Adult Career Pathways Resources

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Administrative Assistant Training

In this hybrid course, students will develop professional communication skills, strengthen academic reading/writing skills using technology,improve technology skills, learn basic office management skills and prepare for the transition to college and work. || AUTHOR: Jill Rivard, Hiawatha Valley Adult Education

Advanced Child Development

Focuses on stages of development – infant, toddler, preschool and school-age; literacy development; and early childhood education as a profession – careers, roles and responsibilities, ethics and teamwork.  Emphasis is placed on academic and soft skills necessary for ABE and college success; and students are assisted in discerning their own pathway.  In addition to in-class time, there is a volunteer placement at HeadStart, ECFE, day care center or family day care, allowing students to apply what is learned in the classroom into direction action (optional, highly encouraged). || AUTHOR: Jolee Mosher, St. Paul Public Schools

Bridge to Healthcare Careers

This is a four-week introductory course on healthcare careers that teaches the occupational and employability skills required for students to take and successfully pass the Minnesota Individual Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) test. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to practice their English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as digital literacy skills. || AUTHOR: Reneé Kostner, Lakeville Area Schools

Bridge to Healthcare Careers: PreCNA/PCA/CFSS

This course will prepare adult students for the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) and Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) certification exams and/or a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification course.  In addition, this course will prepare students to become a resident care assistant at a memory care/assisted living facility.  Students will gain the academic skills, medical terminology, and specific content knowledge and skills needed to pass the PCA/CFSS certification exam, to succeed in a CNA certification course, and/or become a resident care assistant. The course supports learning about the career pathway to become a PCA/CFSS worker, CNA, resident care assistant, and similar careers. || AUTHOR: Mary Grady-Elsenheimer, Rosemount-Apple Valley/Eagan ABE

Building Basics: ESOL Toolkit for General Construction, Landscaping, Painting and Plumbing

Building Basics can be used in a school or community-based program with learners who have expressed a need and desire to learn English in the context of the building trades. The lessons may also be used in instructional settings within the workplace, e.g., contracting or landscaping companies.  Learning activities focus on job-specific vocabulary-building, conversation, workplace skills like schedule-reading, and more. || AUTHOR: Hillary Major, Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center

Burlington English Career Exploration and Soft Skills

Course integrates instruction on career pathways with essential workplace soft skills. Students explore career clusters, plan a possible career pathway, learn about education and training, and master the interpersonal and workplace soft skills they need to ensure success in the workplace. || AUTHOR: Burlington English

Career and College Success

This course introduces students to career and college exploration. It integrates instruction of soft skills needed for successful entry into career and/or college. It also integrates digital literacy and introduces students to Northstar Digital Website. Students work toward a goal of completion of Northstar Digital Certification. || AUTHOR: Rallou Rice, Metro North

Carpentry Bridge

Covers basic soft skills and math skills necessary to be successful as a carpenter. Prepares students to actively participate in and complete the carpentry course offered by the local carpenters union. || AUTHOR: Linnea Lebens, Duluth Adult Education

CDL Truck Driving Bridge

The course covers sections 1, 2, 3 & 5 of the MN CDL manual, in preparation for the permit test for the Class A license. (Does not prepare for school bus driving.  Does not cover extra endorsements like tanker or hazardous materials.) || AUTHOR: Linnea Lebens, Duluth Adult Education

Certified Food Protection Manager

Covers all aspects of food safety – personal hygiene, cross-contamination and allergens, time and temp control, clean and sanitation. Utilizes ServSafe® Manager, 6th Edition as core text. || AUTHOR: Heather Turngren, Minneapolis Adult Education

Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist

This course is intended for revenue cycle staff with responsibilities in patient access, billing, account resolution, denial management, collections, cash posting, customer service, and self-pay collections. The course focuses on knowledge required in revenue cycle functional areas including registration (front desk), billing, and credit and collections. || AUTHOR: Dr. Heather Rickgarn, for SW ABE

Child Development (Moodle)

Thirteen units cover the four stages of child development, literacy, the role of play, partnering with parents, observing/recording children’s behavior, curriculum development, program management, health and safety, and guidance. Also includes career exploration in the field of child development. || AUTHOR: Saint Paul ABE / Saint Paul College FastTrac partnership

Child Development / Health and Safety

Explores the principles and milestones of early child development, emphasizes health and safety information, and introduces early childhood career options.  Learning modes include lecture, discussion, and hands-on experiences. Students also complete CPR/AED/First Aid certification. || AUTHOR: Joyce Evenski, Glacial Lakes ABE

Child Development Associate (CDA)

This is an 8-month class that includes 120 formal classroom hours needed for certification  that allows students to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification to prepare for  work as an early childcare assistant in a childcare center or preschool setting.  Students may need  assistance to be placed in an early childhood center to begin the 480  hours of the required volunteer experience for certification. || AUTHOR: Alison Wilcox and Lori Irene, Metro South ABE

Child Development Bridge 2

Course focuses on sanitation, nutrition, health, safety and emergencies in early childhood settings; positive guidance/discipline; and effective classroom practices. Emphasis is placed on academic and soft skills necessary for ABE and college success; and students are assisted in discerning their own career pathway. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Andress, St. Paul ABE

Child Development Bridge 3

Course focuses on stages of development – infant, toddler, preschool and school-age; literacy development; and early childhood education as a profession - careers, roles and responsibilities, ethics and teamwork. Emphasis is placed on academic and soft skills necessary for ABE and college success; and students are assisted in discerning their own career pathway. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Andress, St. Paul ABE

Childcare Assistant Preparation

Introduces students to the language and concepts of child development, positive engagement, and key learning areas.  Students practice these concepts by researching and delivering developmentally appropriate activities to their peers. At the end of the course students should be prepared to apply for a position at Minneapolis Kids or a similar childcare assistant position. || AUTHOR: Kris Klas, Minneapolis Adult Education

College Readiness Navigation

This course is best used alongside or as part of an advanced academic English/GED course for college-bound students. Students will gain knowledge and skills related to higher education systems, and develop the transitions skills necessary to be successful within the postsecondary environment. || AUTHOR: Andrea Morgan and Lauren Hagen, International Institute of Minnesota

Commercial Driver’s License Exam Prep Course

Students learn the laws, rules and regulations for being a commercial driver. The goal is to pass the state Commercial Driver’s License permit test in order to advance into a career pathway of being a truck or bus driver. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Harner, SouthWest Metro Intermediate District 288

Commercial Driver’s License Permit Course

Students become familiar with CDL career pathways offered through the local community and technical college. They analyze regional labor market data for the CDL industry and identify entry-level CDL employment options. Basic CDL concepts and terminology are covered as students develop their academic and study skills. || AUTHOR: George Schooley, St. Paul ABE

Construction Trades Bridge Course

Designed for use in a correctional facility. Students in the course obtain an OSHA 10 certification, obtain an NCCER Introductory Craft Skills certification, and complete the mathematics Number Sense and Geometry components of the ADP.  Improved literacy skills are a primary focus throughout. || AUTHOR: Adam Kuehnel, Minnesota Department of Corrections

Creative Job Search Preparation Classes for ABE Students

Three stand-alone sessions: Getting Ready to Find your Job, Job Applications and Resumes, and Interviewing and Keeping a Job. Materials were designed as a lower literacy version of existing Creative Job Search workshops, to better serve ABE-level participants. The course was designed to be given by a team comprised of Workforce Center staff and ABE teacher. || AUTHOR: Donna McLean, Robbinsdale Area Schools, and Irene Connors, Minnesota WorkForce Center - Bloomington

Culinary / Restaurant Management Bridge Semester 1

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the culinary / restaurant management industry. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Exploration of culinary / restaurant management career options is incorporated into personalized career plans.  Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Culinary / Restaurant Management Bridge Semester 2

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the culinary / restaurant management industry. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. The course can be run concurrently with a college-level credit course in culinary arts: Introduction to Food Service. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Custodian Preparation

This course works with students to gain familiarity with vocabulary and concepts related to cleaning school buildings. Students will also work on skills related to reading and math in a custodial context. Student activities include online activities with Nearpod, Edpuzzle, and G Suite (Forms, Docs). || AUTHOR: Paula Freiermuth, Osseo ABE

Customer Service Occupational Prep

This course equips students with a basic understanding of good customer service, vocabulary used on the job, use of open-ended questions to ascertain customer needs, and methods for handling customer complaints. || AUTHOR: Heather Turngren, Minneapolis Adult Education

Early Childhood Education Bridge Semester 1

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the early childhood education field. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Exploration of early childhood education career options is incorporated into personalized career plans.  Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Early Childhood Education Bridge Semester 2

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the early childhood education field. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Emergency Medical Technician Foundations – Basic Skills Lessons

Provides basic skills instruction to students enrolled in an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training course. This is part of an Integrated Education & Training (IET) program. Seven lessons include roles and responsibilities of an EMT, note-taking skills, study skills, time management skills, care for the caregiver, reading charts and graphs, and word parts as basis for medical terminology. || AUTHOR: Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy, Penn State College of Education

English for Childcare

The course provides an overview of child development careers, childcare basics, and core competencies of child development. Topics include child development places to work, childcare jobs, skills for working in childcare, developmental milestones, safety and emergencies, and literacy, art, and music development. || AUTHOR: Jamie Kreil, Cedar Riverside Adult Education Collaborative

English for Healthcare

Students learn vocabulary, writing, reading, speaking and listening skills necessary for work in the healthcare industry. Transition skills and digital literacy necessary for workplace success are integrated. || AUTHOR: Carlene Lyons, Minneapolis Adult Education

English for Manufacturing and the Trades

Students develop grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading, listening, speaking and math skills relevant to employment in manufacturing and the trades. Also includes career exploration and skill building for job interviews. || AUTHOR: Anthony (Tony) Newes, Minneapolis Adult Education

FIT 4 Advanced Manufacturing / Foundational Skills in Manufacturing – Basic Skills Lessons

Provides basic skills instruction in reading, writing, and math to students enrolled in a FIT 4 Advanced Manufacturing training. This is part of an Integrated Education & Training (IET) program. Six lessons include career exploration; identifying main idea and supporting details; understanding a technical drawing; understanding fractions; understanding decimals in manufacturing; and measurement in manufacturing. || AUTHOR: Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy, Penn State College of Education

Fit 4 Healthcare / Foundational Skills in Healthcare

A foundational training designed to inform participants about the healthcare sector.  A job fair with healthcare providers is held as a culminating event. Participants earn First Aid and CPR certification.  The course provides basic skills necessary to obtain a position in the healthcare sector and increases knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare-related skills. || AUTHOR: Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy, Penn State College of Education

FOOD SAFETY: Ensure you are teaching up-to-date information

Note that the Minnesota Food Code was updated on January 1, 2019.  Some of the curriculum in the ATLAS curriculum resource library may pre-date this updated Code.  Check the major changes to ensure that students are learning current information. For example, the term Certified Food Manager has been changed to Certified Food Protection Manager. 

Google Apps for Education

This course is intended for students who have minimum computer skills and experience. Students will learn the features of Google Workspace including basic computer terminology, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Slides and Google Docs. Students will also learn about the Windows 10 operating system. || AUTHOR: Joyce Evenski, Glacial Lakes ABE

Healthcare Bridge Semester 1

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the healthcare field. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Exploration of healthcare career options is incorporated into personalized career plans.  Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Healthcare Bridge Semester 2

Students improve their reading and writing skills using materials related to the healthcare field. Learning is interactive, including group activities, giving and getting peer feedback, and utilizing evaluation and editing processes to turn rough drafts into improved rewritten drafts. Students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Healthcare Career Foundations

For students interested in exploring healthcare careers (inc. CNA, health unit coordinator, phlebologist, emergency medical technician).  Students develop vocabulary and pragmatic awareness for appropriate communications with various people within a healthcare setting. Focus also includes reading, language, digital literacy and numeracy skills. || AUTHOR: William D.  Crozier, Winona Adult Basic Education

Information Technology Bridge Semester 1

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the information technology field. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Exploration of information technology career options is incorporated into personalized career plans.  Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Information Technology Bridge Semester 2

Students improve their reading and writing skills using materials related to the information technology field. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. The course can be run concurrently with a college-level credit course such as Computer Information Systems 101. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Integrated English and Customer Service Training

This course integrates English language instruction and prepares students to work in customer service or enter more advanced retail career education training. Students learn basic job search and employability skills and gain knowledge of customer service/retail job-specific skills such as working with customers and following workplace procedures. || AUTHOR: John Ashby and Kaija Bergen, Neighborhood House

Integrated Medical Terminology (Moodle)

First unit introduces learners to medical terminology. It explains word parts like suffixes and prefixes, and how to combine them to make common medical words. Second unit covers 12 body systems. || AUTHOR: Saint Paul ABE / Saint Paul College FastTrac partnership

Intermediate Reading and Writing for Child Development

Students develop reading and writing skills needed to meet the academic demands of college and child development studies. Students develop comprehension techniques and vocabulary strategies for deciphering words in context, reviewing parts of speech, mechanics, spelling and sentence structure. || AUTHOR: Cindy Roos and Sylvia Galbraith, Alexandria Area Adult Basic Education

Interpreter Careers – Training, certification and potential ABE roles

There is much to understand about a career as a language interpreter if an ABE program and partners want to build a career pathway in this area.  This document is a compilation of information about certification, training programs in Minnesota, employment opportunities, potential ABE roles, and critical issues to consider.

Introduction to Child Development

Introduces students to the field of early childhood education and childcare. Students learn about different early childhood settings: centers, schools and family. They learn how to interact with children 0-5 years old and their parents. Major topics include developmental milestones, discipline, nutrition, safety and literacy. Introduces vocabulary, concepts and skills used in early childhood education. Class activities include creating and implementing hands-on activities. Also builds students’ reading, writing, math, and computer skills. || AUTHOR: Laura Rutmanis and Laura Kindig Temali, St. Paul ABE

Introduction to Food Handling

Utilizes ServSafe® Food Handler Guide as core text. Covers vocabulary and key concepts in basic food safety, personal hygiene, controlling time and temperature, preventing cross-contamination, and cleaning/sanitizing. Also includes career exploration in the food service industry. || AUTHOR: Heather Turngren, Minneapolis Adult Education

Introduction to Health Careers (Adult Options)

Introduces learners to many and varied entry-level and higher-level healthcare positions and builds basic knowledge and skills relevant to any healthcare work.  Topics include hand washing, infection control, basic living needs for humans, and vital signs.  Also covers body systems.  General job-seeking skills are also developed.  Mymncareers.org is used to develop individualized career plans. || AUTHOR: Steve Gernbacher, Adult Options in Education

Introduction to Healthcare (Minneapolis)

The course provides an overview of human body systems.  Learning activities include reading passages, grammar and writing, and core healthcare vocabulary.  Students engage in additional hands-on activities and work in teams.  Topics include human body systems overview; circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems; and healthcare career exploration. || AUTHOR: Heather Turngren, Minneapolis Adult Education

Introduction to Healthcare Careers (Hubbs)

Introduces students to a variety of healthcare careers, including nursing assistant, nurse, medical interpreter, emergency medical technician, home health aide/PCA and medical receptionist. Students learn about different healthcare settings and career paths, as well as basic health vocabulary specific to each career. Students practice cooperative learning, professional communication, writing for work, and technology skills. || AUTHOR: Sarah Northrup and Carlynn Miller-Gore, St. Paul ABE

Introduction to Healthcare Careers (Metro South)

Provides an overview of entry-level healthcare careers available in four categories – patient care, imaging and diagnostics, administrative and support services, and health information and records – plus an introduction to vocabulary and concepts that are explored more in-depth in higher level career pathways courses. || AUTHOR: Brigid A. Erickson, Ed.D., Metro South ABE

Introduction to Healthcare with CPR and First Aid

Introduces students to the study of the human body, the healthcare career field and providing first aid and CPR in a health emergency while integrating English, literacy and technology skills.  A licensed CPR trainer will co-teach with an ESL teacher to prepare students to become certified in American Health Association (AHA) CPR, AED & First Aid. || AUTHOR: Kali Pelham, Sauk Rapids Hillside ABE Program

Introduction to Medical Careers

Focuses primarily on the knowledge and skills needed to enter a CNA community-based training course. Content is based on sections of the CNA exam – hygiene, nutrition, bowel & bladder, infection control, data collection, restorative skills, psychosocial care, etc. || AUTHOR: Nikki Carson, Minnesota Literacy Council

Introduction to Medical Terminology 1 and 2

This course will assist students in understanding the terminology used in healthcare careers, and the varied applications. || AUTHOR: Dara Oken, Minneapolis Adult Education

Introduction to Nursing Assistant (Hubbs)

This course builds vocabulary, an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a CNA, core medical knowledge and communication skills.  It is designed as a hybrid – some in-class time and some independent online study. Each unit includes vocabulary and content activities. 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.

Introduction to Nursing Assistant (Pre-CNA) Course

Course builds vocabulary and basic understanding of all aspects of the CNA role in a health-care setting. Primary textbook is Mosby’s Basic Skills for Nursing Assistants in Long-Term Care, which also includes videos. || AUTHOR: Stacy Bennig and Kathy Bjornson, St. Paul ABE

Kitchen Manager Certification

Covers all aspects of food safety – sanitation, temperature control, personal hygiene, foodborne illnesses. Utilizes ServSafe Manager, 6th Edition as core text. || AUTHOR: Gretchen Leach Warzecha, Central Minnesota ABE

Leadership & Supervising in Hospitality

Students practice leadership skills, basic computer skills and other tools needed to advance their career from a hotel housekeeper to a housekeeping supervisor. Students develop coaching skills, practice data entry and email for work, and learn to make employee schedules in a hands-on, practical training. || AUTHOR: Caroline Foster, International Institute of Minnesota

Level 1 Interpreter Training Program

Level 1 is an introduction to the terminology used in the Level 2 bridge training called The Community Interpreter (also known in the field as a 40-hour training). Also includes familiarization with technology skills and academic skills that will be used in Level 3 college classes. An additional component is career preparation, including resume development and interview practice. || AUTHOR: Lisa Gibson, Karen Organization of Minnesota

Low Pressure Boiler License Course

This course leads to a state special license exam, which is the first step needed to operate or tend to low pressure stationary steam boilers and auxiliary steam equipment, such as pumps, compressors and air conditioning equipment. Career pathways include janitorial, building maintenance or apartment caretaker positions. || AUTHOR: John Ertz, St. Paul ABE

Machine Operator Bridge

Provides a quick brush up and introduction to prepare students for college manufacturing classes. Includes focus on key workplace vocabulary and tools, math brush-up, and basics in blueprint reading.  Also prepares students with knowledge about soft skills, growth mindset, learning styles, professionalism and more. || AUTHOR: Linnea Lebens, Duluth ABE

Machine Operator Training

Prepares students with the math they need to be successful in a machine shop. Focus is on basic math skills: working with fractions, decimals, percent, proportions, and algebra; limited blueprint reading; accurate ruler reading, understanding tolerances, and conversions. Students also develop teamwork and communication skills. || AUTHOR: Cindy Secord, Metro North ABE

Manufacturing (Moodle)

Covers the past, present, and future of manufacturing careers, including both the scientific and economic aspects. Content includes basic machines, manufacturing power sources and process, safety, geometrical tolerancing, CNC operator, industrial maintenance, welding and employment knowledge/expectations. || AUTHOR: Mankato ABE

Manufacturing Bridge Semester 1

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the Manufacturing industry. Students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Exploration of manufacturing career options is incorporated into personalized career plans.  Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Manufacturing Bridge Semester 2

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the Manufacturing industry. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. Upon completion, students earn college credit for Machining Processes I course and NIMS Material, Measurement & Safety industry credential. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Manufacturing Careers Bridge

Students become familiar with manufacturing career pathways offered through the local community and technical college. They analyze regional labor market data for the manufacturing industry and identify entry-level manufacturing employment options. Basic manufacturing concepts and terminology are covered as students develop their academic and study skills. The course is held on the college campus to allow students to become acclimated to the college environment. The course is closely aligned with the ACES (Academic, Career, & Employability Skills) Transitions Integration Framework (TIF) and addresses skills in all six of the skill areas. || AUTHOR: Ron Fleischmann, Mankato ABE

Mechanical Components / Mechanical Maintenance Foundations

The Integrated Education and Training (IET) course is designed to fulfill requirements of the Electrical and Instrumentation Technician Curriculum of PMMI Certification, The Association of Packaging and Processing Technologies. This course is intended to be offered in conjunction with a state-approved apprenticeship program.  The basic skills lessons equip participants with the basic academic skills needed to be successful in a Level 1 Mechanical Maintenance course. || AUTHOR: Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy, Penn State College of Education

Medical Office Assistant

Prepares students to take a college-level certificate course. Students learn computer literacy skills, medical terms, reading skills for on the job, and career soft skills including communication, conflict resolution, problem solving skills, and reading a pay stub. || AUTHOR: Linnea Lebens, Duluth Adult Education

Medical Office Prep

In this hybrid course, students master basic medical terminology, identify a medical career path, develop professional communication skills, strengthen academic reading/writing skills using technology, and prepare for the transition to college and work. || AUTHOR: Carlynn Miller-Gore, St. Paul ABE

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Students go through step-by- step tutorials and practice activities to master skills necessary to pass the official Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams for Microsoft 2013. Independent study approach in a school-based computer lab with instructor support. || AUTHOR: John Edmundson & Randee Edmundson, Harmony Learning Center

Minnesota Driver’s License Written Exam Prep

This class is designed to help unlicensed adult drivers become familiar with the basic vocabulary, signs and rules of the road so they can successfully pass the written portion for their Minnesota Driver’s License. The course covers most of the topics in the Minnesota driver’s education manual. || AUTHOR: Jill Beulke, Osseo Area Schools

MN Driver’s License Prep

The course focuses on the knowledge and requirements needed to pass the MN driver’s license written exam, based on the MN Driver’s Manual.  Focuses on road knowledge, traffic laws, vehicle operation and signage. || AUTHOR: Jennifer Hellekson, Detroit Lakes ABE

MN Driver’s Permit

This course is written for a wide range of learners who want support studying for the MN Knowledge (Written) Exam.  The course follows the Minnesota Driver’s Manual chapters 1-8. || AUTHOR: Julie Lindholm, St. Paul ABE

NYSED/CUNY CareerKits for HSE and ESL Learners

Not a course, but a resource for use in career pathway courses.  Its goal is to equip students with the skills necessary to make informed choices about their career paths.  Each CareerKit activity fulfills a dual purpose – the acquisition of career information and the development of language, literacy and numeracy skills that support achievement on standardized tests.  Units common across all CareerKits: Analyzing the labor market, Knowing myself, Getting prepared (education and experience), In their own voices (workers’ narratives), Technology and society, Choosing a career/finding a job, and Parenting is a job too. || AUTHOR: CUNY Adult Literacy/HSE/ESL Program

Office Support – Bridge Course

This bridge course will prepare students for a front desk/customer service position.  Students will learn personal communication skills, practice digital literacy skills, the basics of appointment scheduling and other office skills such as time management and teamwork. || AUTHOR: Deb Sandvig, Metro South ABE

ParaPro (Evenski-Glacial Lakes)

ParaPro introduces and prepares students for a position as a paraprofessional in an education setting.  Topics covered include: the role of the paraprofessional, communication, learning styles, professionalism, positive behavioral supports, and special education. A required distance learning component guides students in independent, self-paced online study to build the reading, writing and math knowledge/skills required on the ParaPro Exam.  This course was designed to be taught over Zoom. || AUTHOR: Joyce Evenski, Glacial Lakes ABE

ParaPro Prep

Course covers the academic topics tested on the official praxis exam - math, reading, and writing.  Develops knowledge regarding the types of jobs one can get as a paraprofessional, special education categories recognized in Minnesota, student data privacy, relationship building and behavior modification strategies, and professionalism in the workplace. || AUTHOR: Caroline Nerhus, Central MN-East ABE

Paraprofessional Preparation

For students interested in becoming paraprofessionals in school settings, with specific focus on preparation for work with deaf and hard of hearing learners. Includes a work-based experience. Prepares students for employment and for passing the ParaPro exam when they are ready. || AUTHOR: Krista Grosland, ThinkSelf Deaf Adult Education

Pathway to Statistics

Pathway to Statistics is a co-requisite support for students in a Statistics course at Central Lakes College. Topics discussed include displaying and describing data, the normal curve, regression, probability, statistical inference, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests with applications in the real world. Students also have the opportunity to analyze data sets using technology. || AUTHOR: Erica Henke, Brainerd ABE

Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

This course will prepare learners to take the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and Community First Supports and Services (CFSS) Test. Students will become familiar with the types of jobs that Personal Care Assistants get hired for and typical job duties. Students will have the opportunity to earn a CPR/First Aid certification. || AUTHOR: Brigid Tully, Ed.D, Metro South ABE

Personal Care Assistant Prep

Students develop an understanding of the role of a PCA, etiquette and ethics within the PCA field, and a PCA’s role in medication management.  Students demonstrate safe, competent care steps and ability to recognize common medical conditions and behaviors in clients.  They practice communication strategies necessary for the job and identify basic body structure. They also learn to properly fill out forms and medical documentation for a PCA job. || AUTHOR: Mellisa Grosz and Kylie Kunkel, Moorhead Adult Basic Education

Practicing Reading & Writing Skills in English in the Workplace: High-Intermediate / Advanced Level

Develops skills and confidence in English reading and writing required in the learners’ current workplace. Reading comprehension focuses on charts, memos, and safety signs. Grammar practice includes prepositions, plurals and word order. Writing instruction builds skills in writing 5-sentence paragraphs and if-then statements. || AUTHOR: Mary Ellen Kavanaugh, MORE St. Paul

Practicing Speaking & Listening Skills in English in the Workplace: High-Beginning / Low-Intermediate Level

Develops skills and confidence in English speaking and listening, to improve communication in the current workplace.  Topics include time, giving and receiving instructions, asking for clarification, calling in late or sick, safety, and small talk.  Course was designed for and delivered at BIX Produce Co. || AUTHOR: Mary Ellen Kavanaugh, MORE St. Paul

Pre-Bridge Writing

Learners work with different genres of academic and workplace writing, applying writing standards throughout. These standards include: determining the purpose for a written communication; organizing and presenting written information in a way that serves the purpose; paying attention to the conventions of English language usage, including grammar, spelling, and sentence structure; and revising to enhance the effectiveness of written communication.  Part of the instructional content concerns the organization and content of various workplace documents. || AUTHOR: Oregon Pathways for Adult Basic Skills

Pre-CNA

Provides a broad overview on a variety of skills and vocabulary needed to be a CNA. Students learn about various healthcare settings along with important workplace vocabulary, soft skills and potential career pathways. Students explore math necessary to be a CNA and gain knowledge of personal finance math. || AUTHOR: Linnea Lebens, Duluth ABE

Preparatory Math for Health Sciences

This course helps prepare students to complete the calculations necessary in chemistry and laboratory courses. Topics include decimal numbers, fractions, ratios, proportions, dilutions, percent/percentage problems, Roman numerals, military time, English/metric conversion, calculating areas and volumes, and solving equations. || AUTHOR: Cindy Roos, Alexandria Area ABE

Prepare to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (Moodle)

Covers all aspects of a Certified Nursing Assistant’s job responsibilities. Test prep section provides performance skills videos for all 21 skills required in CNA test and an interactive simulation game. A link to an “official” practice test is provided. || AUTHOR: Saint Paul ABE

Professional Leadership

This 12-week course helps New Americans who have work experience in the U.S. gain the skills they need to move into leadership roles.  Through class discussion and collaborative learning, students will learn leadership styles, effective feedback, techniques for training employees, networking skills, how to write a resume and computer skills. || AUTHOR: Lynn Thompson and Kate Carter, International Institute of Minnesota

Reading Skills for Healthcare Workers – CNA Training

Not designed as a course, but as a reading resource for a healthcare career pathway. Designed for online independent study, learners can choose from 175 2-page stories organized by reading level. Focus is on high utility academic vocabulary and healthcare content vocabulary. || AUTHOR: Kristine Kelly, for Southwest ABE – Marshall Region

Resources for students studying for a MN driver’s license written exam

A useful one-page list of key resources that can be used in a one-room schoolhouse setting to assist students preparing for the driver’s license written exam.  Includes the official MN Driver’s License Manual, several study sites and practice tests.

Retail Literacy

Students develop vocabulary, math, practical work skills and soft skills for employment in department stores, supermarkets and restaurants. In addition, students develop a job search portfolio and practice job interviews. || AUTHOR: Laura Rutmanis, St. Paul ABE

Soldering

Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan (ISD 196) ABE partners with Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota and Dakota County Technical College (DCTC).  DCTC contracts with Industrial Insite to provide the specific test prep curriculum and the hands-on soldering curriculum.  Industrial Insite purchases and adapts curriculum from IPC. District 196 ABE has created study materials and activities that tie to and support the IPC curriculum, but they are not useful on their own without the IPC curriculum and certified IPC trainer. || AUTHOR: Mary Grady-Elsenheimer, District 196 ABE

TEAS VI & TEAS VI for Allied Health Test Prep Class

A rigorous course that covers English, reading, math and science knowledge required for the TEAS Tests. Students also gain knowledge of the content and structure of the tests, develop critical thinking and reduce test-taking anxiety. Course content is based on topics in the TEAS Study Guide. Requires extensive study outside of class. || AUTHOR: Caroline Nerhus, Central MN-East ABE

TEAS VI Test Prep Class

A rigorous course that covers English/language, reading, math and science knowledge required for the TEAS VI Test. Students also gain knowledge of the content and structure of the tests, develop critical thinking and reduce test-taking anxiety. Course content is based on topics in the TEAS Study Manual, Version VI. Requires extensive study outside of class. || AUTHOR: Joyce Evenski and Arlyn DeBruyckere, Hutchinson ABE

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (TDL) Bridge Semester 2

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the Transportation, Distribution & Logistics industry. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics (TDL) Bridge Semester 1

Students improve their basic reading and writing skills using materials related to the TDL industry. Learning is interactive, and students gain experience using computers and develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, dependability, problem-solving, and technology skills. Exploration of TDL career options is incorporated into personalized career plans.  Test-taking skills are emphasized to prepare for TABE tests, HSE tests, and the college entrance exam. || AUTHOR: Stephanie Sommers, for Women Employed

Welding Prep

The course introduces basic fundamentals of welding including equipment, vocabulary, types and techniques of welds, joints, grooves, defects, Ohm’s law, safety, symbols and beginning blueprint reading. Intended for students who have little or no experience welding. || AUTHOR: Kathy Loecher, Rochester ABE

Workforce Atlas

Not a course, but a resource that can be used in any career pathways course/program.  Resources include videos, worksheets, templates, and career-specific guides and infographics.  An Implementation Guide is provided for instructors/program staff for effective utilization of the website. || AUTHOR: ProLiteracy and Pearson

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