MN ABE Connect Archive
Recent Newsletter Articles
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
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
We Can Do It! An MSG and Proxy Hour Success Story from Blaine Learning Lab
Across the field and over the years, we’ve heard notions of what students can’t do, but in the state of Minnesota, we have built the structures and supports to help students meet the CCRS, TIF, and Northstar standards. In 2020, we learned that students can attend class online, and that teachers could teach online. And, in 2026, we look to local programs such as Blaine Learning Lab to show how to successfully implement blended learning and support diligent student distance learning. 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
HyFlex Classes: An Explainer with Resources and Tips
HyFlex classes are both hybrid and flexible, with learners deciding if they will attend in person or join online. Teachers and program staff must make intentional decisions to provide an equitable experience for both groups of learners. Read More
ThinkSelf: A Language-Rich Home Away From Home for Deaf Learners
Minnesota Adult Ed supports three metro-area sites that serve individuals with specific disabilities: ThinkSelf for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing, Minneapolis South Campus for students who are Blind or have low vision, and Robbinsdale Adult Academic Program for students with Stroke or Brain Injury. In this issue, read on to learn more about ThinkSelf. Read More
Making Good Progress: Minnesota State-ABE Corequisite Partnerships
The Minnesota State/ABE Corequisite Affinity Group meets virtually three times each academic year to share partnership opportunities and the progress being made within the Minnesota State System to transition from prerequisite developmental education course offerings to corequisite credit-bearing course offerings. Learn about the progress of this work and join in! Read More
Help! I’m Teaching Online!
Online and HyFlex classes are back! (2020 vibes, anyone?) The Statewide Digital & Distance Learning Team is here to support you; find out how! Read More
Meeting Learners Where They Work: Getting Started with Workplace Literacy
Curious about workplace literacy? This article breaks down what it is and how it works, and gives you some ideas and tools to engage with employers. 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