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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

English for Driver’s Education

This course prepares Intermediate and Advanced ELLs for the MN Driver's Permit test with targeted English language practice. Learners will build vocabulary, reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills using the MN Driver's Manual, and gain the confidence and knowledge needed to pass the exam. || AUTHOR: Bethany Vaughn-Schreiter, Neighborhood House

Nutrition Pathway Course

This course is designed for Low Intermediate to High Intermediate ESL learners who are interested in gaining employment as a dietary aide in a hospital or long term care facility setting. Learners will view PowerPoints, videos, play games, to learn curriculum. The class also is built on an employer partnership with a hospital where a representative visits the class to discuss job openings, applying to jobs, and resume writing. The learners also take a fieldtrip to the hospital to tour the Nutrition Department. || AUTHOR: Denise Nusbaum, Central MN ABE

Introduction to Nursing Assistant (Hubbs/St. Paul)

This course builds vocabulary and basic understanding of all aspects of the CNA role in a health-care setting. It also includes direct patient care skills such as assisting with activities of daily living (bathing, eating, elimination, etc.), vital signs, infection control, safety, etc. Each unit includes vocabulary and content activities, both in-class and options for online independent study. Each unit ends with a multiple-choice quiz on the vocabulary and content. At the end of the course, the students are given a comprehensive multiple-choice final exam. || AUTHOR: Kathy Bjornson, Hubbs Center/St. Paul ABE

Preparation for the Commercial Driver’s License

This course will prepare learners to take the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL Class B) General, Passenger, and School Bus knowledge tests in Minnesota. Students will become familiar with the types of jobs available with a CDL and their requirements , and typical job duties. Particular attention will be paid to safe driving. Students will participate in discussions, complete quizzes, watch videos and read the manual. Students are expected to complete one hour of studying per week outside of class. || AUTHOR: Craig Anderson, Metro South ABE

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (Associate Level) | Online Independent Study

The Microsoft Office Specialist Associate program is a supported independent study that requires at least 10 hours/week of study time & culminates in a practical application exam that grants students an industry recognized credential. Students can earn up to three certificates: MOS Word 365 Associate, MOS Excel 365 Associate and MOS PowerPoint 365 Associate. || AUTHOR: Susan Seyfarth, Metro East Career Pathways

Paraprofessional Job Training + Test Preparation Program

This course introduces and prepares students for a position as a paraprofessional/education assistant in a classroom setting. Topics covered include: paraprofessional roles and responsibilities, special education, child development, positive behavior support, professionalism, and communication. Students who need the Highly Qualified Certificate can also choose the independent, self-paced study option with 1:1 teacher support to build the reading, writing, and math knowledge/skills required on the Paraeducator Online Assessment. || AUTHOR: Amanda Tall, Mounds View Adult Education and Metro East Career Pathways

Commercial Driver’s License Permit Course

Students identify entry-level CDL employment options. Basic CDL concepts and terminology are covered as students develop their academic and study skills. Students will become familiar with truck driving culture and norms. || AUTHOR: Kris Klas, Hubbs Center (St. Paul ABE)

abc English Online Library

abc English offers English Readers, Flashcards, and slideshows for systematic phonics, grammar, and vocabulary building. Full access to the online library requires a subscription, but some of the materials are free. Additionally, there is a free 30-day trial option.

TEST COURSE – Level 1 Interpreter Training Program

Career Field/Area: Human Services Adult Career Pathway: Community Interpreter NRS Levels Addressed: High Intermediate Basic Education Low Adult Secondary Education High Adult Secondary Education Part of an approved IET program? No Credentials the Course Prepares Students for: NONE Also Prepares Students for: Additional language interpreter training, then entering career field. Target…

Super Awesome Test Course

Career Field/Area: Healthcare Adult Career Pathway: CNA NRS Levels Addressed: Middle Intermediate Basic Education High Intermediate Basic Education Part of an approved IET program? IET: yes – approved FY23 Credentials the Course Prepares Students for: First Aid – CPR/AED – Bloodborne Pathogens Training Nursing Assistant Registered/Certified Nursing Assistant Also Prepares…

Water: An ESL Curriculum for Adults

This five lesson curriculum was developed by the University of California Extension program. It was designed explicitly for adult EL students and contains simultaneous content and language instruction. The lessons focus on watersheds, water quality, and the water cycle in Los Angeles, CA. Each lesson contains readings, vocabulary, and grammar lessons.

Nature for New Minnesotans – Plants in Minnesota

This curriculum, piloted by Nature for New Minnesotans and University of Minnesota Extension, provides learners with an overview of Minnesota's edible and dangerous plants. The unit was designed for adult EL learners that are low beginner-intermediate, and contains lessons with reading, speaking, and writing opportunities. Science topics covered include photosynthesis, plant nutrients, and invasive species. Informational cards on common edible and dangerous plants in Minnesota are also included.

Nature for New Minnesotans – Climate of Minnesota

This curriculum, piloted by Nature for New Minnesotans and University of Minnesota Extension, provides learners with an overview of Minnesota's climate and biomes. The unit was designed for adult EL learners that are low beginner-intermediate, and contains lessons with reading, speaking, and writing opportunities. The pre-experience lessons for this curriculum are developed for a visit to the Bell Museum, the state of Minnesota's natural history museum.

What Caused the Tiger Salamanders to Disappear

This unit focuses on the disappearance of tiger salamanders from a vernal pool (where salamanders breed). This curriculum, originally adapted for EL learners at a 5th grade reading level, has nine weeks of life science curriculum material. The curriculum was developed by the NYU SAIL research lab, who was awarded a design badge by the Next Generation Science Standards for high quality curricula. It has activities that are designed to cultivate scientific literacy skills alongside building content.

Underrepresentation Curriculum Project (URC)

The URC lessons are created to address underrepresentation of BIPOC folks in science classrooms. The lessons are designed to break down a daunting topic into less daunting instructional steps that other instructors have found to be successful. Each unit comes with detailed lesson plans that teachers can customize to fit the needs of their students.

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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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

June 25, 2025 9:00 am–10:30 am
SiD Support
Online

SiD: Prep for August Submission PY 2024-25

Online

Registration Deadline: WED. 6/25/25 Venue: Online (see details below) In this session we’ll go over reports that are due to MDE and share tips for making sure your SiD program year data is current and complete. We’ll also review how to get started with the new 25-26 program… Learn More

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

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers

Online

Registration Deadline: WED. 6/25/25 Research shows that explicitly teaching a set of comprehension strategies is a great way to help intermediate-level readers maximize their understanding of texts. Come learn a handful of great comprehension tools that will help students develop critical thinking skills and comprehension skills. Learn More

Online
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