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Academic Language and ELLs: What Teachers Need to Know

This article helps educators understand the role that academic language plays in their classrooms and in ELL student success. The article also includes information on social vs. academic language, as well as numerous examples of the different kinds of academic language needed for all students to fully participate in classroom activities and assignments.

Notice and Wonder about Data: Using Slow Reveal Graphs

Participants in this workout work with slow reveal graphs to notice and wonder about data and experience the activity just as they would present it to students.

The “Why” Behind Cross-Multiplication

Participants in this workout examine why only teaching the process of “cross-multiplying and dividing” without developing conceptual understanding of this process is detrimental to student learning and will understand the importance of teaching conceptual understanding for commonly used algorithms.

Borrowing/Carrying –> Regrouping

Participants in this workout learn to teach strategies that support conceptual understanding of place value instead of the algorithm.

Let’s Talk About Dots!

Participants in this workout identify a low-risk strategy for students to see math as patterns and practice speaking about patterns,articulate ways to encourage student sharing around math topics, and consider the creativity present in math.

Building Conceptual Understanding

Participants in this workout consider the conceptual understanding behind the traditional algorithm for long division and then recognize the importance of building students’ conceptual understanding beyond this example of long division and into every area of math.

Why Before How

Teachers can use this book to build the concept of place value, encourage students to consider multiple methods for solving problems, and build real understanding of the meaning behind addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division paving the way to beginning algebra.

Fluency Without Fear

Turns out memorization, timed tests and flash cards are not the most effective ways to learn math facts! This article from Jo Boaler addresses developing students' fluency with math facts (such as times tables), including confidence and how some common approaches to math facts can be related to anxiety and loss of perseverance.

Concept, Method, Procedure (The Secret Formula for Math Success)

Max Ray, of The Math Forum, explores developing procedures from conceptual understanding. His 5-minute video uses dividing by fractions as the topic for instruction.

Achieve the Core – Math Standards

The site describes itself as "full of free content designed to help educators understand and implement the Common Core and other college and career ready standards." Resources include CCRS-aligned tasks, activities, lessons and more, but also materials to support educators in understanding the standards and the content.

Meeting the Needs of Today’s English Language Learner

In this interactive online module, ABE practitioners explore the need for more rigorous academic instruction in language and literacy skills. The authors highlight specific elements that research has shown to be critical for adult English language learners’ full access to academic and work opportunities.

8 Strategies for Teaching Academic Language

This Edutopia article begins with a definition of academic language, offers some suggestions for where teachers should start with teaching, and provides eight specific strategies for academic language instruction.

Academic Conversations with ELLs Video Series

This 7-part video series developed by the Teaching Channel showcases five tips for engaging students in academic conversations. While the videos were developed for K-12 teachers, the demonstrated techniques and tips easily transfer to a intermediate or advanced adult ESL setting.

New Resources

Retail Customer Service

Retail Customer Service is a 6-week (48-hour) work readiness training program focused on preparing students for entry-level positions in retail environments, particularly cashiering. The curriculum emphasizes essential retail customer service skills, money handling, inventory tracking, and includes hands-on experience running a student store. Students will gain practical knowledge of U.S. payment methods, cash handling procedures, and use of a Point of Sale (POS) system. In addition to technical skills, the course builds foundational job-seeking abilities such as filling out applications, resume writing, and interview preparation. It also introduces American workplace norms, customer service vocabulary, and strategies for handling conflict, with special attention to culturally appropriate communication in Minnesota. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of Minnesota

Workplace Health and Safety Curriculum

This class prepares people for OSHA 10 Training. Explore careers in janitorial, warehouse, hospital. Learners will: Build vocabulary and skills related to building maintenance, customer service, workplace health and safety; develop Speaking, Listening, and Reading skills for entry level and advanced jobs in building maintenance and customer service; earn OSHA 10 Certificate for Industrial Safety; and have access to a Counselor who will help with applying for jobs St. Paul Public Schools, or other companies. || AUTHOR: Nancy Bjorn Nordeen, Hubbs Center

College Readiness Academy Skills

This course builds knowledge, skills, and confidence in standard American English with a focus on academic writing, reading, oral communication, and digital literacy. Critical language areas are integrated throughout the course to prepare students for college-level success. The novel A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park will serve as the core text for reading, writing, discussion, and project work. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of MN

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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

July 11, 2025 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Teaching the Whole Learner: Supporting Mental Health and Neurodiversity in ABE – Presented by Jimmie Heags

Online

Registration Deadline: FRI. 7/11/25 Venue: Online (see details below) Adult learners bring a range of experiences, learning needs, and emotional challenges. This session helps ABE volunteers and professionals recognize signs of mental health concerns and neurodivergence (like autism or ADHD) without stepping into diagnosis. You’ll learn practical, trauma-informed… Learn More

Online
July 16, 2025 1:00 pm–2:30 pm
Minnesota Department of Education
Online

WebChat with MN ABE

Online

Registration Deadline: WED. 7/16/25 WebChat with MN ABE is a webinar discussion led by state ABE staff from the Minnesota Department of Education. Web Chat webinars provide updates from the state ABE office on new and emerging issues and an opportunity for local ABE staff to ask questions… Learn More

Online
July 21, 2025 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Teaching Reading Vocabulary

Online

Registration Deadline: MON. 7/21/25 Venue: Online (see details below) Vocabulary is everyone’s favorite reading component! And helping students master reading vocabulary is a key to helping them master comprehension. But how many words should you teach? And which words are the most important? What strategies are best for… Learn More

Online