break webinar focusing on the unique challenges we experience when doing intakes with Beginning Literacy ELL students, as will as the virtual ABE Support Services Conference. So check them out and join us! Read More
Support Services Conference 2025: Registration Now Open!
Check out the exciting line-up of sessions that will be presented during the 2025 ABE Support Services Conference! Register to join us virtually as we learn from our friends and colleagues. We’ll reflect on what this past year has taught us and use those lessons to focus on building a stronger future for Adult Basic Education. Read More
National Promising Practice Awarded to MDE and SPARC
Exciting news! The Minnesota Department of Education was awarded a National Promising Practice Award by CASAS and Essential Education during the CASAS Summer Institute in June. The award was in recognition of the work of SPARC, the Support Professional Advisory Resource Committee. Read More
Support Services Conference Registration Now Open!
Check out the exciting line-up of sessions that will be presented during the 2024 ABE Support Services Conference! Register to join us virtually as we learn from our friends and colleagues. Read More
2024 ABE Support Services Conference – Call for Proposals
Did you do an informative and engaging presentation at the ABE Summer Institute, and say to yourself, “that was fun, I wish I could share it with more people”? Or maybe you have some ideas in mind but haven't had the chance to share them? This is your opportunity! SPARC is now seeking presentation proposals for the 2024 ABE Support Services Conference. Read More