Minnesota

Professional development system

Statewide professional development for Minnesota Adult Basic Education (ABE) is provided with combined federal and state funding disseminated by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Astrid Liden, MDE Professional Development Coordinator, works with ABE Teaching and Learning Advancement System (ATLAS) housed at Hamline University to coordinate state and regional professional development (PD) activities. There are eight PD regions within Minnesota; each led by a Regional Professional Development Coordinator, who determines training needs according to local input, state priorities, and teacher licensure requirements. ATLAS full-time staff includes: Kimberly A. Johnson, ATLAS Director and Assistant Professor, Marisa Squadrito Geisler, ATLAS Program Coordinator, and Margaret M. Frank, Reading & STAR Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor.

For more information about ATLAS, go to: http://www.atlasABE.org

STAR implementation

The Minnesota STAR Project is entering its fourth year of implementation and sustenance of the evidence-based, STAR Model. Four levels of STAR Leadership provide direction and oversight; they are comprised of MDE, ATLAS, and Minnesota Literacy Council (MLC) staff, certified STAR trainers, STAR administrators, or STAR teachers. Minnesota STAR participants are selected and supported based on their program’s openness to change, management structures, team culture, and commitment to implementing the evidence-based, STAR Model. Combined numbers for the four cohorts are: 120+ STAR-trained practitioners, 19 STAR programs, and STAR classes at 40+ sites. Intensity (1-3 hours), frequency (1-5 times per week), and duration (4-10 week sessions) of STAR classes are dependent upon each program’s schedule, budget, staffing, space availability, and student eligibility.

Nationally certified STAR trainers, Marn Frank, Paula Freiermuth, and Kristine Kelly, plan and deliver four STAR Institutes, two All-STARs (support trainings for continuing participants), and provide technical assistance support such as electronic and in-person consultation, problem-solving meetings, online and print resources, on-site or distance observations, and electronic review of post-Institute assignments. Penny Brown will join the Minnesota Trainer Team and complete her certification during FY 2012.

STAR programs and class locations listed to the right represent the diversity within Minnesota ABE. They include metropolitan, suburban, and outstate programs; small, medium, and large-sized programs; three community or technical college campuses; and four correctional sites.

Programs implementing STAR