ATLAS ABE

Support Services Conference 2023 (Virtual)
2023-11-16 09:00 - 2023-11-17 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/10/23
PROGRAM: The conference program including session descriptions will be posted by mid-October at https://www.mnabeassessment.com/support-services-conference.
NOTE: Links to join the Zoom sessions will be sent out via email prior to the conference, along with the conference program. If you have connection issues on the day of the conference, contact Heather Williams, heather_williams@rdale.org.

2023 SUPPORT SERVICES CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Pre-Conference – Thursday, 11/16/2023
Virtual implementation trainings for both CASAS and TABE will be offered for all staff that may be responsible for intake and assessment.
9:00-12:00 – CASAS Implementation Training (Marty Olsen)
12:30-3:30 – TABE Implementation Training (Linda Keller and Dave Haugen)
Conference – Friday, 11/17/2023
9:00-9:45 – Opening Session featuring MN State ABE Staff
10:00-10:45 – Session 1 (Choose 1)

Google Session (Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt)
Racial Equity Grant (See Moua-Leske and Addy Wolbaum)
Mental Health Session (Wendy Sweeney)

11:00-11:45 – Session 2 (Choose 1)

Updates from GED Testing Service (Melissa Hultstrand)
CASAS Recertification (Marty Olsen)
SiD for Onboarding Staff (Jenny Schlukebier and panel)

12:00-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-1:45 – Session 3 (Choose 1)

TABE Recertification (Linda Keller)
Best Practices for Intake (Rachel Stiglitz and Heather Williams)
Deep Dive into SiD Reports (Jenny Schlukebier)

2:00-2:45 – Session 4 (Choose 1)

Testing Strategies Open Mic (Linda Keller and panel)
SiD – Student History (Jenny Schlukebier and Rachel Stiglitz)
HiSET (Tess Yurik and Tanya Haug)

More Information
For more information, you can contact Marylynn Dvorak, Chair of SPARC, at mdvorak@isd271.org.

Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2023-11-15 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/15/23
You don’t need to be a computer expert in order to teach computer skills! Come learn how help students build their digital literacy skills using Northstar Digital Literacy.
In the webinar, participants will learn:

The features of Northstar Digital Literacy.
How to help learners set digital literacy learning goals.
How to help learners navigate Northstar Digital Literacy assessments.
How to guide learners through the Northstar Digital Literacy Online Learning Modules.

The training will be appropriate for tutors working one-to-one with learners or assisting in a computer lab.
If you are not familiar with Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments, please go to digitalliteracyassessment.org and take the Computer Basics assessment prior to the training.

Karen History, Culture and Language and the Adult Education Classroom presented by the Karen Organization of Minnesota
2023-11-15 10:00 - 12:00
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/15/23
Hundreds of Karen learners have attended adult education classes in Minnesota, primarily in Saint Paul, Albert Lea and Worthington. Join this session to gain essential background knowledge in order to intersect your own culture with that of Karen learners. The session will include information on Karen history, culture, life in the US and language. Participants will also reflect on how they can apply this new knowledge to their work with Karen adult education students.

Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2023-11-14 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/14/23
Participants develop their personal cultural awareness and learn how expectations around school culture shape how people teach and learn. Guiding principles for effectively delivering instruction to adults are also covered. Finally, participants increase their sensitivity to the challenges of learning English and developing literacy as an adult.

Administrator Webinar: Creative Ideas for Staffing, Recruitment & Engagement
2023-11-14 13:00 - 14:00
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/14/23
Join a panel of program administrators from around the state as they share “3 Creative Ideas” for tackling current challenges around staffing, recruitment & engagement. Karen Wolters, Chelsea Ritland, Wendy Sweeney, and others will be there to share some of their out-of-the-box thinking as this new program year gets going. Bring your creative solutions and thinking caps to this webinar with fellow administrators and coordinators in MN Adult Ed!

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Strategies to Teach to a Multi-Level Classroom
2023-11-14 12:30 - 13:15
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/14/23
In this session, we will explore the challenges and advantages of teaching a multi-level classroom, share ideas on how to overcome these challenges, and brainstorm other strategies that we can use in the classroom.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

Low-Literacy Adult ESL Study Circle
2023-11-10 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-10-27 13:00 - 16:00
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRI. 10/20/23 (registration is now closed)

The Low-Literacy Adult ESL Study Circle I is for teachers of low-literate Adult Basic Education ESL students – those learners with little or no first-language literacy. With a special focus on reading development for these learners, teachers explore relevant research and its implications for best practices in the classroom.
Like our other language instruction study circles, it involves reading a selection of relevant research and completing various classroom-based reflection. During the 3 meetings of 3 hours each, participants discuss the readings and tasks and explore together how research can inform classroom practice.
This fall the study circle will be facilitated by Andrea Echelberger from Robbinsdale Adult Academic Program.
Find out more about the Low-Literacy Adult ESL Study Circle >>
DATES: ALL ARE VIRTUAL ZOOM EVENTS!

Friday, October 27, 1-4 pm
Friday, November 10, 1-4 pm
Friday, December 1, 1-4 pm

Teaching Reading Vocabulary Remotely or In Person
2023-11-10 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: FRI. 11/10/23
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 helping students learn new words? How do you get students to make new words part of their receptive and productive vocabularies? This webinar will focus on the theory and best practice behind choosing, teaching and reviewing reading vocabulary. You’ll get a chance to learn about (and practice) a variety of activities that can be done remotely or in person. Links to great online resources will also be provided.
This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.

Refining Your Teacher Talk
2023-11-08 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/8/23
Many tutors know they should limit their talking time, but struggle to do so. In this webinar, revisit the importance of reducing teacher talking time and learn ways to improve it to maximize learner engagement and comprehension.

MobyMax Training: Deep Dive into Reports and Data
2023-11-08 15:30 - 16:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/8/23

Besides how many minutes learners spend using MobyMax, what else can you learn from all those options under the Tools tab? The answer is…A LOT! We’ll also look at ways to monitor learner progress within specific subject modules under the Curriculum tab.
It will be helpful if you know your login credentials prior to the training. If needed, you can complete the form here under Key Information to request an account on the statewide license. MobyMax is a state-supported platform, so there is no additional cost to you or your learners!

Core Training Module 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
2023-11-07 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/7/23
Participants learn about Adult Basic Education programming in Minnesota, demographics of learners, instructional content standards as well as initial and on-going assessment. This session wraps up with learner motivations, barriers and persistence.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Xue's Office Hour
2023-11-07 12:30 - 13:15
Registration Deadline: TUE. 11/7/23
You will be able to join Xue’s open office hour to come with any questions or issues that you have. If you need help with a technical issue, Xue will be able to walk you through and train you in how to resolve the issue. If you need teaching tips or strategies, we can brainstorm in this session. If you need training in a specific area of Burlington English, Xue will be able to help you navigate through the features.

Next Generation Nursing Assistant-Train. Test. Work. ABE Test Prep and 1 Free Test
2023-11-06 15:00 - 16:00
Registration Deadline: MON. 11/6/23
This webinar is hosted by HealthForce Minnesota and presented by Elaine Vandenburgh. A review of the free, asynchronous nursing assistant state exam prep/refresher course will be provided, along with an overview of how students will receive their promo code to test for free.

DevEd-ABE Partner Affinity Group Meeting
2023-11-03 10:00 - 11:15, 2023-11-02 14:00 - 15:15
No registration necessary: Contact Russ Fraenkel, rwfraenkel@gmail.com, to receive the direct Zoom link.
November 2023 dates:

November 2 from 2:00-3:15pm
November 3 from 10:00-11:15am

NOTE: The meetings on November 2 and 3 cover the same topics. Participants have the option to attend either one of the similar sessions.
All are welcome to participate in the engaging presentations and discussions of the DevEd-ABE Partner Affinity Group. This year, the Affinity Group’s 75-minute virtual meetings (in November, February, and April) will focus attention on the co-req classroom format within Guided Learning Pathways. Minnesota State campuses are required to implement the co-req format in stages of partial implementation to full implementation by fall 2026.
Affinity Group background
2023-24 marks the fourth academic year in which Minnesota State Developmental Education and Adult Basic Education teachers and administrators join ranks to ensure college enrolled students are academically ready for the rigors of credit-bearing coursework at Minnesota State campuses. Many students are in need of additional math, English, organization, navigation, and study skills to thrive in college. The DevEd-ABE Affinity Group was formed three years ago to focus on the effectiveness of new and existing classroom partnerships to support Dev Ed enrolled students. To this end, numerous tools and resources have been created and utilized.
Contact Russ Fraenkel, rwfraenkel@gmail.com, for further information.

CCRS Support Webinar (1 of 3): Attention Teachers! Let's Talk about the New CASAS Assessments
2023-11-01 14:30 - 16:00
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: WED. 11/1/23
Heard about the new English language proficiency test on its way from CASAS that will replace the CASAS Life & Work Series? Wondering what it all means? You’re not alone! This session will help clarify what’s going on with the new assessment, how it’s related to CCRS and the English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards, and implications for instruction. We’ll share resources available to support your work, and think together about what it means to teach (and test) what matters to adult students learning English. Join your hosts Christine Wytaske from Metro South and Patsy Egan from ATLAS for some helpful information and discussion!
Note to registrants: This is the same session that was presented at the ATLAS North and South Regionals.

WebChat with MDE
2023-11-01 13:00 - 14:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 11/01/23

If you need ASL interpretation for this event, please contact Wendy Her at info@literacyactionnetwork.org by Monday, October 23, 2023.

Web Chat 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 and provide information to the Minnesota Adult Ed state team.
Topics will include:

Statewide performance/federal reports
New Assessments for NRS Purposes
Contact hour comparisons (2023 v 2022 for May–September)
Grants and Finance
WIOA Plans
Transitions Updates
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

For those unable to attend, the meeting and materials will be available on the Literacy Action Network website after the meeting: http://literacyactionnetwork.org/supplemental-service-activities/web-chat-with-mnabe.

BASE as an In-Class Resource for SEL
2023-10-31 14:30 - 15:30
Registration Deadline: TUE. 10/31/23

BASE is a state-supported distance learning platform with content supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) and the ACES/TIF standards.
Attend this session to learn about using BASE resources for in-class instruction (contact hours). We’ll learn how to use the “instructional” version of each module and where to find related teacher resources. We’ll also talk about best practices for facilitating discussions around SEL topics.
This session will be recorded.
If you need a staff account on the statewide license, please use the form here under Key Information: https://www.literacymn.org/distancelearning/dl-platforms/base-sel

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Career Content!
2023-10-31 12:30 - 13:15
Registration Deadline: TUE. 10/31/23
In this session, we will explore the English for Specific Careers tile and the Career Exploration and Soft Skills course. These resources are here to help your students build vocabulary for a career field they are interested in pursuing and also to gain the soft skills needed for working here in America.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

How to Work Effectively with Muslims
2023-10-30 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: MON. 10/30/23
Join Jaylani Hussein of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) MN for a proactive diversity training that bridges the gap of misunderstanding and provides resources to employers, attorneys, community leaders and educators.
This single diversity training will cover three different sections.
1. First, the presentation will open with a brief introduction on how to effectively work with Muslim learners by bringing awareness and eliminating a potential bias. This session will also include an interactive polling exercise. Participants will answer questions to both learn about Muslim culture, while also learning ideas about unconscious bias.
2. The second segment highlights Muslim demographics worldwide, in the United States and in Minnesota. This section includes an in depth explanation of the religion and cultural norms, including keywords, holidays, and customs held in Muslim culture, and concludes with a discussion on how Muslims practice their beliefs, emphasizing the continuum of diversity of practice within the religion.
3. The third part of this presentation will include how to provide religious accommodations in an educational setting. It emphasizes:
a) the main practices for which school staff should expect a request for accommodation
b) practices to be mindful of when interacting with Muslim learners

Essential Zoom Skills for Online Instruction
2023-10-27 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Deadline: FRI. 10/27/23
Join this hands-on session to learn and practice essential Zoom skills for the virtual classroom that may not be in your repertoire if your experience with the platform is limited to meetings with friends and colleagues at work.
The workshop will cover:

Turning off participants’ cameras and microphones.
Re-naming participants.
Sharing your screen.
Annotating your screen.
Setting up and visiting breakout rooms.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Pronunciation and Recording
2023-10-25 12:30 - 13:15
Registration Deadline: WED. 10/25/23
In this session, we will explore the speech and pronunciation features in Burlington English. We will go over the Speech Trainer, speech in the Vocabulary Practice, and the tutorials.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2023-10-24 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: TUE. 10/24/23
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.

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2023-10-18 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 10/18/23
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 Zoom, Google Meet, Teams or any other remote tutoring tool (including the phone!). Participants will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share resources.
This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.

WIOA Wednesday for ABE—Focus on the WIOA Youth Program (young people up to age 24)
2023-10-18 13:00 - 13:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 10/18/23
Join these three short 30-minute webinars—”WIOA Wednesdays for ABE” series!
WIOA Workforce Programs, operated by local workforce development boards, help jobseekers develop education, training, and career goals and provide the support needed to reach those goals! Join these three webinars to better understand the program eligibility, services, and supports that your adult learners can access through co-enrollment in a program. The webinars are sponsored in partnership with the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards and will be led by local area program managers. This webinar will focus on the WIOA Youth Program which serves young people (ages 16-24) who have barriers to employment.

Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
2023-10-17 18:30 - 20:30
Registration Deadline: TUE. 10/17/23
Participants learn how to apply teaching practices that support language and skill development for all learners. These practices include ensuring that instruction is learner centered, using an appropriate level of teacher talk and delivering error correction.

Burlington English Lunch and Learn: Burlington Readers!
2023-10-17 12:30 - 13:15
Registration Deadline: TUE. 10/17/23
In this session, we will explore the Burlington English Readers and brainstorm different ways to use them in class and outside of class. We will go through ways of introducing the Readers into your class and activities you can do with your students.
NOTE: Attendees must have current login credentials for their BE account.

WIOA Wednesday for ABE—Focus on the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program
2023-10-11 13:00 - 13:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 10/11/23
Join these three short 30-minute webinars—”WIOA Wednesdays for ABE” series!
WIOA Workforce Programs, operated by local workforce development boards, help jobseekers develop education, training, and career goals and provide the support needed to reach those goals! Join three webinars to better understand the program eligibility, services, and supports that your adult learners can access through co-enrollment in a program. The webinars are sponsored in partnership with the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards and will be led by local area program managers. This webinar will focus on the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program, which serves people who have been laid off or are long-term unemployed.

SiD 2023 Fall Data Cleanup
2023-10-11 10:00 - 11:30
Registration Deadline: WED. 10/11/23
In this interactive session, we’ll talk about data cleanup and answer some of our most popular user questions. Make plans to run SiD reports and examine your own program data as we go along. We’ll take general software-related questions during the Q & A segment at the end.
