Resources

  • Clear Filters

Results

Building Academic Vocabulary Knowledge with Semantic Maps

Participants in this workout will consider the types of knowledge needed to thoroughly know a word and use semantic maps to build understanding of academic vocabulary.

Finding Academic Vocabulary in a Text

Participants in this workout will analyze vocabulary in a text using 3 different online vocabulary tools, two aligned with the previous and current Academic Word Lists and one aligned with the first 2000 most common written words.

Vocabulary Workouts

This evidence-based curriculum provides 60 workouts for the most common Tier 2 words from the Academic Word List. Each one-page, vocabulary workout presents a headword (e.g., analyze), 1-2 related words (e.g., analysis), parts of speech, definitions, contexts, conversation practice, and writing prompts.

Vocabulary Units

Tier 2 words are essential for ABE students to know in order to read and understand the academic language used in print or online text. For each Lesson in this curriculum, there are Teacher Notes for modeling, Student Activities for guided practice and application to context, and Teacher Answer Keys for checking. Each Unit also has a Review activity.

Vocabulary Lessons

This online vocabulary curriculum includes 38 lessons. Each lesson is focused on 5 Tier 2 (or academic) words and provides a Knowledge Rating Scale, definitions, synonyms/antonyms, examples, and guided practice activities. It is useful for Intermediate level students.

Vocabulary 2 – Academic Word Lists

Academic word lists 1-10, presented in order from most frequent to least frequent usage across content areas.

What does text complexity mean for English learners and language minority students?

In this paper, the authors demonstrate how English learners can be provided with strategies for accessing complex texts, such as closely examining one sentence at a time, and argue that instruction must go beyond vocabulary and should begin with an examination of our beliefs about language, literacy and learning.

New Resources

Transitions 101: ABE/Post-Secondary Partnerships

In this excerpt from the 90-minute Transitions 101 webinar, ATLAS and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) give an overview of hot topics related to ABE/post-secondary partnerships.

Video #8: Utilizing Learners’ Linguistic Toolboxes

This video deepens the conversation of the previous video “Intro to Translanguaging.” You can watch this one as a stand alone because we provide a brief review of the meaning of “translanguaging;” however, if you are looking for a deeper introduction, be sure to check out the previous video, #7. If you’re looking for practical translanguaging activities you can try, this is the video for you! We will take a look at vocabulary, writing and reading activities, plus discuss some additional things to consider during implementation.

Video #7: Intro to Translanguaging

A term circling a lot of language education spaces right now is “translanguaging”, but many of us aren’t really sure what this means. In this video, we will discuss its meaning of utilizing all of learners’ language skills to enhance the learning of a new target language. This includes GED and Career Pathways learners who speak English as their primary language, but they may speak a dialect that isn’t seen as “standard academic English.” All of these language skills are valuable. There are several reflection questions included because a key part of our work as educators is deeply reflecting on our own beliefs around languages.

Newsletter Signup

Get MN ABE Connect—the official source for ABE events, activities, and resources!

Sign Up

PD Catalog

Get an overview of all MN Adult Education professional development (PD) activities in one convenient, searchable place!

PD Catalog

Presenter Information

Get information about stipends, reimbursements, the MN Adult Ed policy on use of images in presentations, and other instructions for presenters.

 

MN Adult Ed YouTube Channel

The MN Adult Education YouTube Channel is a free online PD resource that you can use to explore teaching techniques and classroom ideas in action! Find out more in this MN ABE Connect newsletter article.

 

ATLAS Announcements & Future PD

Check out the latest list of ATLAS professional development announcements and opportunities! This is the document that is shared at all ATLAS events.

 

Virtual Meeting Resources

Find resources for conducting online meetings/events/presentations! You are welcome to use and adapt these materials to fit your own needs and context.

 

Upcoming ABE Events

March 21, 2025 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices for Adult Learners Presented by Andrea Echelberger

Online

Registration Deadline: FRI. 3/21/25 Learning new languages and skills as an adult is a challenge for most people, and that challenge grows when trauma and stress are present. Trauma and chronic stress can come in many forms, and impact people’s ability to learn new skills and process information… Learn More

Online
March 24, 2025 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Volunteer Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials

Online

Registration Deadline: MON. 3/24/25 Participants will engage in a couple of classroom activities to experience scaffolding, checking comprehension and the gradual release of responsibility. These aspects of teaching and tutoring are then defined, explained further and participants get opportunities to practice them. Learn More

Online
March 25, 2025 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency

Online

Registration Deadline: TUE. 3/25/25 Come and review the important role of fluency in reading instruction. We will discuss the three key components of reading fluency and look at a variety of activities tutors and teachers can try. We will talk about the mechanics of doing fluency practice via… Learn More

Online