In this section, you will find policies, reports and materials developed by local Minnesota ABE Programs.
Workforce Education
Short-Term Training Resources for ABE Learners - Lincoln Adult Education Center
In this project, short-term job training and referral options were researched for ABE/ESL learners around the state. The goal was to find training, certification programs, or short-term coursework ABE providers can refer ESL learners to, which can lead to full-time, living wage employment and career options. There are many resources available, with varying educational and language requirements, income eligibility, and participant costs. Resource information is presented for a variety of short-term (6 weeks – 12 months) training options plus their requirements, costs, and contact information.
Pre-CNC Machining - Metro North Adult Basic Education Curriculum Summary
In 2005-2006, Metro North ABE, together with Anoka Technical College offered Basic CNC and Blueprint reading classes. The classes were well-received; however the pace and design of the class proved difficult for some learners who needed a stronger grounding in foundational math, reading and language skills. In 2007, Metro North received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education to refine the curriculum and delivery and build in more foundational skill building.
Certified Nursing Assistant – Lending Library - St Paul Schools ABE Program – Hubbs Center
To give CNA Prep class learners a chance to practice hands-on skills with the proper equipment, Saint Paul Adult Learning put together a lending library. Adult Education programs can contact Stacy Bennig at 651-290-4793 to learn more about the lending process.
Commercial Drivers License Prep Course - St Paul Schools ABE Program – Hubbs Center
John Ertz, licensed commercial driver and adult education instructor, put together this program to prepare adults for a career in truck and passenger vehicle driving. Use this curriculum to help your learners achieve a Class A Commercial Drivers License Permit with the following endorsements: air brakes, combination vehicles, passenger and school bus endorsements. Contact John at john.ertz@spps.org if you have questions.
Customized English for Welding Training - Faribault ABE
Customized ESL classes were developed and delivered to support the new welding instruction offered by South Central College. The ABE professionals worked with the college welding instructor to design an ESL program that would reinforce both specific welding vocabulary and enhance the understanding of general principles and procedures. In addition to developing resources for the specific welding areas of TIG, STICK, and MIG, we also designed an ESL unit on welding safety. Contact Pat Wieseler, Pat_Wieseler@faribault.k12.mn.us or Rene’ Tousignant, Rene_Tousignant@faribault.k12.mn.us for more information on this project.
Training for School Bus Drivers - Minneapolis ABE
The Minneapolis Public Schools ABE Program co-created a training program for current and potential bus drivers with drivers for a school bus company. The goal was to develop a process for establishing training where participants were active learners and creators of their learning, not merely passive receptacles of information. The training program addressed some of the drivers’ most common challenge areas: Communication—what happens when the bus is in an accident?, Using a two-way radio and giving/receiving directions; Managing riders on the bus--bullying, student behavior, dealing with conflict; and maintaining your privilege to drive. For details, contact Carlye Peterson at Carlye.Peterson@mpls.k12.mn.us.
Pre-Apprenticeship in Machining Curriculum Summary - WEST ABE, Monticello, MN
In 2006-2007, WEST ABE, in partnership with DEED, the Monticello Workforce Center (CMJTS), Functional Industries, and the Initiative Foundation offered two eight week Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs focused on the Machining Industry. The Pre-apprenticeship Machining Program gave learners knowledge of math, blueprint-reading and machining skills sufficient enough to enter a state certified apprenticeship training program. This project had a positive impact on the economic development of local businesses by filling the declining gap in the workforce due to retirement and lack of manufacturing training. This pre-employment initiative also increased the employability opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing. For further information regarding this curriculum, contact Jill Miller, Jill.Miller@monticello.k12.mn.us.
The National Work Readiness Credential (NWRC) - Minnesota Pilot Project - MN Workforce Centers and Adult Basic Education
The NWRC is a national, portable job readiness credential created through public-private partnership. Candidates must pass four tests in order to receive the NWRC: Oral Language, Reading, Math, and Situational Judgment. Passing each of these tests proves that a credential holder is qualified for entry-level work and ready to be trained for higher level work. The pilot program began in the fall of 2007, with six invited regions. Each region was to create a NWRC test preparation and test delivery process as a cooperative effort between the local Workforce Center and Adult Basic Education site. For further information regarding this pilot project, contact Jen Vanek, jenifer.vanek@spps.org.
Education and Training Collaborative (ETC) Project Overview - Minnesota Workforce Center System and Adult Basic Education (ABE).
Contact Jen Vanek, jenifer.vanek@spps.org for more information.
In a collaborative effort, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) – Adult Basic Education (ABE) are comibined resources to increase system capacity to effectively serve Minnesota’s adult population who are low-wage and/or low-skilled. The main purpose of the ETC program was to increase employability options by:
- developing and providing pre-certification training with direct linkages to higher education and/or a specific job certification process;
- offering apprenticeship or internship experiences for adults with limited skills (may include curriculum development);
- providing on-site basic skills training (ABE, GED, or ESL) for incumbent employees whose skills may keep them from retention, promotion or success on the job; or
- developing and providing or piloting certificates or credentials based on assessment and work-related competencies (e.g. – National Work Readiness Credential, WorkKeys, etc.).