MN ABE Connect Archive

Recent Newsletter Articles

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota ABE Volunteer Training Standards

Did you know that state law dictates training requirements for volunteers working in Minnesota ABE programs? Here are some frequently asked questions (and moderately clever responses) to help you understand the standards more clearly. Read More

Two Seasons of E-quip Math Webinars Available Online

Tired of feeling stressed about teaching a particular topic? Want to improve coherence within your program? Interested in helping your students develop precision with vocabulary? Re-invigorate your teaching practice with the support of an E-quip recorded math webinar! Read More

Increase Comprehension Through Paraphrasing Activities

According to research, comprehension and retention of material increase in proportion to the quality and quantity of oral paraphrased statements. What do the components of explicit oral paraphrasing instruction include? Read More

Adult Literacy Hotline Lesson Plan for Intermediate ESL Students

The Adult Literacy Hotline helps students, ABE staff and social service providers all over the state find free ABE or ESL classes. In this lesson, learners navigate the Minnesota Literacy Council’s Hotline website to find free classes in their area. Read More

Abby’s Practical Takeaways from COABE

Hennepin County Corrections instructor Abby Roza shares several practical ideas and materials focused on encouraging students to engage in higher-level thinking, as well as integrating multiple strategies and content areas in ABE instruction, such as numeracy, social studies, science, reading, writing, and so on. Read More

7 Ways a Volunteer Coordinator is Indispensable

Volunteers are recognized across Minnesota for their important contributions to the success of adult learners. However, their contributions would not be possible without dedicated ABE staff who coordinate and support volunteers. Read More

Online DL Basics Course and Training Requirements

The Distance Learning for ABE course was carefully planned and produced for Minnesota ABE teachers, managers, and support staff providing Distance Learning (DL). The course provides foundational information about DL delivery and is a requirement for all ABE staff who have not completed DL 101. Read More

Hybrid DL Programs Increase Student NRS Gains

Statewide data for last year shows 49.7% of all participants averaged NRS gains – but 66.7% of students that participated in both traditional and DL (less than 50% of their total hours) made NRS gains! Read More

Retired ABE Manager Wisdom

Eight wonderful recently retired ABE managers participated in an email interview or lively in-person discussion over the past year or so. Their honest and insightful answers to several questions were combined into the "Retired ABE Manager Tips" presented here. Read More

FREE Online Sources of Leveled, Non-Fiction Text!

Both GED 2014® and CCRS recommend using mostly non-fiction or expository text rather than fiction or narrative text for language, reading, and writing instruction. Fortunately, there are several websites offering a variety of free, leveled, non-fiction text appropriate for use with adult readers. Read More