One important focus for ATLAS is to work with the Minnesota Department of Education to facilitate training and projects to address the gap between ABE and post-secondary education.
TRANSITIONS CONFERENCE
In fall 2007, MDE hosted its first conference dedicated to bridging the gap between ABE and post-secondary education. ATLAS provided the logistical support for the keynote speaker, Cynthia Zafft from National College Transition Network. The Transitions Advisory Board continues to meet and another conference will be held in fall 2008. Watch this site for more details as they become available.
CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT
To begin the process of aligning ABE and post-secondary curricula, ATLAS is working with a consultant to draft surveys for MnSCU and ABE faculty to identify needs and current practices. A plan has been developed for convening a transitions curriculum working group to develop guidelines for aligning transitions/ABE education with higher education’s particular needs and requirements. The working group plans to begin meeting in February 2008.
MENTORING PROGRAM
Following the curriculum alignment project, the ATLAS Advisor and Coordinator will work with selected sites that are offering transition-level programming. They will assist teachers in the development of observation rubrics for assessing teaching and learning, specifically in transition-level adult ESL, ABE and GED classes. Class observations will be conducted to identify strengths and areas for growth, followed by mentoring sessions to address these areas. Participating teachers will be trained to become peer mentors to sustain the process.
TRANSITIONS RESOURCES
