New Canvas Course Content for Teaching Reading to Adults: EBRI for Beginning ESL Literacy Students

Introducing Module 6: EBRI for Beginning ESL Literacy Students

Our newest content—created by the very talented Andrea Echelberger—focuses on a distinct population in adult education: students who have had little to no formal education in their home language and are learning to read and write for the first time in their lives as adults.

Key topics of the new module include:

• Understanding the language and literacy backgrounds of beginning ESL literacy students
• The concept of print and how adults develop print awareness
• The role of oral language as a foundation for literacy
• Prioritizing instruction in alphabetics and oral language
• Assessing early literacy skills using formative and alphabetics-focused assessments
• Characteristics of successful beginning ESL literacy instruction, including strategies for multilevel classes and explicit, scaffolded teaching

Also, more content has been added to other modules that focuses on teaching the components of EBRI to beginning ESL Literacy students, including tips on teaching alphabetics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension.

About the Teaching Reading to Adults Canvas Course

Teaching Reading to Adults is one of many Canvas courses offered through MN Adult Education. designed for adult education administrators, teachers, and support staff. This asynchronous course offers flexibility while providing a deep dive into EBRI for adult learners.

Whether you’re experienced in teaching reading or new to adult education, this course is tailored for educators at all levels of professional experience. You’ll learn how to assess adult learners in the four essential components of reading (alphabetics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension), apply evidence-based strategies to your instruction, and reflect on the impact of these practices in your classroom or program.

This self-paced course is packed with visuals, videos, and links to key research, instructional materials, teaching examples, and assessment materials. Many modules have options for assignments to fit the needs and contexts of participants. The course includes feedback and guidance from the ATLAS Language & Literacy Coordinator.

Through the course, participants learn to:

• Identify the foundation of evidence-based reading instruction for adults
• Understand the four essential components of reading and their interrelationships
• Use diagnostic assessments to guide instruction
• Select level-appropriate strategies and materials
• Reflect on how EBRI applies within their own classroom or program

CEUs are available for licensed teachers working in MN Adult Education programs who complete all course modules satisfactorily. However, anyone is welcome to enroll and peruse content based on specific need or interest.

Ready to Explore?

The FY26 Teaching Reading to Adults course—including the new Module 6—is free and self-paced, making it easy to complete on your own schedule. To enroll in the course, visit the  MN Adult Education Canvas Course page. Contact Kristine Kelly ([email protected]) with questions.