MN ABE Connect Archive
Recent Newsletter Articles
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
Short on CEUs? We’ve Got You Covered.
It’s that time of year again! If you’re working toward teaching license renewal and need CEUs, there are several options designed specifically for adult educators. Whether you prefer live events, recorded sessions, or self-paced courses, there are flexible options that allow you to earn CEUs while engaging in meaningful professional learning relevant to your teaching context. Read More
Minnesota State – Adult Education Corequisite Partnerships Continue to Make Steady Progress
Get the latest updates on the Corequisite Partnerships work being done by representatives from Minnesota State and Minnesota Adult Education, as well as a recently adopted policy around course placement. Read More
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
Assessment Updates – Spring 2026
There are now more options than ever to test your students and access the results in CASAS TOPSpro. Check out the next Support Staff Coffee Break – “CASAS Reports – but wait. . .there’s more!” Also, explore the new Minnesota Remote Assessment Hub with expanded access to reach more students! Read More
Minneapolis South Campus Supports Students Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Minnesota ABE 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 strokes or brain injuries. In this issue, read on to learn more about Minneapolis South Campus. 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
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