ABE Summer Institute 2024: Full Schedule

8:30am PDT

Welcome & We Are ABE

Wednesday August 14, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am PDT

Speakers

Andy Albee

Summer Institute Chair, Robbinsdale ABE

Andy is a 22-year ABE teacher at Adult Academic Program, an MN A-Team member and a Minnesota Standard Adult Diploma professional reviewer.

Ann Trochlil

Professional Engagement Chair

Wednesday August 14, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am PDT

9:15am PDT

De-escalation Techniques for Student Behavior Problems

Wednesday August 14, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am PDT

Have you been in situations where a student’s behavior is alarming or highly inappropriate and you don’t know what to do? If so, this session is for you. Come to this session to learn about the conflict cycle, how problem behaviors serve a function, and the stages of behavior escalation. You will be educated about de-escalation techniques and how to find resolution with students. And gain important mental health resources. This course is intended to meet positive behavioral interventions and in accommodating, modifying and adapting strategies.

Speakers

Wendy Sweeney

PANDA Manager, PANDA

Wendy Sweeney is the PANDA Manager & a Licensed Psychologist. PANDA-Minnesota ABE Physical and Nonapparent Disability Assistance is an ABE Support Network provider. Wendy specializes in mental health, specific learning disorders and ADHD. She often presents workshops about disability... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am PDT

Diversity & Equity

9:15am PDT

Introduction to Data Analysis with Google Sheets

Wednesday August 14, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am PDT

Google Sheets is a powerful tool to summarize data and understand trends in data with students, but many people don’t know how useful it can be. In this session, beginning users of Google Sheets will learn how to filter data and use a few basic formulas to discover valuable data points within our student population. This session will be useful for teachers looking at whole class data or administrators looking at data across a whole program.

Speakers

Clark Roman

Clark Roman is the Literacy Services Director at Literacy Minnesota. In this role, he oversees the direct Adult Basic Educations of Literacy Minnesota. He's motivated by seeing students gain confidence and reaching their goals. With a background in software development and programming... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am PDT

Program Management & Coordination

9:15am PDT

Reading to Learn - Strategies to Help the Struggling Reader

Wednesday August 14, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am PDT

Not all teachers are equipped with the specialized training needed to effectively support struggling readers across various subject areas. We will explore several proven methods designed to empower teachers in guiding learners through the complexities of subjects like science, social studies, and beyond. By the session's end, participants will possess a deeper understanding of effective strategies to support struggling readers and foster a more cohesive and enriching learning experience across various academic disciplines.

Speakers

Christina Miller

Consultant and Aztec rep, Aztec Software

I have worked for over 30 years as an instructor, counselor and director of adult education in Alabama. I earned my Master’s degree in community-based counseling. As a regional program director of adult education program, my program was very diverse serving over 2,000 students... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am PDT

Reading/Writing

9:15am PDT

English Learners Digital Essential Skills (ELDES) Curriculum: An Update!

Wednesday August 14, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am PDT

Our presentation will showcase the English Learner Digital Essential Skills (ELDES) curriculum and how to best use it to supplement Northstar. Since our first Summer Institute presentation in 2022, we’ve incorporated teacher and student feedback from our pilot sites. We’re interpreting the curriculum into Spanish and Somali; we plan to make it open access by the end of 2024. Attend our session to get one full sample unit and join our mailing list for updates!

Speakers

Katrina Benson

Katrina is the Digital Inclusion Program Supervisor at Neighborhood House, where she teaches Computer Classes for adult English Language Learners (ELLs). These classes bridge the “digital divide” for new immigrants and their communities. She has been serving ELLs for over nine... Read More →

Grayson Betz

Grayson is Lyndale Neighborhood Association's Digital Literacy Instructor & Coordinator. Throughout the last three years, he has taught Basic Computer Classes and English classes to intermediate and beginner ELL adults in the Lyndale Neighborhood. Grayson started the ELDES curriculum... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 9:15am - 10:00am PDT

Technology

10:15am PDT

All About GED Accommodations

Wednesday August 14, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am PDT

Often, Adult Education Students became frustrated in school because they couldn't learn like other Students, so they just gave up and quit school. Now they realize the value of a GED and are back in classes. Finding out that there might be a reason they couldn't keep up in school and that there is help for them is an important step toward their goal of achieving a credential. This session will discuss Accommodations that are available on the GED test. It will also give the participants tools to help their Students receive the documentation they need to support Accommodation requests. By sharing helpful tips, Teachers and Administrators will be better equipped to assist students.

Speakers

Debbie Bergtholdt

Pearson VUE

Debbie Bergtholdt is currently the Accommodations Manager for Pearson VUE, having managed the team since 2016. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that test-takers with disabilities can access their exams. She specializes in finding solutions to and implementing non-standard accommodation... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am PDT

Adult Secondary Credential

10:15am PDT

Moving Forward with Racial Equity: Updates on Racial Equity Activities in Minnesota Adult Education

Wednesday August 14, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am PDT

The grantees of the Racial Equity Grant will be providing an update of what has been accomplished, presentation of results from the adult learner surveys, and an overview of the next three years of the grant.

Speakers

See Moua-Leske

Program Manager, Southwest Adult Basic Education- Marshall

See Moua-Leske is the SW ABE- Marshall Program Manager. See had been an educator for nine years teaching before joining SW ABE in the fall of 2018.

Addy Wolbaum

DEI Assistant, Southwest Adult Basic Education

Addy Wolbaum is the DEI Assistant for the Racial Equity in Adult Education - Competitive Grant Opportunity. She is working on a bachelor's degree in Political Science. Addy identifies herself as a "social justice warrior".

Wednesday August 14, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am PDT

Diversity & Equity

10:15am PDT

“We the people”: Learner and teacher responses to a free curriculum integrating civics, U.S. history, English and digital skills for adults

Wednesday August 14, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am PDT

Learn about CILIA-T (Content-Integrated Language Instruction for Adults with Technology Support), a 16-module free curriculum with detailed lesson plans for high intermediate/advanced ELLs, developed for online or in-person classes. Learners build civics/U.S. history knowledge, English proficiency, and digital skills to participate more fully in their communities. CILIA-T activates existing knowledge, and focuses on academic vocabulary, critical thinking and application. In this interactive session, we’ll share curriculum materials, and teacher/learner feedback from our spring 2024 pilot.

Speakers

Erin Cary

Erin Cary, MA-ESL (she/her), has worked in MN ABE since 2009, as a teacher, administrator, and in curriculum writing and professional development. She currently teaches beginner ELLs for Metro North ABE in Brooklyn Center and coordinates development of a digital skill-building adult... Read More →

Aydin Durgunoglu

Dr. Aydin Durgunoglu is a Distinguished Global Professor in the Dept. of Psychology at the University of MN Duluth and the Principal Investigator on a federally-funded project developing an adult ELL curriculum which integrates civics, U.S. History, English language knowledge and... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am PDT

English as a Second Language

10:15am PDT

eLibrary Minnesota and Ebooks Minnesota: Free information resources for Minnesota

Wednesday August 14, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am PDT

eLibrary Minnesota and Ebooks Minnesota are FREE resources for ALL Minnesotans. These databases can be especially beneficial to students, teachers, and educators as they offer thousands of reference and research materials including articles, images, videos, ebooks, and more. In this session, you will learn how to access and use these resources as well as tips on sharing, leveling, filtering, and accessibility features.

Speakers

Beth Staats

Reference Outreach & Instruction Librarian, Minitex

Beth Staats is an Outreach & Instruction Librarian and EbooksMN Coordinator with Minitex, a program of the University of Minnesota Libraries. The work of that unit includes providing instruction and support for eLibrary Minnesota (ELM) to library and school staff in Minnesota. Education... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am PDT

Other

11:15am PDT

State Update with MN ABE

Wednesday August 14, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Speakers

Brad Hasskamp

State Adult Education Director, Minnesota Department of Education

Brad Hasskamp (he/him) has worked with the Minnesota Department of Education since 2010 with Adult Education (ABE) policies, High School Equivalency assessments (I call this the "High SEAs!"), Standard Adult Diploma efforts, and other ABE initiatives. He is also a Board Member with... Read More →

Jodi Versaw

Program Quality, MDE

Jodi Versaw is the Program Quality Specialist on the Adult Education at the Minnesota Department of Education. She has worked in Minnesota Adult Education for 20 years.

Astrid Liden

Professional Development, MDE

Astrid Liden is the ABE Professional Development Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education. Prior to joining the state ABE office, she worked as an ESL instructor, teacher trainer, and ABE program manager.

Brandy Logan

Adult High School Equivalency and Accountability Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education

Brandy is new to Minnesota Department of Education, Adult Basic Education, and comes from Georgia summer 2022. Brandy started in the classroom teaching GED/ESL then moved to Transition Specialist helping students move toward College and Career opportunities. Brandy moved from the... Read More →

Julie Dincau

Transitions, MDE

Julie Dincau is the Adult Basic Education Transitions Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education where she provides support for adult career pathways (ACP) and regional transitions work.

Hailey Swanson

Neill Allard

MDE

Wednesday August 14, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

1:15pm PDT

TABE Recertification

Wednesday August 14, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

State assessment policy states that TABE test administrators need to be recertified every 5 years. This session will satisfy that requirement and provide the latest information on the approved TABE test series. We will review standardized testing, look at updated information on TABE tests, and address questions you may have about administering these tests. This session is for experienced test administrators.

Speakers

Linda Keller

ABE Accountability Coordinator, Metro North ABE

Linda Keller is the ABE Accountability Coordinator for Metro North ABE and manages SiD for the consortia. She is a state-certified CASAS and TABE trainer.

Wednesday August 14, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

Accountability/Assessment

1:15pm PDT

Activities to Boost Learner Engagement

Wednesday August 14, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

Discover a comprehensive suite of activities to elevate English language teaching in the classroom. This presentation introduces practical techniques focused on increasing student engagement and educational outcomes. We will explore various tactics, from engaging icebreakers and vocabulary improvement techniques to fun ways to address grammar and pronunciation. Each element of this collection is developed to offer educators easy-to-implement, impactful tools for their teaching toolkit. Participants will leave the session equipped with a robust set of strategies to support and advance the learning journey of English language learners.

Speakers

JennaRose Dahl

Customer Manager, BurlingtonEnglish

JennaRose Dahl has been a teacher, coordinator, volunteer, Americorps member, and writer, specializing in digital literacy and blended learning for adult students for over 10 years. As a Customer Manager for BurlingtonEnglish, she loves solving problems and helping programs successfully... Read More →

Xue Xiong

Customer Representative, BurlingtonEnglish

Xue has been a Customer Representative with Burlington English and has been working in Adult Basic Education since 2021. He has always been passionate about the power of education that happens in the classroom. Xue comes from a family of Hmong immigrants and believes in the power... Read More →

Angela Donlon

Customer Representative, BurlingtonEnglish

Angela Donlon joined the BE team as a customer representative after 30 years of teaching experience in MN. She fell in love with teaching adult ESL as a volunteer in St. Paul. Angela is passionate about helping teachers and students succeed and have fun in the process.

Wednesday August 14, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

English as a Second Language

1:15pm PDT

Easy Desmos Lessons for ELL

Wednesday August 14, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

Did you know that Desmos is NOT just for online math classes? If you’ve heard how awesome Desmos is, but wondered how you could ever learn to use such a robust and customizable tool in your ELL classes, this is the session for you. We’ll share a few pre-made templates in Desmos’s Activity Builder that follow common Learning Task Formats and show you how to edit them to make custom lessons for your class.

Speakers

Kris Klas

Kris Klas (they/them) has an MEd in Adult Education from the University of Minnesota. They have enjoyed teaching every level from Pre-beginning ELL to GED. They accept apologies for misgendering them in the form of mushroom-related books, stickers, and accessories.

Elizabeth Bennett

Elizabeth Bennett (she/her) teaches ELL classes at the ISD 191 Burnsville School for Adults. She is also the Statewide Distance Learning Coordinator at Literacy Minnesota.

Wednesday August 14, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

Technology

1:15pm PDT

Choose Your Own Adventure with ACES/TIF Resources

Wednesday August 14, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

Academic, Career & Employability Skills (ACES) are essential when students leave the ABE classroom for college, training or work. There is a wealth of resources to help you incorporate transition skills into all levels of instruction. If it feels like you are digging for buried treasure, attend this session to explore the asynchronous ACES/TIF course on Canvas and other gems. You'll leave with a personalized ACES/TIF professional development treasure map to guide you on further adventures.

Speakers

Carly Voshell

Carly Voshell has been working in Adult Education since 2005 and currently wears many hats. At Harmony Learning Center in Maplewood, working with digital literacy and is the coordinator for the online statewide Microsoft Office Specialist program. She is a Regional Transition Coordinator... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

Transitions

2:45pm PDT

SiD Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday August 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm PDT

It happens to everyone. Your manager asks for ABE data from SiD and you’re not sure how to find it. Is there a screen or report that already has the answers you’re looking for? Or maybe you can run an existing report in a creative way to get what you need. Hmm...
In this scavenger hunt-style session, you can unleash your SiD knowledge and sharpen your analytical thinking skills. We will present some data request scenarios, then set you loose to find the answers in your own program data. We’ll also review how you might have come up with the answers. Join us for this fun interactive session! Participants must have an active SiD login account.

Speakers

Jenny Schlukebier

SiD Support, Literacy Minnesota (Independent Contractor)

Jenny Schlukebier works as an independent contractor with Literacy Minnesota supporting and maintaining the SiD Data system. She brings many years of experience in ABE having worked for both Hubbs Center and MLC on accountability.

Mary Zimmerli

SiD Support, Literacy Minnesota (independent contractor)

Mary Zimmerli has worked with MN ABE data systems since 1991. Her professional goal is to support and coach others to become confident SiD software users.

Wednesday August 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm PDT

Program Management & Coordination

2:45pm PDT

A New Option to Learn about Teaching Reading to Adults!

Wednesday August 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm PDT

There is a new option to learn about evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) and diagnostic reading assessment for adult learners. See examples of the self-paced Canvas course created for MN Adult Education and identify options for using the content individually or as a professional development opportunity at the program level.

Speakers

Kristine Kelly

Literacy Coordinator, ATLAS

Kristine Kelly is the Literacy Coordinator for ATLAS. She coordinates professional development and coaching activities around effective adult literacy instruction, including evidence-based reading and writing instruction. She has worked extensively in the areas of pre-GED and GED... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm PDT

Reading/Writing

2:45pm PDT

Understanding the Geometry Formulas on the GED Math Formula Sheet (90-min.)

Wednesday August 14, 2024 2:45pm - 4:30pm PDT

Ever wonder where the geometry formulas on the GED formula sheet come from? In this workshop we'll break down some of the formulas for volume and surface area and understand why they work and how to teach them. We'll look at photographs modeling some hands-on activities you can do with students and play with digital manipulatives as well.

Speakers

Mark Trushkowsky

Mark Trushkowsky has over 23 years experience in adult education, as a teacher, trainer/coach, and curriculum writer. He is a math professional developer for the CUNY Adult Language and Literacy Program in NYC and for the SABES Mathematics and Adult Numeracy Curriculum and Instruction... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 2:45pm - 4:30pm PDT

Numeracy

2:45pm PDT

Low Literacy CCRS- Let's Make it Easy! (90-min.)

Wednesday August 14, 2024 2:45pm - 4:30pm PDT

We will break down CCRS Strand A Reading and Writing into 3 levels: pre-literate, low beginning, high beginning. We will have examples of activities and adjustments for each level.

Speakers

Rebecca Jarvis

Rebecca has been teaching at the Roseville Adult Learning Center for over 10 years. While her experience ranges from pre literate to advanced, working with low literacy is her favorite level to work with.

Wednesday August 14, 2024 2:45pm - 4:30pm PDT

Standards

3:45pm PDT

Exploring the HiSET Program in 2024

Wednesday August 14, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm PDT

This session will use a structured approach to guide the session, ensuring that educators gain a comprehensive understanding of the HiSET exam, the accommodations process, and utilizing the resources available to support students effectively. The session will also take a look at how to navigate the website to access exam guides, practice tests, and study materials. The Q&A session at the end allows for direct engagement and clarification on specific concerns.

Speakers

Tess Yurik

HiSET Adult Ed Partnership Manager, HiSET, PSI Services

As the HiSET Adult Ed Partnership Manager, Tess Yurik serves as the main point of contact for adult ed programs across all HiSET states. As an adult educator for 23 years, Tess recognizes the transformative power of knowledge and its ability to shape lives. She obtained a bachelor’s... Read More →

Wednesday August 14, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm PDT

Adult Secondary Credential

3:45pm PDT

Online Statewide Classes Panel

Wednesday August 14, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm PDT

Do you have students who want a career pathway program that you don't have the capacity to offer locally? Online statewide career pathway classes may just be the solution to this common challenge. Join this session to learn what classes are offered in the 2024-2025 year from a panel of instructors and coordinators, eligibility and how to refer students. Hear how online statewide contact hours work for the Home and Host consortium. If you want to know more about online statewide classes, this is the session for you!

Speakers

Carly Voshell

Wednesday August 14, 2024 3:45pm - 4:30pm PDT

Other

4:45pm PDT

Vendor Fair

Wednesday August 14, 2024 4:45pm - 5:15pm PDT

6:00pm PDT

Trivia Night

Wednesday August 14, 2024 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

Speakers

Jason Brazier

Technology Administrator, Literacy Minnesota

Jason has worked for Literacy Minnesota for 20 years. He enjoys working collaboratively with ABE Managers and teachers covering a variety of topics including technology, engagement and professional development.

Wednesday August 14, 2024 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

8:15am PDT

Restorative Movement

Thursday August 15, 2024 8:15am - 8:45am PDT

Speakers

Sarah Lammi

Hello Wonderland Wellness

Thursday August 15, 2024 8:15am - 8:45am PDT

9:00am PDT

Digital Equity & Inclusion: Leveraging Community Resources

Thursday August 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

We will discuss various community partners Neighborhood House has leveraged to reach St. Paul families looking to connect to the internet in their home, get a refurbished device, and gain the digital skills they need to be successful. Since the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), digital access and affordability has changed. Join us to problem solve and discuss regional resources you can leverage to continue closing the Digital Divide!

Speakers

Katrina Benson

Thursday August 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Accountability/Assessment

9:00am PDT

GED & Me: The GED learner mobile App

Thursday August 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

GED Testing Service has launched a learner Mobile App to help GED learners identify how to successfully prepare for the GED tests.
During the session we will discuss the learner research that has guided the development of the App and the results we are seeing so far from users. Input from adult education instructors and the roadmap for future development will also be shared.

Speakers

Rebecca Reynolds

Rebecca Reynolds is a Senior Technical Product Owner at GED Testing Service. She is responsible for launching our first mobile app for learners, GED & Me. Rebecca has been a member of the GED team since 2020, responsible for leading a number of student-facing initiatives on GED.com... Read More →

Sarah LeNeave

Sarah LeNeave is a product manager at GED Testing Service. She is responsible for publisher relationships and has helped launch the new GED learner mobile app, GED & Me. Sarah has been with Pearson since 2021 and has experience as a technical solutions manager, working on virtual... Read More →

Thursday August 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Adult Secondary Credential

9:00am PDT

Language in a Nutshell

Thursday August 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

A large portion of ABE students are non-native speakers of English. Teaching these students requires an increased awareness of language. This presentation provides a brief introduction to the English language by demonstrating some of the language components teachers should be aware of, such as words, parts of words, parts of sentences and their word order, and sounds.

Speakers

Andreas Schramm

Andreas Schramm has been teaching introductory linguistics to ESL teacher candidates at Hamline University for 30 years. He has presented about the workings of language to practitioners many times. He holds a doctorate in linguistics and is a non-native speaker of English himself... Read More →

Thursday August 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

English as a Second Language

9:00am PDT

Flexible Routines to Build Numeracy

Thursday August 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Come learn about two powerful and easy to implement numeracy routines. Each routine can take 5-15 minutes of class to complete with students and can be used with all levels of students. Expect to participate in the two routines as a participant and then to learn how to alter each to fit your class’ needs.

Speakers

Kathryne Chiqui

Kathryne Chiqui is in her 15th year in adult education. She has taught for 10 years and been an instructional coach for 5 years. She holds a 5-12 math license and thoroughly enjoys learning, especially mathematics. She is continuing to develop her own numeracy skills as it is a lifelong... Read More →

Thursday August 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Numeracy

10:00am PDT

Navigating the Path Less Take - Adult Diploma Tips & Tricks

Thursday August 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

The MN Adult Standard Diploma provides a necessary alternative to the test-based HSE credentials for adult learners. In this session, two adult diploma program coordinators will share tips and tricks for successful portfolio submissions. Some of the topics covered will include reviewing transcripts, determining the most appropriate completion path, and packaging evidence. Come learn from our mistakes, as well as our successful submissions. Participants will leave with strategies for making this complex process more manageable.

Speakers

Stephanie Sommers

ACES Coordinator, ATLAS

Stephanie Sommers earned her M.Ed. from the University of MN and entered the field of ABE in 1998. For the past 17 years, Stephanie has been a teacher with Minneapolis Adult Education, part of Minneapolis Public Schools.

Denise Goldman

Denise Goldman taught high school Language Arts for 10 years before moving into ABE in 2021. As Site Director of Project for Pride in Living’s Diploma Connect program, she has been responsible for developing and implementing this new initiative, which focuses primarily on the adult... Read More →

Thursday August 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Adult Secondary Credential

10:00am PDT

State of the State: Distance Learning in Minnesota Adult Education

Thursday August 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

This presentation will provide an overview of current distance learning activities in Minnesota Adult Education. We will review trends, assess the effectiveness of various service delivery modalities (such as HyFlex instruction), and consider some of the most commonly used DL platforms. We will examine how data from SID can help us identify what works well for our adult learners and how effectiveness might be improved.

Speakers

Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt

Senior Manager - Educational Technology & Digital Literacy, Literacy Minnesota

Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt has been working with technology and online learning in ABE for 20 years. She provides training, technical support, and consultation to ABE practitioners on best practices in technology integration, digital literacy, and distance learning.

Tom Cytron-Hysom

Consultant, Literacy Minnesota

Tom Cytron-Hysom has lobbied on ABE issues for many years. He manages the Northstar Project, facilitates the St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium, consults with the statewide Distance Learning Supplemental Services grant, and serves as grants manager for Literacy Action Network... Read More →

Thursday August 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Distance Learning

10:00am PDT

Summarizing SID Data Quickly and Easily with Pivot Tables in Google Sheets

Thursday August 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Pivot Tables are one of the most powerful tools in Google Sheets and Excel, but they strike fear into the hearts of most casual spreadsheet users. Using a SID report as an example dataset, this session will teach participants to summarize data quickly and easily. To get the most out of this session, attendees should have moderate comfort with Sheets or Excel (defined as an ability to use functions easily).

Speakers

Clark Roman

Thursday August 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Program Management & Coordination

10:00am PDT

MCIS 360: The Easy Button for Engaging Students in Career Exploration

Thursday August 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Our new platform allows educators to create their own dynamic plans to engage adult students. Activities include career exploration, self-surveys, self-reflection, goal setting and planning tools. The curriculum is designed to be easy for teachers to implement or allow for students to self-navigate as they prepare for postsecondary and other training options. Portfolios are sustainable after students graduate allowing them access to their resume and all resources in MCIS.

Speakers

Kristen Lane

MCIS Specialist, Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS)

MCIS is a subscription-based, online Career Exploration Planning program provided through the Minnesota Department of Education.

Traci Valentino

MCIS Specialist, Minneosta Career Information System (MCIS)

Thursday August 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Transitions

11:00am PDT

LearningExpress Library for College and Career Prep and Exploration

Thursday August 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

LearningExpress Library, available to all Minnesota residents via ELM, is a hidden gem among the resources we have access to. This session will look at the different ways to explore colleges, careers, scholarships, and occupations, as well as information on locating practice tests and tutorials for anything from the ACT to the U.S. Citizenship exam. Whether it's the military, a 2-year technical college, nursing school, or a 4-year university, LearningExpress Library offers detailed job and career information, tools to locate scholarships, colleges, and tools to help identify the direction your patrons or students might head.

Speakers

Beth Staats

Reference Outreach & Instruction Librarian, Minitex

Thursday August 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Accountability/Assessment

11:00am PDT

Lowering Floors & Lifting Ceilings | Powering up Digital Literacy with Online Microsoft Certifications

Thursday August 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Metro East Career Pathways developed and delivered an online, statewide Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program during the 22-23 school year, bending geographic boundaries to forge new collaborations between host and home program sites. A coordinator and instructor from the MOS program will share the basics of the curriculum, data on success factors, student outcomes and other lessons learned. An extended version of this session was presented at the 2024 COABE conference.

Speakers

Carly Voshell

Susan Seyfarth

Lead Teacher/Curriculum Designer, Metro East Career Pathways

Metro East Career Pathways provides free digital literacy skills & IT training to traditionally underserved populations in collaboration with ISDs 621, 622 & 623. Our focus is on short-term training resulting in NorthStar certificates & Microsoft Office Specialist certificates.

Thursday August 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Distance Learning

11:00am PDT

Building Numeracy with Problem Strings

Thursday August 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Interested in further developing your own numeracy skills and learning how to support students in doing the same? Well, then this session is for you! In this session, expect to actively participate in a classroom routine called problem strings, followed by reflection and discussion about how to use this routine. Finally, I will share some free resources.

Speakers

Kathryne Chiqui

Thursday August 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Numeracy

11:00am PDT

Integrating Digital Literacy into Low-Level English Learning Classes

Thursday August 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Looking for ways to support digital literacy skills in your beginning level EL classroom? Join this session to learn about Northstar Digital Literacy resources that you can implement into your instruction immediately to address the needs of beginning level English language learners who are also beginning their digital literacy journey!

Speakers

Leah Hauge

Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum Manager, Literacy Minnesota

Janet Stewart

Thursday August 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Technology

12:00pm PDT

Restorative Movement

Thursday August 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm PDT

Speakers

Sarah Lammi

Hello Wonderland Wellness

Thursday August 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm PDT

12:45pm PDT

LAN Annual Meeting

Thursday August 15, 2024 12:45pm - 1:15pm PDT

Speakers

Kaija Bergen

ABE Instructor, International Institute of MN

Kaija Bergen (she/her), is a Community Orientation Workshop instructor with the International Institute. She received her MEd in Adult Education & ABE license for the U of M. She has been an ABE instructor since 2013, and is a member of the Literacy Action Network (LAN) and advocacy... Read More →

Wendy Her

Thursday August 15, 2024 12:45pm - 1:15pm PDT

1:30pm PDT

Updates from GED Testing Service

Thursday August 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

Come learn about the many GED updates we have made in the last year. We will begin by presenting you with the updates we have made to the GED.com website and Educator Portal (which hosts many free tools and resources for GED Instructors). Then, we will introduce you to the NEW GED mobile app. To conclude, we will focus on enhancements we have made to our program management tool GED Manager, Student GED accounts and voucher purchasing options.

Speakers

Mellissa Hultstrand

MN State Relationship Manager, GEDTS

Mellissa Hultstrand is the MN State Relationship Manager for GEDTS and a key leader in our service to Corrections across the US. She is responsible for coordinating all GED® matters for ABE within the state. Mellissa has been with GEDTS since 2012, and prior to her SRM role, she... Read More →

Thursday August 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

Adult Secondary Credential

1:30pm PDT

Advanced English Study Skills

Thursday August 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

This presentation will share an idea for a class we created and implemented to help Advanced English Language learners develop their skills in English. Learners help select topics, read academic sources independently, formulate open-ended discussion questions, select significant evidence, lead discussions and build their English skills.

Speakers

Susan Clark

Teacher, Metro North Blaine Learning Lab

Meagan Hymes

Site Supervisor, Metro North Blaine Learning Lab

Thursday August 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

English as a Second Language

1:30pm PDT

CCRS in Action PLC - Program-Based CCRS Support

Thursday August 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

Did you know that there is an option for programs to do some of the work of the CCRS cohort at the local team level?! Join Kristine and Lindsey from ATLAS to learn about a new program-paced Canvas course that includes existing CCRS tools and options for implementation.

Speakers

Kristine Kelly

Literacy Coordinator, ATLAS

Lindsay Pust

Numeracy & Special Projects Coordinator, ATLAS, Hamline

Lindsey Pust is the Numeracy & Special Projects Coordinator for ATLAS. She coordinates professional development activities around effective math and numeracy instruction to adults, content standards implementation, and special topics such as mentoring new staff members and supporting... Read More →

Thursday August 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

Standards

1:30pm PDT

RIP, Jamboard! (90-min.)

Thursday August 15, 2024 1:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

Feeling stressed about the imminent demise of Jamboard? Join this session for a quick show-and-tell of three possible alternatives: Google apps, FigJam, and Flippity. Teachers and learners can use these FREE tools for a variety of purposes, including presentations, collaborative writing, and manipulative activities like sequencing and matching.

Speakers

Elizabeth Bennett

Elizabeth Bennett (she/her) teaches ELL classes at the ISD 191 Burnsville School for Adults. She is also the Statewide Distance Learning Coordinator at Literacy Minnesota.

Thursday August 15, 2024 1:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

Technology

2:30pm PDT

CASAS Recertification

Thursday August 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

State assessment policy states that CASAS test administrators need to be recertified every 5 years. This session will satisfy that requirement and provide updated information on the CASAS test series including STEPS for ELL, GOALS Reading and GOALS Math 2. We will review standardized testing, look at tools that CASAS provides to support instruction, and address questions you may have about administering these tests. This session is for experienced test administrators.

Speakers

Marty Olsen

State Assessment Trainer, SW ABE

Marty Olsen is a nationally-certified CASAS trainer and a state TABE assessment trainer. She manages the Assessment Training supplemental services grant for SW ABE.

Thursday August 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

Accountability/Assessment

2:30pm PDT

Online Numeracy Resources for Classroom Routines, Instruction, and Student Exploration

Thursday August 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

Math classrooms continue to bend and flex to meet the needs of our students. ABE programs offer in-person, online, synchronous/asynchronous, and hyflex. It can be challenging to have resources that accommodate all settings. In this session we will explore some free online resources that have applications in all sessions. MathLearningCenter has web-based apps that can be used as instructions routines, group activities, homework and more. You can create specific activities to share or allow students to explore concepts on their own. These apps can be used to support learning through conceptual understanding with topics from CCRS levels A-D.

Speakers

Rebecca Strom

Math Instructor, Mankato Area ABE

Rebecca Strom teaches GED/ESL/Diploma/College-Prep Math in Mankato. She is a member of the MNI Advisory Team, the Adult Numeracy Network, and has experience as a numeracy trainer for LINCS.

Thursday August 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

Numeracy

2:30pm PDT

Dev Ed/ABE Partnerships Under Change: Supporting Students When Minnesota State Moves to a Co-Requisite Course Model

Thursday August 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

In late 2022, Minnesota State announced plans to redesign dev ed courses to a college-level co-requisite format, eliminating all stand-alone, sequential, prerequisite dev ed courses by 2027. Minnesota State has a three year plan underway which includes bringing together college faculty and administrators in discipline work groups during Phase 1, which is presently underway.
The session will share what those working on Dev Ed/ABE partnerships at the state level have learned about the phases and timelines for the plan, as well as conversations with MN State leaders to address this question: How can ABE be a partner in the co-req planning efforts to increase the likelihood of student success when co-req courses are launched?
They will also share what they have learned from ABE educators who have remained in their pre-existing dev ed partnership with their partner campus while moving forward with co-req courses. They will share issues, challenges, and opportunities that have surfaced, and share resources for how educators can promote ABE’s value-added benefit for academic support to help those students most in need succeed in a co-req course. Time will be left for participant Q&A and discussion.

Speakers

Russ Fraenkel

Regional Transitions Coordinator – MDE - ABE, Northwest and Mid-Central Transitions Regions

Russell Fraenkel supports ABE programs in the Northwest and Mid-Central Regions as a transitions and career pathways coordinator. For numerous years he has led efforts to maximize ABE – Dev Ed partnership effectiveness locally and statewide. He’s the founder and executive director... Read More →

Lesley Blicker

Consultant, Northwest Transitions Region

Lesley works with the Northwest Transitions Region and MDE-ABE Unit regarding the redesign ofAdult Basic Education and Minnesota State Developmental Education partnership efforts to serve students in need of academic support.

Thursday August 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

Transitions

3:30pm PDT

Restorative Movement

Thursday August 15, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm PDT

Speakers

Sarah Lammi

Hello Wonderland Wellness

Thursday August 15, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm PDT