New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Minnesota Department of Education
Minnesota State
Standard Adult
Diploma Pilot
Programs
Adult Basic Education
Hasskamp, Brad
December 2014
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Table of Contents
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Programs ................................................................................... 2
Pilot Period ............................................................................................................................. 2
Pilot Program Details .............................................................................................................. 3
Cass Lake-Bena-Walker ......................................................................................................... 4
Central Minnesota ABE .........................................................................................................21
Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) ........................................................................28
Hiawatha Valley ABE .............................................................................................................37
Lakeville ABE ........................................................................................................................44
Metro North ABE ...................................................................................................................51
Minneapolis Adult Education .................................................................................................61
Osseo ABE ............................................................................................................................66
Robbinsdale Adult Academic Program ..................................................................................81
Rochester ABE ......................................................................................................................89
Southeast ABE ......................................................................................................................95
Southwest ABE Regional Collaborative ...............................................................................103
St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium ............................................................................120
Pilot Application Details...........................................................................................................131
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 1 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Programs
13 consortia applications were accepted and selected to pilot the new state standard
adult high school diploma.
1. Cass Lake-Bena-Walker ABE
2. Central Minnesota ABE (St. Cloud)
3. Department of Corrections (St. Cloud and Faribault facilities)
4. Hiawatha Valley ABE (Red Wing)
5. Lakeville ABE
6. Metro North ABE (Blaine)
7. Minneapolis Adult Education (Volunteers of America)
8. Osseo ABE
9. Robbinsdale Adult Academic Program
10. Rochester ABE
11. Southeast ABE (Faribault)
12. Southwest ABE Region Collaborative (Mankato, New Ulm, BIC Graphics/Sleepy
Eye, Hutchison, Willmar, LeSueur, St. Peter, Marshall, Worthington, Granite
Falls, and Blue Earth)
13. St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium (Hubbs Center)
Pilot Period
The pilot period runs from December 2014 – June 2015.
All pilot programs are expected to send representatives to initial three-day training on:
Monday, December 15, 2014
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
Ongoing training and technical assistance will be provided through the monthly New
State Adult Diploma Working Group, which meets typically the third Monday of
the month.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 2 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Pilot Program Details
Applicant
Pilot Sites
Key Contact
Requested
Amount
Target #
Served
Cass LakeBenaWalker
Cass Lake-Bena &
Walker
Sarah Larson
$10,000
12+
Central
Minnesota
St. Cloud Discovery Center
Scott Wallner
$10,000
20-25
DOC
St. Cloud and Faribault
facilities
Theresa LutherDolan
$8,046
40-65
Hiawatha
Valley
Red Wing/Southeast
Technical College
Jill Rivard
$9,478
6-20
Lakeville
Pathways Adult Education
Lakeville Area Learning
Center (Downtown Lakeville)
Clifford Skagen
$3,300
8-12
Metro North
Blaine Learning Lab (Colocation with the Anoka
County Workforce Center)
Patrice Adams
$10,000
15
Minneapolis
Volunteers of America Adult
High School
Kate Ronald
$5,000
25-50
Osseo
Osseo ABE Center
Julie Pierce
$9,687
20
Robbinsdale Adult Academic Program Sandburg Learning Center,
Golden Valley
Theresa Zingery
$10,000
10-15
Rochester
Hawthorne Education Center
Nadine Holthaus
$10,000
12
Southeast
Faribault
Yesica Louis
$9,995
35
Southwest
ABE Region
Lincoln Community Center
(Mankato), New Ulm
Workforce Center (Mankato),
BIC Graphics (Sleepy Eye),
Hutchison ABE site, Willmar
ABE site, SW ABE sites
(Marshall, Worthington,
Granite Falls, Pipestone),
AALC sites (LeSueur, St.
Peter), Faribault County ABE
site (Blue Earth)
Karen Wolters
$10,000
34
St. Paul
Community
Literacy
Consortium
Hubbs Center for Lifelong
Learning
Renada Rutmanis
$10,000
10-40
Total
26+ Sites
Minnesota Department of Education
$116,000 247-355
Page 3 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Cass Lake-Bena-Walker
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
Cass Lake-Bena
Cass Lake-Bena-Walker
Sarah Larson
Sarah.larson@lltc.edu
218-335-4284 or 218-252-7025
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Minnesota Department of Education
Sarah Larson
Sarah Larson. Patti Refsland
Lee Obermiller
Sarah Larson, Patti Refsland
Sarah Larson, Patti Refsland
Pat Rendle, ALC Administration
Sarah Larson
Lee Obermiller
Sarah Larson
Patti Refsland
Lee Obermiller
Sarah Larson
As needed: Patti Refsland and Lee Obermiller
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
Sarah Larson
Cass Lake-Bena-Walker ABE
Leech Lake Tribal College
Sarah.larson@lltc.edu
218-252-7025, 218-335-4284
Patti Refsland
Cass Lake-Bena-Walker ABE
Leech Lake Tribal College and Walker, MN
Patti.refsland@lltc.edu
218-547-4377, 219-234-7986
Lee Obermiller
Cass Lake-Bena-Walker ABE
Leech Lake Tribal College
ldober@gmail.com
320-224-4640
Pat Rendle
Cass Lake-Bena ALC
Cass Lake
prendle@clbs.k12.mn.us
218-256-5466, 218-335-2201 ex 6208
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
Sarah Larson has delivered GED instruction for 14 years and served adult diploma students for
12 years working with the local ALC. Previously she was a GED examiner for five years. Patti
Refsland has taught GED preparation for six years and worked with adult diploma students for
four years. Sarah and Patti have participated in many state-ABE delivered GED 2014
implementation workshops and webinars including Mathematical Reasoning, Writing, Social
Studies and Academic Language. Both have taken numerous adult learning theory workshops
at Summer Institute and Regional Workshops. Sarah Larson served with Phase One of the task
force to create the legislation allowing ABE delivery of the adult diploma. She has been actively
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
attending and participating in every Adult Diploma Working Group since it formed. She also
currently serves as part of the Distance Learning Task Force.
Lee Obermiller has worked with GED and adult diploma students as a substitute teacher for five
years. He has been following the development of the adult diploma since Phase One. As a high
school principal he has participated in organizational groups focused on aligning high school
curriculum with area post-secondary institutions. Implementation of Career Pathways, college
curriculum in the high school classroom for college credit, STEM, Project Lead the Way
(Industrial Technology engineering and technology readiness program) are examples of his
involvement with the development of curriculum, planning and student success. Additionally as
a high school principal he is familiar with requirements for graduation, college (4-year,
community, technical, private, etc.) entrance requirements and post-secondary career planning.
Pat Rendle has worked with alternative education for 8 years and adult diploma students for two
years developing models that create rigorous opportunities that meet students’ needs.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
Sarah Larson
1. ACES (trainer)
2. CCRS-sessions at SI, MNI Institute, Regional Workshops
3. Northstar Digital Literacy Standards
4. Project Ideal
5. STAR
6. PEGASUS review team (multiple years)
7. Graduate coursework in career counseling
Patti Refsland
 ACES
 CCRS-sessions at SI and Regional Workshops
 Northstar Digital Literacy Standards
 MNI 14 and MNI Institute (CCRS and ACES)
 Algebraic Reasoning for adult learners (E-learning World Ed.) (CCRS and ACES)
 Project Ideal
 STAR
 NW Minnesota LearnerWeb Administrator/lead trainer
Lee Obermiller
 Secondary Principal, 18 years
 Supervised and led the development and implementation of Minnesota State Standards
 Supervised high school to being a turn-around school as recognized by the United
States and Minnesota Departments of Education. At the time this was only turn-around
high school in the State of Minnesota.
 Supervised and led changes in academic and career counseling to include coordinating
curricular offerings with area colleges, increased ACT testing opportunities, development
of career pathways. The goal was to increase entrance into and successful completion
of post-secondary academic experiences for graduates.
 Implemented technology-based student academic records and reporting.
 Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) training. Certified SEED facilitator.
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description


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



Representative to the National Seminar on the Changing Roles & Relationships of
Teachers and Administrators, Washington D.C.
Participant in the Business and Education Partnerships; Teachers in the Workplace.
National Education Association Learning Laboratory Syposium, Colorado Springs, CO;
development of vertical management teams in educational organizations.
Participated in and completed Minnesota Principals' Academy, and executive
development program sponsored by the National Institute for School Leadership.
Industrial Technology teacher
Previous Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors
member
Northstar Digital Literacy Standards
Pat Rendle
 Principal of Cass Lake-Bena ALC
 Minnesota K-12 Standards-State administrator MDE conferences and workshops, MAAP
alternative education conference
 Curriculum vertical PLCs-Cass Lake-Bena District
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
Lee Obermiller served as a mentor, teacher and administrator in the K-12 system for over 40
years providing student advising students including as-risk students. He has provided GED
classroom advising to students for the previous five years. His expertise lies in being able to
relate to students and develop an excellent rapport with them. His back ground in Industrial
Technology provides a solid understanding of the requirements/knowledge/skills needed to
succeed in a wide variety of occupational clusters and will thus help in his ability to discern
whether or not individual students possess or need to develop the knowledge to gain
competency in the required domains.
The other staff members, while not delivering the initial advising piece, all advise students (ABE,
K-12 and college students) on a regular basis in the ABE and ALC classrooms and other school
settings.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Cass Lake-Bena and Walker
12+ (conservatively)
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
Yes
This option will not be available during the
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
Yes
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes and COMPASS
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
K-12 course completion verification
Yes
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Completion Option
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
Yes
Academy, APEX, or other options)
FastTRAC Programming
No
ABE College Prep Courses
Yes
Northstar Digital Literacy
Yes
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
Yes
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
Yes
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Yes
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
The Cass Lake-Bena class site is currently teaching 18 diploma students over the age of 21. At
least half of these students are ideal candidates for the new State Adult Diploma Program as
they passed three or four of the GED 2002 exams or have passed their state K-12 exams and
simply lack the total credits required with our current credit recovery model. The majority of
these students began this track last spring or this fall because they either 1) genuinely want
their diplomas or 2) are not interested/motivated to work on the new GED 2014. Most are
parents juggling a job, children and education; 75% have less than 25% of their credits to finish
completing their diplomas. In SY 2014 there were 106 active over the age of 21 at the Cass
Lake-Bena site. The number of ABE students served since 2008 without a secondary credential
is 248. Our US Census data for no diploma is Cass Lake-Bena, 521; Walker, 752, totaling 1273.
The adult diploma option has never been available to students in Walker; here are a huge
potential number of students. Our consortium is different than most due to the fact that our
population stays here, very few move away. This fact also helps ensure continued access to
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
adult diploma programming. Word is out on the street (via the moccasin telegraph) that the
diploma currently offered is a better option to achieve their credential.
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
We are already delivering adult diploma programming on an independent study basis at the
Leech Lake Tribal College class site, so we are well situated to immediately implement the state
diploma pilot. The advisor, as contracted service, will be the only addition to the staff, and the
part-time teacher’s hours will be increased to accommodate the additional classes. Current
programming for reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science, digital literacy,
transitions and credit bearing classes will be available to all adult diploma students. It is our
intent to roll out the state adult diploma at the Cass Lake and Walker sites.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
All class sites have computers for staff and students with internet access. All ABE staff are “tech
savvy” with computers, Word, Excel, various web browsers, discussion boards, social media
and email handlers. Patti and Sarah have taught with SkillsTutor, LearnerWeb, i-Pathways and
MindQuest since they were introduced to the ABE field. Plans also include incorporating the
Compass Learning Odyssey online credit recovery instruction providing students another option
for standards-based instruction. Lee, Sarah and Patti have proctored the Northstar Digital
Literacy Assessment to all incoming ABE students for 2+ years. Sarah was a trainer for
SkillsTutor in the NW Region when it was first introduced, as well as KeyTrain. Patti is the super
user of LearnerWeb for the NW Region.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 10 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Technology Resources Available for ABE Programming
Currently
Hardware
Students:
Five (5) Lenovo touchscreens desktops w/Webcams
Four (4) Windows laptops
One (1) classroom laser printer
LLTC college computer labs
OIC Students:
Eight (8) desktop systems
One (1) laser printer
Staff:
Three (3) desktop systems and laptops if needed
One (1)LCD projector
One (1) network color laser printer/fax/scanner
One (1) webcam
Software
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Outlook
Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer
Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor
Other
Staff:
MARCS
Future Plans



The Leech Lake Tribal College maintains the updating of the
hardware and software pursuant to the college planned
updates.
The laptops will need to be replaced by 2015 with tablets for
learner and staff use.
During the five-year period the Cass Lake-Bena Consortium
staff and administration will continue to explore the newest
technologies and their applications to ABE programming.
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Staff Technology Expectations and How Staff are Trained on Technology
Currently
Staff Technology Expectations
Staff is expected to:





Have basic computer knowledge to create documents,
spreadsheets and flyers
Access existing documents in shared network folders
Communicate effectively through email
Access and utilize discussion boards for various projects
Look up student data in MARCS
Staff Technology Training
Staff technology training has been done in house, at regionals,
Summer Institute, the MLC mentoring program, through
LearnerWeb modules, I-pathways training, annual MARCS
training and just plain muddling through and figuring it out.
Future Plans
Staff Technology Expectations
Staff will be expected to stay current on all new technologies
and software implemented by the ABE program as part of
their professional development.
Staff Technology Training
Staff are encouraged to take technology classes offered at the
district, tribal college, through the MLC or training found on
the web. MARCS staff will be expected to attend the annual
spring training.
How the ABE Program Provides Access to Technology for Students
Currently
There are computers for student access in the main ABE
classrooms. Laptops are brought to the remote class sites and
internet is provided by the host agency.
Future Plans
Computer access will remain available at all sites. Should
classroom numbers increase to the point where students do
not have access, the consortium will consider purchasing
additional computers/tablets.
How Technology Skills are Integrated into Core Literacy Instruction
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Currently
All students are administered the Northstar Digital Literacy
assessment at intake. Developing technology skills is viewed
as important as the other core skills. Students are usually
assigned at least one supplemental computer-related activity
per lesson varying from using the internet for further research
or practice, using Word to generate a document, keyboarding
or distance learning lessons.
Future Plans
Technology use will continue to be a core element of students’
education plans. The actual hardware used may change as
improvements are made, but the use will continue to be either
a primary or supplemental teaching tool. Consortium
management will work with all sites to ensure or improve
student access to appropriate technology. In School year
2014-15 the Leech Lake Tribal College will have completed
the ABE program home page with links to all programming
needed for ABE students. A Facebook page is planned for
launching in the fall of 2014.
Distance Learning Programs Used in the ABE Consortium
Currently







i-Pathways
Skills Tutor
Mindquest
KeyTrain
Learner Web
English for All
Learning Commons Odyssey
Minnesota Department of Education
Future Plans







i-Pathways
Skills Tutor
Mindquest
KeyTrain
Learner Web
English for All
Learning Commons Odyssey
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.
Much of our instruction is geared for individual or small-group instruction and is aligned with the
Minnesota K-12 standards for credit recovery. The core content will not require much alteration
in language arts, math, science, social studies, digital literacy and on-going career exploration.
We are in the process of realigning all our instruction with the CCRS and ACES.
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
There is a long history of collaborating with the Cass Lake-Bena ALC to meet the needs of adult
diploma students. The new state diploma will not require anything to be reinvented or expanded
with the ALC. The superintendent, ALC principal and the local school board are excited at the
potential of this project to have another option to best meet the needs of the community and
adult students. Informally school board members have been approached regarding the diploma
being issued locally and they are in favor of it, but they will not vote on it as a board action until
the program is implemented.
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Class or
Program
Name
Class Site(s)
Student
Placement
Level(s)
Class Led By
Class Goals
Class Content
Class Activities
Class Text(s),
Educational
Technology, &
Other Instructional
Materials
GED Prep
Cass Lake, NWI OIC, Walker,
Program Area
GED
CASAS
Scaled
TABE Reading from 461 – 596+
Intermediate Low to ASE
Class
and/or
Score
TABE Math 442 – 595+
High
Assessment(s)
TABE
Range
Class
One-to-One Tutoring
Distance Learning
ComputerPaid Teacher
Delivery Style
Assisted
Upon successful completion of this class students will be able to:
 Show improvement in core literacy skills through TABE post-testing
 Pass GED practice exams
 Pass Official GED exams
Pre-GED and GED prep in all four GED test preparation areas, tailored to the assessed needs of the students
Teacher/student individual interactions, completion of lessons for GED practice texts, paper and pencil practice on
teacher-prepared materials, computer/DL lessons, taking all 4 official practice tests.
New GED Test Strategies, Practice and Review – Kaplan Publishing
Total Solutions for the GED Test – Research and Education Association
GED Math Test Tutor – Research and Education Association
Short Lessons in US History-Jamestown
Pre-GED Writing, Math, Reading, Social Studies & Science – Steck-Vaughn
Breakthrough to Math Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 - New Readers Press
Number Power 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8 – Contemporary
Score Boost Skill Books – New Readers Press
GED Skill Books –Steck Vaughn
GED Satellite Series Writing, Math, Reading, Social Studies & Science – Contemporary
Breakthroughs in Writing and Language – Jamestown Publisher
Breakthrough in Social, Science and Reading – Contemporary
GED 1120 software – New Readers Press
Teacher prepared materials
Computer websites such as: i-Pathways, SkillsTutor, LearnerWeb, MindQuest Academy, Khan Academy, YouTube
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Class or
Program
Name
Adult Diploma
Class Site(s)
Student
Placement
Level(s)
Class Led By
Class Goals
Class Content
Class Activities
Class Text(s),
Educational
Technology, &
Other Instructional
Materials
Cass Lake, NWI OIC, Walker,
Intermediate High to ASE
High
Class
Assessment(s)
Program Area
TABE
Scaled
Score
Range
One-to-One Tutoring
ABE
518-596+
Paid Teacher
Delivery Style
Class
Distance Learning
To obtain a high school diploma
Classes vary depending on the number of credits students need for completion
Class activities include work in math, reading, science, social studies, language arts and electives as required
Students work with the independent study program at the Cass Lake-Bena ALC and the ABE program to earn credits and
competency to meet the state and local requirements of a high school diploma.
Online coursework options
Learning Commons Odyssey
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 16 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Class or
Program
Name
Class Site(s)
Student
Placement
Level(s)
Class Led By
Class Goals
Class Content
Class Activities
Class Text(s),
Educational
Technology, &
Other Instructional
Materials
Transitions to Post-Secondary
Program Area
GED
ABE
CASAS
Scaled
Class
ASE Low to ASE High
and/or
Score
567-596+
Assessment(s)
TABE
Range
Paid Teacher
Delivery Style
Class
One-to-One Tutoring
Distance Learning
Upon successful completion of this class students will be able to:
 Show improvement in core literacy skills through TABE post-testing
 Demonstrate digital literacy proficiency
 Improve COMPASS or ACCUPLACER test scores
 Show improvement of college study skills
General review of reading, writing and mathematics that relate to college readiness. Students will learn various
methods of study strategies, note taking, critical thinking and time management.
Teacher/student individual interactions, completion of lessons for college entrance practice texts, paper and pencil
practice on teacher-prepared materials, computer/DL lessons. College applications, FAFSA and scholarship
application.
Becoming a Master Student- Wadsworth Cengage Learning
Ten Skills You Really Need to Succeed in School-Townsend Press
Breakthrough to Math Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 - New Readers Press
Number Power 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8 – Contemporary
Patterns for College Writing-Bedford St. Martins Press
The College Writer-Houghton Mifflin
Topics from the Restless Jamestown Publishers
New Perspectives on Microsoft Office 2010 – Cengage Learning
LearnerWeb
Various MOOCs
Minnesota Department of Education
Cass Lake, NWI OIC, Walker,
Page 17 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Class or
Program
Name
Class Site(s)
Student
Placement
Level(s)
Class Led By
Class Goals
Class Content
Class Activities
Class Text(s),
Educational
Technology, &
Other Instructional
Materials
Basic Skills
Program Area
ABE
Scaled
Beginning Literacy to
Class
TABE
Score
TABE 0-460
Beginning Basic Ed
Assessment(s)
Range
Paid Teacher
Delivery Style
Class
One-to-One Tutoring
Distance Learning
Upon successful completion of this class students will be able to:
 Show improvement in core literacy skills through TABE post-testing
 Demonstrate digital literacy proficiency
Basic literacy needs in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, and computers
Teacher/student individual interactions, completion of lessons for testing or job performance improvement, paper and
pencil practice on teacher-prepared materials, computer/DL lessons
Breakthrough to Math Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 - New Readers Press
Number Power 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8 – Contemporary
Breakthroughs in Writing and Language – Jamestown Publishers
Breakthrough in Social, Science and Reading – Contemporary
Vocabulary Connections 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 – Steck Vaughn
Comprehension Skills: Facts, Main Ideas, Sequence, Context, Conclusion, Inference Levels C through F – Steck Vaughn
MegaWords 1,2,3- Educators Publishing Service
Signature Reading - Jamestown Publishers
Groundwork for a Better Vocabulary – Townsend Press
Vocabulary Basics –Townsend Press
Timed Readings Plus Book 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 – Jamestown Publishers
Words Their Way: Word Sorts for Syllables and Affixes Spellers –Pearson
Words Their Way: Word Sorts for Within Word Pattern Spellers – Peason
The Ojibwe People - Minnesota Historical Society Press
Various reading materials of interest/need for individual students
Teacher prepared materials
Computer websites such as: SkillsTutor, Khan Academy, KeyTrain, YouTube
Minnesota Department of Education
Cass Lake, NWI OIC, Walker,
Page 18 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Class or
Program
Name
Class Site(s)
Student
Placement
Level(s)
Class Led By
Class Goals
Class Content
Class Activities
Class Text(s),
Educational
Technology, &
Other Instructional
Materials
Workforce Education
Program Area
ELL
GED
ABE
Scaled
Beginning Literacy to ASE
Class
TABE
Score
0-596+
High
Assessment(s)
Range
Paid Teacher
Delivery Style
Class
One-to-One Tutoring
Distance Learning
Upon successful completion of this class students will be able to:
 Show improvement in core literacy skills through TABE post-testing
 Show improvement in job performance
Basic academic, literacy and employability skills to students who are employed by Leech Lake Gaming
Teacher/student individual interactions, completion of lessons for testing or job performance improvement, paper and
pencil practice on teacher-prepared materials, computer/DL lessons
Breakthrough to Math Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 - New Readers Press
Number Power 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8 – Contemporary
Practical Business Math Procedures –Richard Irwin, Inc.
Language Exercises for Adults – Steck Vaughn
New Perspectives on Microsoft Office 2010 – Cengage Learning
Computer websites such as: SkillsTutor, Khan Academy, KeyTrain, YouTube, LearnerWeb
Various reports, documents and forms from Leech Lake Gaming
Minnesota Department of Education
Cass Lake, NWI OIC, Walker
Page 19 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Class or
Program
Name
Class Site(s)
Student
Placement
Level(s)
Class Led By
Class Goals
Class Content
Class Activities
Class Text(s),
Educational
Technology, &
Other Instructional
Materials
Transition to Workforce
Program Area
ELL
GED
ABE
Scaled
Beginning Literacy to ASE
Class
TABE
Score
0-596+
High
Assessment(s)
Range
Paid Teacher
Delivery Style
Class
One-to-One Tutoring
Distance Learning
Upon successful completion of this class students will be able to:
 Show improvement in core literacy skills through TABE post-testing
 Show improvement in job seeking and keeping
General employability skills and soft skills that are essential in the workplace. This includes job searching, resume
creation and job interviewing skills.
Teacher/student individual interactions, completion of lessons job-related skills improvement, paper and pencil
practice on teacher-prepared materials, computer/DL lessons
Man, I Need a Job! – Open Inc.
I Need a Job, Now What?! – Silver Lining Books
Necessary Skills for the Workforce: Job Readiness - Steck-Vaughn
Essential Skills for the Workplace: Improving Workplace Performance- Contemporary Books
Reading for Workplace Success: General Business – Paradigm
Communication Skills that Work Book 1 and 2 – Contemporary Books
Success on the Job: Communicating Clearly – J. Weston Walch Publisher
Write for Work – Upwrite Press
Creating Your High School Resume – Jist Works
Gallery of Best Resumes for People Without a Four-year Degree - Jist Works
Computer websites such as: KeyTrain, SkillsTutor, ISEEK, YouTube
Minnesota Department of Education
Cass Lake, NWI OIC, Walker,
Page 20 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Central Minnesota ABE
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
St. Cloud Area Public Schools—ISD 742
Central Minnesota Adult Basic Education
Scott Wallner
scott.wallner@isd742.org
(320) 529-6500, x6212
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Scott Wallner, Laurie Leitch (Pilot Manager)
Jane Stevenson, Charity Lodermeier, Monica
Somppi
Jane Stevenson, Laurie Leitch, Phil Corbett
Deb McAlister, Joe Osgood, Laurie Leitch,
Emily Fischer, Renee Pepper
Charity Lodermeier, Jane Stevenson
Charity Lodermeier – Computer Technology,
Shari Claire – Data Management
Scott Wallner - Administer
Laurie Leitch – Pilot Manager/Instructor
Debra McAlister - Instructor
Joe Osgood - Instructor
Monica Somppi - Intake
Jane Stevenson – Intake, Advising,
Assessment
Laurie Leitch
Debra McAlister
Joe Osgood
Jane Stevenson
Laurie Leitch
Debra McAlister
Joe Osgood
(will alternate – at least one staff will attend
each month)
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Scott Wallner; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; scott.wallner@isd742.org
Laurie Leitch; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; laurie.leitch@isd742.org
Debra McAlister; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; debra.mcalister@isd742.org
Joe Osgood; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; joseph.osgood@isd742.org
Emily Fischer; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; emily.fischer@isd742.org
Renee Pepper; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; renee.pepper@isd742.org
Jane Stevenson; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; jane.stevenson@isd742.org
Monica Somppi; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; monica.somppi@isd742.org
Shari Claire; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; shari.claire@isd742.org
Charity Lodermeier; Discovery School-ABE; (320) 529-6500; charity.lodermeier@isd742.org
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
In 1987, our staff began offering an adult diploma program with the support of our local school
district - ISD 742. The diploma program continued until 2011, at which time it was dissolved due
to budget cuts and loss of content licensed teachers in mathematics, science, physical
education, and health. Deb McAlister (1987-2011), Renee Pepper (1987-2011), and Joe
Osgood (2000-2011) were all involved in administering and teaching in the diploma program.
Similarly, we have offered GED programming for nearly 30 years, and continue to offer this
program today. Once again, our three primary instructors: Deb, Renee, and Joe have managed
and provided instruction to students seeking their GEDs for decades. Laurie Leitch also joined
the GED team in 2010.
Mag Patridge, the Central MN ABE’s Regional Transitions Coordinator (RTC), attended many of
the Standard Adult High School Diploma Task Force meetings during the first half of 2014.
Through her attendance, we have continued to monitor the successful design and development
of the adult diploma program. Phil Corbett, who is a current counselor at St. Cloud Technical
High School, will be consulted regularly throughout the pilot especially around advising students
and evaluating transcripts.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
All of our adult diploma pilot instructors are licensed K-12 teachers. Collectively, they hold
degrees in Language Arts, Social Studies, and English as a Second Language (ESL). Through
their educational training as well as years of teaching experience, they have been trained in a
number of standards-based educational models. Renee Pepper is a current high school English
teacher in St. Cloud, and teaches within a standards-based system. Likewise, Joe Osgood was
recently a high school teacher and taught under a similar model. During the time of the ABE
Adult Diploma program, the instructors worked closely with their K-12 colleagues to ensure the
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 22 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
ABE curriculum aligned with the K-12 standards. Still today, ABE instructors are required to
attend district-wide in-service trainings on standards and effective teaching models and
methods.
Last year our teaching team participated in the ACES Transitions Integrated Framework
training. Through this training, we explored more ways to incorporate the ACES standards into
our existing courses. We plan to participate in the second year of ACES training this year.
In September 2014, four of our instructors participated in the Math Institute at Hamline
University. During this training we were introduced to the College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education (CCRS). We have reviewed the standards and anticipate the
opportunity to align our diploma curriculum with the standards.
Finally, this fall we began implementing the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards with our
diploma preparation cohort. In January, we plan to offer additional computer classes that will be
open to our diploma pilot students, in which students will complete the coursework necessary to
achieve the Northstar Digital Literacy certificate.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
During our adult diploma program (1987-2011) Debra McAlister administered the intakes and
goal setting for students. Since that time, all of our instructors advise students on how to
achieve their career and educational goals. Also, we have an excellent relationship with faculty
and staff at St. Cloud State University (SCSU), and we utilize their expertise when students
have questions regarding post-secondary education for which we do not have answers. SCSU
also provides Accuplacer testing in our facility annually, and they provide educational advising
based on the student’s test results. Finally, Jane Stevenson, BSSW, provides resource and
reference assistance and advising for students on a regular basis. Jane will be involved in the
advising process during our Adult Diploma pilot.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Discovery Community School, 700 7th Street
South, Waite Park, MN 56387
20-25
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
We are definitely interested in exploring this
This option will not be available during the
option
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
Yes
secondary schools +
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 23 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Possibly
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 24 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
Yes
Academy, APEX, or other options)
FastTRAC Programming
Yes
ABE College Prep Courses
Yes
Northstar Digital Literacy
Yes
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
Yes
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
Yes
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Yes
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
Currently, between our Discovery – Waite Park and Sauk Rapids locations, we have
approximately 120 students whose CASAS/TABE scores are very close to or exceed the entry
requirements of the Adult Diploma program. At this time we have 10-15 students who are very
interested in participating in the adult diploma program. Other students are already in the Sauk
Rapids High School Diploma Completion program, but may be better served through the Adult
Diploma program due to the large number of credits they have remaining to complete.
Additionally, our area high school counselors are very concerned about the growing number of
students in their schools who are “aging out” before they complete their high school diploma.
This is a particular problem in the St. Cloud Area School District because of the large
percentage of refugee students (30% of the district’s student population) who attend our
schools, but are not able to complete the number of required credits to achieve a high school
diploma by age 21. The adult diploma program would provide a pathway for these students to
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 25 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
continue their education. It would also provide an incentive for those students who do not have
reading scores at the sixth grade level to work hard to achieve the target scores by age 21.
About 40 students are anticipated to age-out during 2014-15, prior to them completing their high
school diploma.
Another factor when considering the need for a diploma program in Central Minnesota is the
U.S. Census Bureau’s data regarding high school graduation rates for residents age 25 and
older. St. Cloud has a 90.3% completion rate compared to Minnesota’s rate of 91.9%. Within the
city of St. Cloud alone, that means there are approximately 6,400 adults without a high school
credential. This does not include residents living in neighboring communities: Waite Park,
Sartell, Sauk Rapids, St. Joseph, St. Augusta, etc.
For the reasons mentioned above, we feel our estimated pilot participant number of 20-25
students is very reasonable, and we will most likely have more demand than space to
accommodate all interested students.
Question C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
We believe we have excellent capacity to successfully facility the state adult diploma pilot. Our
learning spaces are former classrooms (900 square feet each) located in an elementary school
built in 1990. Within a six-block radius of our location sit dozens of rental units, many of them
designated for persons of low-income.
The St. Cloud Community Education department supports our efforts as well, and has offered
their help and financial assistance as needed. Additional monies are available to this pilot
project as shown in Question D-1.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
At our Discovery site we have a computer lab with 24 new desktop computers. Currently, we
utilize a number of programs including: Aztec, Skills Tutor, Northstar Digital Literacy, Typing
Club, and My Foundations Lab. Additionally, we have the Microsoft Office Suite, Gmail, Google
Docs as well as a number of other websites that we utilize for instruction. All consortium staff
members have access to MARCS data on a read-only basis.
We plan to utilize the Learner Web online portfolio tool as our primary student management
system. An online portfolio provides students with a portable, authentic set of documents that
prove competency and help students succeed in securing employment, post-secondary
education, and/or other opportunities. Online student portfolios will include the student’s
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 26 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
personal learning plan, transcripts, resumes, writing samples, and other evidence that
demonstrates competency in a variety of areas.
In January, we have scheduled an in-service day with Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt to have an indepth training/discussion on Skills Tutor. The goal of the training is to determine if and how we
can incorporate Skills Tutor as a distance learning option for our students. Currently, many of
our students utilize Aztec remotely to prepare for the GED, as well as My Foundations Lab to
prepare for the Accuplacer. Unfortunately, we do not receive credit toward contact hours for
these applications.
In the spring of 2014, Central Minnesota ABE participated in a Libraries and Literacy partnership
with the St. Paul Public Library, the St. Cloud Public Library, and the Minnesota Literacy
Council. Northstar Digital Literacy classes were offered in the fall at the St. Cloud Public
Library, and later at the Minnesota Workforce Center-St. Cloud.
We have distance learning experience primarily through GED-i and i-Pathways options that
we’ve offered to learners. We’ve had as many as six students working on GED prep online
through one of these options, although enrollments have steadily declined the past year.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
Our intention is to provide a combination of one-to-one instruction and course offerings. We will
continue to offer the STAR reading classes, Effective Writing courses, and various math
classes, based on student need. Additionally, we will use the course curriculum approved for
high school diploma credit through Sauk Rapids ABE. These courses provide standards-based
instruction in all high school content areas. Finally, we would like to augment our face-to-face
instruction with learning modules from both the My Foundations Lab and Aztec software
programs.
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
We have three high schools that serve students of the St. Cloud Area school district: Technical
High School, Apollo High School, and the Area Learning Center. Administrative staff from all
three schools are supportive of ABE applying for the pilot, and in adding a diploma option for
adults 21 and older. Counseling staff has indicated a willingness to work with ABE in issuing
diplomas from all three high schools.
An adult diploma option is viewed as a great asset and option to students who “age-out” in St.
Cloud once they’ve reached 21 years of age. St. Cloud has a fairly large number of students
aging-out each year, and many of them are ELL learners (as described earlier in this
application).
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 27 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC)
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
Minnesota Department of Corrections
MCF – St. Cloud, MCF - Faribault
Theresa Luther-Dolan
Theresa.Luther@state.mn.us
651-361-7243
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Minnesota Department of Education
Theresa Luther-Dolan, Randy Bergman and
Nancy Rosman
Randy Bergman
Randy Bergman and Nancy Rosman
Ben Murphy, Patricia Lowery, Greg Roach,
Ray Ades, Sherrill Borgstahl, Randy Hardy
and Michael Rathbun
Karen Studanski, Jill Hanson and Christy
Hanson
Brandon Palmer – IT Staff, Offender Student
Network; Tom Martin – IT Staff, MCF-Saint
Cloud; Michal Munoz – IT Staff, MCF-Faribault
Theresa Luther-Dolan
Randy Bergman, Nancy Rosman
Instructors: Ben Murphy, Patricia Lowery,
Greg Roach, Ray Ades
Support Staff: Karen Studanski
Theresa Luther-Dolan
Randy Bergman, Nancy Rosman
Instructors: Ben Murphy, Patricia Lowery,
Greg Roach, Ray Ades
Support Staff: Karen Studanski
Theresa Luther-Dolan, Randy Bergman,
Nancy Rosman, Karen Studanski, Ray Ades
Page 28 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application. See Attachment B-1.
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
The three administrators all have experience in ABE, GED and ADP:



Luther-Dolan: ABE/ESL/GED teacher, GED chief examiner, ABE program manager and
ADP Director, and regional transitions coordinator (RTC)
Bergman: Education Director – MCF-Saint Cloud (SCL); ABE site manager for the MN
DOC consortium’s “intake center”
Rosman: Education Director – MCF Faribault (FRB); ABE site manager for the MN
DOC’s largest ABE site
The teachers participating in the Adult Diploma Program (ADP) pilot are MN licensed teachers
and are currently providing literacy instruction leading to a GED and/or providing instruction in
the current DOC Adult Diploma Program. The Corrections Teaching Assistant (CTA) has been
the DOC ABE consortium’s ADP coordinator for a number of years, and is an experienced test
administrator.








Murphy: Teacher, Transitions to Postsecondary and Careers (TPSC); licensed in Social
Studies 7-12
Ades: Teacher, TPSC; ACES training facilitator; licensed in Vocational Ag
Lowery: Teacher, ABE/GED Language Arts and Social Studies; EBRI (Evidence-Based
Reading Initiative) trained; licensed in Elementary 1-6 and Special Education EBD
Roach: Teacher, ABE/GED math and science; MNI (Minnesota Numeracy Initiative)
trained; licensed in Physical Education and Special Education EBD
Borgstahl: Teacher, English/Language Arts 7-12
Hardy: Teacher, ABE/GED social studies and math; licensed in Social Studies 7-12
Rathbun: Teacher, ABE/GED math; licensed in Math 7-12
Studanski: Corrections Teaching Assistant; certified TABE, GED, ACT and Accuplacer
tester/proctor; tracks adult diploma program enrollment and data for the DOC consortium
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
All the ADP pilot teachers are trained in ACES and, in addition, two teachers (one from each
site) provide instruction in the DOC’s Transitions to Postsecondary and Careers (TPSC) course.
The TPSC curriculum includes components of the College and Career Readiness Standards for
Adult Education and will be evaluated and revised to ensure that all the CCRS are being met
through this instruction.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 29 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
The SCL Education Director, who will have the role of overseeing intake and direct advising,
has completed Computer Literacy Curriculum Planning training sponsored by the Minnesota
Literacy Council. Both the pilot project lead contact/administrator and the MCF-SCL
administrator have completed the manager modules from the Digital Literacy course developed
through the MN ABE Supplemental Services grant. The project lead has extensive experience
with distance learning, as well.
Northstar Digital Literacy standards will be implemented into Corrections during this pilot phase.
All ADP pilot instructors and pilot staff will be trained in Northstar Digital Literacy instruction
modules and data analysis.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
Initial student advising by trained SCL intake staff takes place during intake for all adult male
offender students. SCL has staff who are trained in TABE, ACT and Accuplacer assessment,
GED proctoring, 9-12 grade statewide assessments (MCAs and Graduation), and on developing
ABE personal education plans (PEP’s) and individual education plans (IEP’s) for Special
Education students. Upon completion of academic assessments, an intake advisor discusses
the educational plan with each student. Examples of the forms used to evaluate and plan the
education pathway are attached. MCF-FRB are also trained in the above mentioned
assessments as well as in developing PEP’s.
TPSC teachers at both sites provide college and career readiness advising as part of their
course curriculum.
The intake process and current academic planning forms will be evaluated and revised to align
with the World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) objectives and required completion options of the new
ADP.
Initially, ongoing advising will continue beyond intake by the education director at each site
during this ADP pilot period. TPSC teachers, who are already trained in career advising, along
with other participating ABE instructors, will be trained to assist with ongoing student advising
and counseling with individual ADP candidates. Professional development will be necessary for
the education directors and ABE teachers to be prepared for this expanded role of advising so
that the advising process is seamless for the participants as they continue to complete their
diploma requirements and for future adult diploma students beyond the pilot period. Where
appropriate, adult diploma advising and revision of personal education plans will take place as a
classroom activity, led by the education director and/or participating ABE teacher/advisor.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
Minnesota Department of Education
MCF – St. Cloud and MCF - Faribault
St. Cloud – 25-40 Faribault 15-25
(Please complete checklist below of all
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
MCF – St. Cloud and MCF - Faribault
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
Yes we will consider the NEDP if it becomes
This option will not be available during the
available.
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
Yes, we will review transcripts from foreign
secondary schools +
secondary schools.
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Yes – use Red Wing’s Maginnis High School,
and/or credits verified from other school
districts
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Yes (including completion of our own TPSC
Language Arts module)
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
Yes
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
Yes
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Yes
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored YES
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
Yes
TOEFL
Yes (if approved by MDE and if the student
has taken it outside of the DOC)
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Yes
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning
N/A at this time in the DOC
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
Yes
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
Minnesota Department of Education
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes – use Red Wing’s Maginnis High School,
and/or credits verified from other school
districts
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes, to include Accuplacer, ACT or other
potential test approved by MDE.
Yes
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes, including our TPSC Math module
N/A at this time in the DOC
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes – use Red Wing’s Maginnis High School,
and/or credits verified from other school
districts curriculum
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A at this time in the DOC
Yes
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
K-12 course completion verification
Yes – use Red Wing’s Maginnis High School,
and/or credits verified from other school
districts curriculum
Postsecondary course completion verification
Yes
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
Yes
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
Yes
score
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning
N/A at this time in the DOC
Approved and aligned research project and/or Yes
report
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
Yes – TPSC Career & College Readiness
module curriculum
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
1. WorkKeys - NCRC assessment &
Academy, APEX, or other options)
KeyTrain curriculum (May not be
available before the AD pilot period
begins but there are plans to implement
this software (not the web based
version);
2. Aztec software’s “Ready for Work” and
“Career Foundations” modules
FastTRAC Programming
N/A at this time in the DOC
ABE College Prep Courses
Not currently available in the DOC, but we will
look into implementing in the future.
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
Northstar Digital Literacy
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes – using UltraKey6 software
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
MN Department of Corrections has approximately 1600 ABE enrollees, 21 years of age or older,
who do not have a high school or GED diploma. This pilot project will focus on two of the eight
adult MN Correctional Facilities: MCF’s Faribault (FRB) and Saint Cloud (SCL). Our focus
population for the pilot will be enrollees who have TABE tested at a 6.0- 9.0 level in Reading at
these two locations and are at least 21 years of age with no diploma. Students testing above 9.0
in Reading will be considered if additional pilot slots are available. Our target number in the pilot
is 40-65, MCF- Faribault 15-25 students and MCF- St. Cloud 25-40 students. Our experience in
the DOC is that students who come to us with ASE low or ASE high reading levels can achieve
the GED in a relatively short amount of time, and they tend to prefer the GED route over the
ADP program. Our target population was selected so that they will have the opportunity to
complete competencies and diploma requirements through a process other than the traditional
ADP or GED process.
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
The MN Department of Corrections (DOC) mission is to provide educational opportunities that
advance academic achievement and successful reentry. Through DOC Education’s vision,
each facility provides pathways to achieve an enhanced quality of life and improved economic
stability through education. The first goal of DOC Education is to deliver targeted, data-driven
instruction designed to maximize academic achievement and prepare students for postsecondary education and the workplace. Corrections’ post-secondary and career goal is to
prepare students for workplace and post-secondary success through career readiness
preparation, career technical training, and post-secondary academic course work.
ABE students have the opportunity to receive personalized instruction to improve literacy skills,
advance to a high school or GED diploma and transition to post-secondary and career training.
Among the many classes are English Language Learner services, literacy and basic skills, GED
Diploma preparation and testing, and a Transition to Post-Secondary and Career course. In
addition, there are a number of post-secondary options including on-site courses in AA Degree,
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options and many Post-Secondary Career Technical courses in the
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
following Career Clusters: Business and Administrative Services, Construction, Human
Services, Information Technology, Manufacturing, and Scientific/Technical career areas.
The variety and levels of course options and instruction available to offender students has the
intensity that is needed for successful completion of a diploma program. Offender students
attend classes a minimum of 15 hours per week. They receive individual instruction as needed
and move at a pace that is appropriate for their skill level. This new adult diploma model will
serve as a bridge to the careers and postsecondary training for ABE students age 21 and older.
Currently, the DOC adult facilities have a high school diploma program in collaboration with
MCF-Red Wing’s Walter Maginnis High School. This high school will continue to work with the
adult facilities in the ADP pilot. Students in our target population often are not able to complete
a GED or the traditional ADP through Maginnis High School within 1-2 years. Because
Corrections has the goal to provide post-secondary, career and technical training and job
opportunities, students are motivated to complete their diploma so they are eligible for these
career and training opportunities. Obtaining a high school diploma (or GED) is a pre-requisite to
enroll in post-secondary and career training courses in the DOC. Because of their age, many of
these students have other skills and life experiences that can be considered for completing
specific adult diploma competency domain completion requirements. Corrections has the
capacity to provide a rigorous but different adult diploma instructional model for these older
students who desire to move into career training more quickly than the diploma completion
options available to them right now. This third instructional model can be tailored to each
individual by offering an array of completion options for ensuring each graduate has the skills
needed to be successful in post-secondary and/or career training. Students learn at their own
pace, and through this ADP pilot they will advance only after achieving mastery of specific
assignments designed for each student. Regular feedback intervals will be provided for telling a
student exactly what they need to work on and the design of this diploma program will provide
an instructional model for these students who have been unsuccessful in a traditional academic
environment. Students will be able to learn better when we are able to provide learning
conditions appropriate to their individual situation.
The DOC also has a comprehensive transition to post-secondary and career training (TPSC)
course which prepares students for workplace and post-secondary success via modules that
include career and college readiness preparation. Achievement gaps are addressed in the
context of postsecondary readiness and career training which will be very much aligned with the
state’s new “Striving for the World’s Best Workforce” (WBWF) legislation. The components of
the TPSC program are already closely aligned to a number of WBWF objectives, as students
complete modules in career readiness, college readiness, digital literacy and financial literacy –
in addition to improving their math and language arts. It is in the DOC’s technology plan to add
WorkKeys and the National Career Readiness Credential (NCRC) as an additional completion
option at some point during the ADP pilot period. The NCRC is another way an adult diploma
student will be able to demonstrate competency in the Career Development and Employability
Skills domain. See Attachments C-2a, C-2b and C-2c
College classes are offered at the SCL and FRB facilities. Currently, only students with high
school or GED diplomas are eligible, but the DOC is considering investigating concurrent
enrollment for selected and eligible ADP pilot students.
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
The DOC has developed a system for creating an individual learning plan and for evaluating
and reviewing credits and academic progress for the McGinnis High School Diploma. This
model will be revised to include components of completion options for the ADP pilot. Our
current learning plan describes the academic requirements in Math, Language Arts, Science
and Social Studies and includes electives such as Anger Management, Study Skills, and Mental
Health. Students may have already completed these courses which can be considered for
competency completion towards toward the Adult Diploma. See Attachment C-2d
The DOC uses the MARCS Data System for tracking learner demographics and progress. As
the state develops electronic documents for reporting electronic student portfolios, the current
MARCS System and other Excel documents currently in use will be adapted or revised to
provide transferrable student portfolio records. The Corrections Teaching Assistant (CTA) who
will be on this ADP pilot project team is certified in TABE, GED, ACT and Accuplacer testing.
She currently tracks high school credit completion for adults participating in the DOC’s current
ADP in collaboration with Maginnis High School. She will be assisting with developing and
maintaining a student portfolio tracking process for this pilot. See Attachment C-2e
Current ADP pilot instructors will eventually take on an advising role at the two facilities. All the
instructors participating in the ADP pilot are ACES trained and they now implement the TIF in all
instruction. In the event an ADP pilot instructor changes and ACES training is needed for the
instructor replacement, the TPSC instructors are ACES training facilitators and will provide the
necessary training.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
The DOC’s Master Academic Plan (MAP) includes objectives to “Develop secure web-based
educational opportunities” and “Implement digital literacy instruction into education programs”.
The DOC wants all students to leave the DOC prepared for post-secondary education and the
workplace. Instructional technology will be leveraged to optimize efficiency, and to tailor and
expand teaching methodology to best meet student learning style needs. In addition, the DOC
consortium’s 2011-12 ABE Narrative includes a comprehensive technology plan.
The ADP Pilot project administrator has experience with using distance learning for ABE
instruction and has participated in DL101. She will develop a plan with the ADP Pilot project
team to provide appropriate online learning for ADP pilot students. Even though the DOC has
some online access limitations, specific software and online capabilities are in place, including
the ability to administer online testing such as GED2014, Accuplacer and ACT. The two ADP
pilot sites will have access to UltraKey 6 Typing Tutor and Northstar Digital Literacy assessment
and instruction modules. KeyTrain curriculum designed to prepare students to earn the National
Career Readiness Credential (NCRC) will be purchased for use in this pilot, and students will be
able to take the NCRC assessment, as well. Each site has computers in the classrooms as well
as separate computer labs. Online portfolios for the participating students will be developed for
this ADP pilot project through Learner’s Web, per ADP pilot requirements. See Attachments C3a and C-3b
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
Specific components of the DOC’s education programming are provided in the response to
Section C-2 above. In addition, The DOC’s adult education programming overview, along with a
sampling of relevant ABE course descriptions, are attached. See Attachments C-4a through C4j.
UltraKey6 typing tutor (networked software) and Northstar Digital Literacy modules will be used
for digital literacy instruction and will be imbedded across all levels of ABE, including in the
ADP. CareerScope, another networked software solution, is used at all sites in the DOC. This
assessment is a computerized career assessment and reporting system that measures both
aptitude and career interest to help adults begin the career or educational planning process.
The NCRC assessment and its aligned curriculum (KeyTrain) will be added to the DOC’s
instructional materials during the ADP pilot period. This is a portable credential that
demonstrates achievement in the workplace employability skills of Applied Mathematics,
Locating Information and Reading for Information. This assessment measures “real world” skills
that employers believe are critical to job success.
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
The DOC is considered a school district and the accredited secondary school that grants a high
school diploma is MCF-Red Wing’s Walter Maginnis High School. This school is committed to
partnering with the DOC adult facilities in the pilot. Students earning an adult diploma will
participate in a graduation ceremony at their respective adult facility.
In some cases, “home” high schools are contacted when an offender student has only 1-3
credits remaining to graduate from that school, and are asked to collaborate on an instructional
plan for the student to complete their diploma from his/her own school. This may be an option
for our ADP pilot students, as well.
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Hiawatha Valley ABE
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
Red Wing Community Education/ISD#239
Hiawatha Valley ABE (HVABE)
Jill Rivard
jkrivard@rwps.org
651-385-4562
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Jill Rivard
Rob Whinnery, Marcy Underwood
Marcy Underwood, Beth Borgen
Chuck Butler, Marcy Underwood, Rob
Whinnery, Dorothy Eckblad
Marcy Underwood, Rob Whinnery, Chuck
Butler
Dr. Beth Borgen, Red Wing H.S. Principal on
special assignment
Jill Rivard
Dr. Beth Borgen, Marcy Underwood, Chuck
Butler, Rob Whinnery
Jill Rivard, Chuck Butler, Marcy Underwood,
Rob Whinnery
Jill Rivard, Dr. Beth Borgen, Marcy Underwood
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 37 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
See attachment – Question B-1 – Staff Roster.
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
The project administrator, Jill Rivard has been the Red Wing School District ACT coordinator
and assessment coordinator working with BST and MCA test implementation and data analysis.
She was the instructional technological coordinator for the school district. She is the HVABE
Director and has been trained in MARCS Data System. Jill recently was appointed as one of
the new Regional Transitions Coordinators for the Southeast region.
Through an articulated agreement, Chuck Butler teaches developmental education for
Southeast Technical College, where our ABE class site is located. All instructors who will be
participating in this Adult Diploma pilot teach GED preparation and general ABE classes.
Rob Whinnery is trained in DL101 and coordinates distance learning for all HVABE learners and
participates in ongoing training for i-Pathways, KeyTrain and other approved GED/ABE online
platforms such as Skills Tutor. He is a Pearson Vue examiner for GED Testing and MTLE
Testing at the Technical College.
Each of the instructors for the Adult Diploma Pilot are certified MN teachers and teach all
subject areas of ABE and GED prep.
Dr. Beth Borgen is the former Red Wing High School Principal who we have worked with for the
adult diploma program we have currently been operating. She is now a principal on special
assignment for Red Wing School District providing the role of Director of Support Services.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
Each for the instructors for the Adult Diploma Pilot are ACES trained and Chuck Butler is an
ACES training facilitator. He was also on the ACES/TIF first development team.
Marcy Underwood is a former high school career and guidance counselor and handles the
intake for 40% of current HVABE students. She works closely with the High School Principal,
Dr. Beth Borgen, to develop individual learning plans for high school diploma completion for
ABE enrolled adults over the age of 21. Rob Whinnery is trained in DL101 and he is the intake
advisor for all new HVABE enrollees and coordinates the distance learning for all learners in
HVABE and he will be participating in the DL102 training Fall 2014. Dorothy Eckblad teaches
basic computer literacy and is a former special education teacher. She also teaches career
pathway training courses for HVABE as well as Developmental Education Math 1 and
Read/Write 1 for Southeast Technical College’s articulated agreement with HVABE.
Northstar Digital Literacy Standards are used for developing computer skills individual plans and
Northstar Digital Literacy Modules are used for instruction. All staff are familiar with using
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Northstar Digital Literacy and it is the primary instructional tool for the basic computer classes.
Funds from this Adult Diploma Pilot will be used to become a sponsor agency with Northstar
Digital Literacy so that more data and programs will be accessible at the Technical College
location and the Red Wing Public Library where we hold basic computer classes.
The CCRS are imbedded in the transitions course called Career Access Program (CAP) in
which all HVABE learners have the option to participate and it is a pre-requisite for participation
in any of the career pathway training course HVABE offers.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
Marcy Underwood develops learning plans with the high school Principal to ensure that adult
diploma candidates have a sufficient rigor so that graduates meet the school district
requirements and have the skills needed to be successful in post-secondary training and/or
careers. Her background as a high school guidance counselor is very useful for determining the
unique individual plans when there is a special situation with an adult learner.
HVABE also has a collaborative agreement with Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) in which
WDI provides a part time career counselor to work with HVABE students in developing career
goals, resumes, and job readiness. The counselor from WDI averages 10 hours per week with
direct contact with ABE learners and individual counseling. She also assists at ABE new
orientation sessions and leads the career exploration and goals setting process of the
orientation.
The Red Wing High School principal, Dr. Beth Borgen, has been working with the HVABE adult
diploma program for 6 years and has developed an individual learning plan template which can
be adapted to each individual learner’s needs. She oversees the progress of each adult
diploma learner and revises the individual plans as needed.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Red Wing/Southeast Technical College
6-20
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
This option will not be available during the
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 39 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
yes
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verfication
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes (Developmental Education courses in
Read/Write 1 and Math 1)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (i-Pathways)
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (i-Pathways, Skills Tutor, KeyTrain)
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (i-Pathways)
Yes
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 40 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (i-Pathways)
Yes
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
Yes - KeyTrain
Academy, APEX, or other options)
FastTRAC Programming
ABE College Prep Courses
Yes – Career Pathway Training courses
Northstar Digital Literacy
Yes
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
Yes
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
Yes
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Yes
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
The Hiawatha Valley ABE program is a consortium of seven school districts with the main
programming taking place in Red Wing and Red Wing is the fiscal agent. There are students
from each of the other consortium member districts who desire to earn a high school diploma
instead of a GED. Red Wing High School has an adult diploma model that has been effective
and we would like to enhance the current model so it can be proposed to the other consortium
member school districts for approval. Twenty-seven percent of HVABE enrollees in this current
program year are 21 years or older and have no high school diploma.
HVABE has a Memorandum of Understanding with Prairie Island Indian Education Center in
which we provide ABE instruction towards completing a Red Wing High School Diploma for
Native American adults over age 21. The current adult diploma model we have been
implementing had 13 graduates from Prairie Island in the past 4 years.
We currently have 10 – 20 students who are struggling to achieve the skills needed for the GED
2014 exam. They completed the GED 2002 exam but did not have high enough scores to earn
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
the diploma by final year of that GED test version. These individuals are excellent candidates to
participate in a new model of adult diploma completion - a model that recognizes their current
achievements and builds on their skills and experience. We would plan to revise our current
adult diploma model for these potential candidates and future adults at Prairie Island Education
Center so that HVABE will achieve a higher completion rate of graduates.
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
Red Wing High School has been very successful in developing a model similar to the new
Minnesota State approved Adult Diploma and plans to adapt the current process to fit the new
MN adult diploma. The Individual Learning Plan (ILP) currently being used has many of the
components required for the new adult diploma and with minimal revisions/additions we will be
able to provide a very comprehensive adult diploma program that will meet the Minnesota
standards.
HVABE has the capacity to provide digital literacy through Northstar Digital Literacy. We have
well trained teaching staff, all of whom have MN Teaching licensures and 5-20 years of
experience teaching adults in an ABE environment. This program has been successful using
face-to-face classroom, individual tutoring and online instruction.
Among the current HVABE enrollees, 25% are hybrid learners. Those learners attend face-toface class an average of 10-16 hours per week and complete online/distance learning
assignments an average of 20 additional hours per week. The HVABE program delivery model
offers enough intensity of instructional hours for an adult diploma candidate to successfully
complete the program within six months or less. For candidates who are not able to complete
the pilot program and graduate within six months, this new adult diploma delivery model will
continue beyond the pilot period.
HVABE is a small program that has the capacity to provide individualized instruction for all ABE
learners. Most instruction is not in a group setting but individual tutoring. This type of delivery
model allows intervention and designing guided instruction that builds on the learner’s current
skills.
Program data is entered in the MARCS Data System and HVABE has trained data entry staff
who will be able to maintain electronic student portfolios as the state’s system is developed.
The HVABE Director, who will be actively participating on the AD pilot team, has experience
developing systems and evaluating data which will be very helpful as the state develops an
electronic system.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
See attachments – Question C-3 (Distance Learning Plan).
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
HVABE uses i-Pathways, Northstar Digital Literacy, Skills Tutor, KeyTrain for online learning
instruction and has general GED instructional materials
See attachments – Question C-4 (Course descriptions).
The current course called CAP (Career Access Program) is a transition to careers course. The
CAP content includes career exploration, planning and goal setting, and study skills. The c See
attachments – Question C-4 Course is co-taught by the WDI Navigator and Rob Whinnery.
Through collaborative agreements with MN State College –Southeast Technical, HVABE has
had access to “My Foundations Lab” and “Accuplacer Prep” . These two agencies are in the
process of developing an Accuplacer Prep workshop to be held several times per year for
potential new Southeast Technical enrollees and will be co-taught by HVABE and Southeast
Technical faculty. HVABE students in the Adult Diploma Pilot will be required to participate in
the Accuplacer workshop as part of their completion requirements.
HVABE personal education plan (PEP) will be revised to include components from the CAP
course checklist so that is more aligned with the World’s Best Workforce.
See attachments - Question C-4 (PEP and CAP Framework and Checklist).
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
Hiawatha Valley ABE has a current agreement with Red Wing High School to provide adult
diploma instruction for candidates to earn a diploma from Red Wing High School. There have
been discussions with Zumbrota-Mazeppa and Wabasha-Kellogg High Schools (which are
HVABE consortium members) to establish an agreement to earn a high school diploma from
these schools using the adult diploma completion criteria. More discussions will take place
during the Adult Diploma pilot phase. It is expected that there will be at least these two more
schools or possibly all the high schools in the consortium will approve the new adult diploma
process and will award high school diplomas in their school name to appropriate candidates.
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Lakeville ABE
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
ISD #194 – Lakeville Area Public Schools
Lakeville ABE
Clifford Skagen
Clifford.skagen@isd194.org
952.232.2080
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Minnesota Department of Education
Clifford Skagen
Nancy Mena, Sharon Danley, Janet McAlpine,
Clifford Skagen
Clifford Skagen, Joan Vievering
Joan Vievering. Terrance Reisch, Erin
Mulvany-Mankowski, Seth Nelson, Steve
Anderson, Jennie Groby, Anne Glassman,
Mary Pat Carpentier, Lauen Fox,
Joan Vievering. Terrance Reisch, Erin
Mulvany-Mankowski, Seth Nelson, Steve
Anderson, Jennie Groby
Social Worker – Elaine Korsch
ISD #194 District Technology Support Team
(Hardware, network and wireless), ISD #194
Digital Literacy Coordinator – Chris Meyers
(training and software support), Executive
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Barbara Knudsen, District Program Director –
Emily McDonald (School Liaison Support
Workers, Equity Services and Link 12 – Online
Learning)
Joan Vievering, Erin Mulvany-Mankowski,
Clifford Skagen, Terrance Reisch
Joan Vievering, Erin Mulvany-Mankowski,
Clifford Skagen, Terrance Reisch
Page 44 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Clifford Skagen
Nancy Mena, Sharon Danley, Janet McAlpine,
Clifford Skagen
Clifford Skagen, Joan Vievering
Joan Vievering. Terrance Reisch, Erin
Mulvany-Mankowski, Seth Nelson, Steve
Anderson, Jennie Groby, Anne Glassman,
Mary Pat Carpentier, Lauen Fox,
Joan Vievering. Terrance Reisch, Erin
Mulvany-Mankowski, Seth Nelson, Steve
Anderson, Jennie Groby
Social Worker – Elaine Korsch
ISD #194 District Technology Support Team
(Hardware, network and wireless), ISD #194
Digital Literacy Coordinator – Chris Meyers
(training and software support), Executive
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Barbara Knudsen, District Program Director –
Emily McDonald (School Liaison Support
Workers, Equity Services and Link 12 – Online
Learning)
Clifford Skagen, Erin Mulvaney-Mankowski
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
See Attachment A
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
Pathways Adult Education staff includes the staff of Lakeville Area Learning Center. Currently,
we offer Adult Diploma through credit completion in conjunction with our Area Learning Center.
In addition, our late GED teacher, David Hoyord, was instrumental in implementing the GED
2014 and distance learning program. Supporting David was Joan Vievering (our current GED
Teacher), our ABE staff, and ALC staff.
Lakeville Area Learning Center offers the current Adult Diploma via credit completion. These
same teachers also instruct courses for the standard K-12 diploma.
Even though our participation has been limited in serving on state wide task forces, because we
are a small program, we are truly dedicated towards education excellence and refining our
processes to deliver high quality GED and adult diploma programming.
Our team has agreed to attend the two training and participate in the ongoing training
assistance team.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 45 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
In addition, our learner diploma progress closely matches the proposed Adult Diploma Program
Process. Our current process starts with an intake meeting, developing and setting goals in the
Personal Learning Plan, providing instruction that meets the needs of the learners, track
progress, providing additional support (such as a reading specialist), and advising learners for
career college and college preparation.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
All of our teachers have been trained in and are using standards-based instruction which
includes the Minnesota’s K-12 Standards. In addition, all teachers meet the Highly Qualified
Teacher (HQT) as set forth in the NCLB. Our Pathways Adult Education staff has been using
the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards and we have started to implement the ACES TIF. In
addition, we are starting to break apart the CCRS.
Lakeville Area Public Schools is committed to a world class education for all learners. To help
Pathways Adult Education, our curriculum and instruction specialists are available to implement
all standards that are applicable to the Minnesota State High School Diploma.
Pathways Adult Education also have work programs that are located within major corporations
and we coordinate work experience programs, for Lakeville Area Learning Center, throughout
our communities that we serve. Moreover, we are providing students to be career and college
ready.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
Pathways Adult Education and Lakeville Area Learning Center has extensive experience in
providing students with solid advice. Our staff has received training in career and college
readiness such as AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). We have also work with
Lakeville South and Lakeville North High School deans and career counselors to augment our
understanding and practices of career and college ready. Our work coordinators also
communicate with local employers and training is based on employers’ need. We have also
established contacts with our local MnScu institutions. In addition, we offer ACCUPLACER prep
as well as the ACCUPLACER assessment on-site.
The administrator of the program serves on the Workforce Investment Board for Dakota and
Scott counties. We have established relationships with our local Workforce Centers in Dakota
County so we may refer learners to for employment and college advice.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 46 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Pathways Adult Education
Lakeville Area Learning Center (Downtown
Lakeville)
8-12
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
Yes
This option will not be available during the
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
Yes
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
Minnesota Department of Education
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Page 47 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
Yes
Academy, APEX, or other options)
FastTRAC Programming
Using other consortia
ABE College Prep Courses
Yes
Northstar Digital Literacy
Yes
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
Yes
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
Yes
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Yes
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 48 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
Our calculation for the number of students to be served is based enrollment in our adult diploma
program, the number of GED and ESL learners who have expressed interest in obtaining a high
school diploma. Furthermore, the City of Lakeville has the Airlake business district. Located
within a ½ mile of our site, this district is comprised of small and large business and has the
largest workers of color in Dakota County. These potential learners may also benefit from
Pathways Adult Education Diploma Services. In essence, there is the possibility of expansion.
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
With the full support of Lakeville Area Public Schools, Lakeville Community Education, and
Lakeville Area Learning Center, Pathways Adult Education has district committed resources to
implement the state adult diploma. In addition, the Pathways Adult Education administrator is
also the administrator for Lakeville Area Learning Center Services. The administrator also
supports administrative services for LINK 12 Online Learning and is part of the district
leadership team.
The Curriculum and Instruction Executive Director has dedicated staff that will help Pathways
Adult Education staff break apart and interpret the standards that are set forth. In addition, we
are in the process of scheduling ACES training through our regional ACES trainer.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
Lakeville Area Public Schools has a commitment to Pathways Education to allow district
technology resources to be used for the state adult diploma. This includes district technology,
district technology trainers, student information services, Lakeville Area Learning Center and
other resources, such as the MLC, to implement this diploma.
Our district is using the SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition)
model for classroom instruction. This model allows our teachers to infuse technology into
teaching and learning. Our goal is to transform how we teach our classes and maximize
learning for all individuals.
Please see Attachment B for the Technology Plan from our narrative.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 49 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Pathways Adult Education a full range of core classes that covers the standards that are being
used for the Adult Diploma program. Courses will be modified and develop by Lakeville Area
Leaning Center staff to meet the requirements of the new diploma program. A course catalog of
current can be supplied upon request. Lakeville Area Learning Center offers core and elective
courses in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Career and Work
Experience courses, relevant special education courses, LINK 12 online courses and courses
that have articulation agreements with local colleges.
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
Pathways Adult Education has the full support of Lakeville Area Public Schools. Lakeville Area
Public Schools has a tentative agreement to issue a Lakeville Area Public Schools Diploma to
learners meeting the state diploma requirements. In addition, upon completion of the
requirements of the state diploma, learners will have the opportunity to participate in graduation
ceremonies with Pathways Adult Education and Lakeville Area Leaning Center.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 50 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Metro North ABE
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
Anoka-Hennepin ISD11
Metro North ABE
Patrice Adams
patrice.adams@anoka.k12.mn.us
763-506-1262
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
Minnesota Department of Education
Molly Stewart
Linda Keller
Mary Ford
Shelley Tallman
Linda Keller
Colleen Silver: Onsite technology/distance
learning support for staff and learners; direct
computer lab supervision during open lab
times
Dan Jones: Onsite hardware and limited
software support
Amber Delliger: placement specialist
Molly Stewart
Mary Ford
Shelly Tallman
Patrice Adams
Molly Stewart
Mary Ford
Shelly Tallman
Patrice Adams
One or more of the following will attend each
monthly working group meeting:
Molly Stewart
Page 51 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Mary Ford
Shelly Tallman
Patrice Adams
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
Patrice Adams, Anoka-Hennepin, Patrice.Adams@anoka.k12.mn.us, 763.506.1262
Molly Stewart, Blaine Learning Lab, Margaret.Stewart@anoka.k12.mn.us, 763.783.4879
LInda Keller, Blaine Learning Lab, LindaM.Keller@anoka.k12.mn.us, 763.783.4918
Mary Ford, Blaine Learning Lab, Mary.Ford@anpoka.k12.mn.us, 763.783.4785
Shelley Tallman, Blaine Learning Lab, Shelley.Tallman@anoka.k12.mn.us, 763.783.4715
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
Patrice Adams: Pat has been working in ABE for nearly 25 years. She has been a GED instructor in
both community-based and correctional ABE programs. Pat has been an ABE supervisor or manager the
past fifteen years. During that time she established a GED Testing Center at a local college and has
been a GED Examiner. Pat has been involved in an adult diploma program for the past twenty years as
support staff, instructor and supervisor/manager. She has provided program direction and support to
Metro North ABE’s adult diploma program collaborative where Spring Lake Park ISD 16 provides adult
high school credit completion across nine school districts.
Molly Stewart: Molly has been working with Metro North ABE for over eight years. Prior to becoming a
program supervisor, she taught both GED and Adult Diploma (credit completion). She currently
supervises the adult diploma program and has participated in both local and state trainings on the new
GED. She observed one task force meeting and is interested in joining the work group. She has also
been a part of multiple state-offered trainings and initiatives including: Project Ideal, LEA, STAR, and
MNI.
Linda Keller: Linda has been working in ABE for over 19 years filling roles in volunteer services, data
entry and assessment and intake. Linda has been the Metro North ABE accountability coordinator since
2005. In her current role, she manages the database and all data collection and provides local training for
utilizing standardized assessments for NRS reporting including CASAS and TABE. Since 2008, she has
been part of the State of Minnesota team of certified trainers, and currently provides standardized
assessment training to ABE agencies across the state through the Southwest MN ABE supplemental
services grant. She currently serves on the Support Professional Advisory Resource Committee
(SPARC).
Mary Ford: Mary is a GED instructor with Metro North ABE at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and an
adult diploma instructor at the Blaine Learning Lab. She has attended multiple GED trainings. Mary
coordinates Skills Tutor at the Anoka Ramsey site as serves as a distance learning instructor at Blaine for
the credit recovery learners. In her role as an instructor, Mary provides extensive advising support for
learners in both the credit recovery program as well as to GED learners. Mary is currently completing
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 52 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
ACES training through Metro North ABE.
Shelley Tallman: Shelley is an ABE instructor at the Huber Workhouse. She teaches basic skills, adult
diploma credit completion, and GED preparation. She brings over 35 years of teaching experience to the
position, including over 30 years experience in secondary special education. She is currently participating
in the ACES implementation training.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
Metro North ABE has always chosen to be on the forefront of new educational opportunities. One of
Anoka-Hennepin’s ABE strategic goals for 2014-2015 is to integrate ACES/TIF into daily lesson planning
and all teaching staff are participating in ACES study circles this year.
Over the past year, Metro North ABE staff has developed and are currently implementing a new GED
instructional model aligned to CCRS, Jumpstart GED. The lessons from the initial pilot are being offered
at three locations within the consortium, and have been shared at local conferences as well as nationally.
Staff from Metro North ABE serve on a variety of committees to support and implement statewide
standards-based models:
MNI A-Team
CCRS Implementation Team
Northstar Digital Literacy Standards (implementation in classrooms only)
Adult Diploma Task Force
ACES Implementation Team
GED Professional Development Team
STAR Leadership Team
In addition to the vast knowledge base that has been developed through participation in the committees,
all staff participate in regular staff development meetings, summits, and professional development
opportunities locally, regionally, and nationally to learn about and implement new standards-based
concepts and lessons in their daily work with adult learners. Anoka Hennepin, and several member
districts, have adopted Q-Comp, and use that tool as a framework for additional teacher professional
development.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
As ABE professionals, the Metro North ABE teachers and staff provide multiple forms of advising. All
staff provides advising to learners on an as needed basis. Staff is connected to resources in the
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 53 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
community to be able to make effective referrals to community-based organizations (CBOs) and
governmental agencies as appropriate. Staff meetings, partnerships with local CBOs are encouraged
and supported, and all sites have access to the Anoka County Community Resource Guide for reference.
Additionally, program staff that is co-located with other agencies is encouraged to collaborate and
develop relationships to build referral and support networks for learners. With over 30 team members at
the Blaine Learning Lab location, staff is encouraged to get advice and support from their colleagues to
ensure that all appropriate options are explored with the learner.
Emily Watts currently sits on the Student Advising Task Force, a collaborative effort of ABE professionals
across the state that will develop a set of benchmarks for advising as part of the transitions work being
undertaken by ABE programs as part of their three-year transitions plan. As a part of that process,
multiple examples, best practices, and partnerships can and will be shared with all Metro North ABE staff,
and specifically with the adult diploma pilot staff.
Specific staff that will be working directly with this project have the following experience:
Mary Ford has been working with the credit recovery diploma program for nearly four years. She provides
direct learner advisement on a daily basis. She analyzes transcripts and monitors and adjusts progress
plans. Mary provides onsite support and guidance for learners and program staff, as well as collaborating
with the Anoka County Workforce Center counselors. She works closely with the adult diploma
coordinator and other diploma staff to stay current on offerings and best practices. Through Metro North
ABE she also attends bi-yearly diploma summits where the needs of the program and learners are
discussed. She connects learners to college options on the Anoka Ramsey Community College campus,
and has advised learners on financial aid, applying to college, and more.
The Blaine Learning Lab has four full time intake and assessment staff that serve as the first point of
contact for the learner and a placement specialist that completes intake and serves as an ongoing point
of contact for learners for scheduling, attendance and distance learning issues. The placement specialist
also serves as a first point of contact for a variety of outside agencies to handle education documentation
required for enrollment in external program support (child care, MFIP, etc.). The intake staff orients
learners to the program, discuss program options available to learners and complete standardized intake
testing.
Molly Stewart provides direct, onsite supervision for the adult diploma credit recovery program, learners,
and staff, including intake and assessment staff and the placement specialist. Molly has background as a
K-12 instructor, placement specialist, and diploma instructor that provides a framework for supporting
learner advisement. As a current program supervisor, Molly attends many statewide and community
meetings to ensure that partnerships are developed and resources are shared with staff and learners.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Minnesota Department of Education
Blaine Learning Lab
Co-location with the Anoka County Workforce
Center
15 students
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
YES
This option will not be available during the
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
YES
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Minnesota Department of Education
Do you plan to make it available locally?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Do you plan to make it available locally?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Do you plan to make it available locally?
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Do you plan to make it available locally?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
YES
ABE individual instruction
YES
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
YES
Academy, APEX, or other options)
FastTRAC Programming
YES
ABE College Prep Courses
NO
Northstar Digital Literacy
YES
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
YES
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
YES
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
YES
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.
There are several reasons that account for the need to offer increased adult diploma programming in the
greater Anoka County area including continued populations residing in the target area without a high
school equivalency, GED test changes, and the increased educational needs in the workforce.
The 2013 American Community Survey indicates that within our nine school district ABE program service
area there are approximately 22,096 individuals who indicated that they do not have a high school
diploma or equivalency. Metro North ABE serves an average of 5,500 to 6,000 enrollees per program
year. To date (December 01, 2014), 450 enrolled learners started with Metro North ABE at the Low Adult
or High Adult Secondary Education level. An additional 510 learners started in the current program year
at the High Intermediate Basic Education level, many of who indicate through their intake and advising
that obtaining a high school credential is a goal.
Since 2009, Metro North ABE has served an average of 200 learners over the age of 21 each year in the
credit-recovery adult diploma program across four sites within the consortium. In the first half of this
program year (5/1/14 through 10/31/14) the Metro North ABE Adult Diploma Program has served 140
learners across all four of our program sites offering this option. Nearly 50 learners each year complete
their high school credit requirements and earn their high school diploma through the program.
With the recent changes to GED 2014 testing and the higher skill level requirements to pass the newest
version of this test, the need for other secondary credential options for ABE students has grown, resulting
in waiting lists for both morning and evening programming for adult diploma credit recovery program at
the Blaine location. Offering another option for adult diploma though the pilot project will allow Metro
North ABE to test a model that may be able to be replicated at other sites within the consortium.
According to the Georgetown Center for Education and Workforce, 70% of positions in Minnesota will
need some sort of post-secondary credential by 2018. An adult diploma option that accommodates for a
wide range of credentialing options allows for people that may have been working for many years to
receive credit for that work experience, and allows them to demonstrate the skills needed to obtain the
high school credential necessary for many post-secondary training options.
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
Metro North ABE has a 37-year history of offering ABE services to the residents of Anoka County.
Today, with nine member school districts, and 13 locations, Metro North ABE has the depth of leadership
and teaching experience, the financial stability, and the infrastructure to pilot an adult diploma program.
Metro North ABE has a long history of offering adult diploma credit recovery. We began offering the
diploma program over 20 years ago and have consistently offered classes at multiple sites throughout the
consortium. Due to the commitment of our staff, we have maintained continued interest in our credit
recovery program. This has enabled us to offer classes at multiple locations, at differing times, facilitated
by teachers with varied licensure backgrounds, with multiple delivery approaches (large group, lab
setting, distance learning) and individualized learning plans. Even with the changes in participant
numbers and learner focuses over the years, the interest in our diploma program has remained strong
and consistent.
There is strong adult diploma programing leadership support from the nine school districts, Community
Education directors and local staff. Space, funding, and staff have been supported by the different school
districts with Spring Lake Park ISD16 taking the key leadership role. Funding has been made available
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
throughout the majority of the partnering school districts to offer credit recovery to those both over and
under 21.
During the past two decades, Metro North ABE’s county partners, including the Anoka County Workforce
Center and the County Corrections department, have actively helped recruit, refer, and support their
clients/customers to the program. In addition to these agencies, we also have direct referrals from our
local ALC programs. Outside of our partnerships, there is also access to the marketing and outreach
materials developed by the consortium to recruit new learners.
Blaine Learning Lab represents one site of the 13 in our nine school district consortium. As the pilot site,
Blaine staff is committed to ensuring that there is information sharing throughout the process and
implementation of the pilot with other sites. Staff meetings, email updates and site visits will be used to
share information. There will be a staff-led session updating all staff about the diploma project at the May
Metro North ABE staff development event.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
Metro North ABE values meaningful technology integration for both learners and staff. Our staff has
extensive technology experience and has participated in multiple learning technology trainings. Staff at
the Blaine Learning Lab that will be working with the new diploma program has extensive use and training
in eFolio, MindQuest Academy, NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessments, KeyTrain, Skills Tutor,
iPathways, and Plato. They also have access to trainings on Learner Web. It is also expected that staff
members work with both Dropbox and Google Drive.
To help our learners gain or improve their own technology skills, we offer brush-up in computer basics
onsite as well as official Northstar Digital Literacy assessments and Work Keys testing. Learners also
have access to the staff-supported computer lab during class as well as during open computer lab
sessions. The Blaine staff and learners have onsite access to a stationary computer lab with a
SMARTboard, three mobile Chromebook labs, laptop computers, and a public wireless account for
learner use.
To aid in technology and/or distance learning, the Blaine Learning Lab has a distance learning (DL) team
composed of 3 FT teachers, 1 FT literacy assistant, and 1 PT literacy assistant. They are available to help
with basic hardware issues as well as DL program management related issues. They are responsible to
help track DL hours and aid in learner perseverance and encouragement using face-to-face meetings,
open computer lab support, and DL reports for instructors and online office hours.
Metro North ABE has been using Skills Tutor as a supplemental tool for learners since the State began
offering access to the program. All staff has been trained in using Skills Tutor, and refresher classes are
offered periodically, using the resources of the Minnesota Literacy Council and in-house experts. The
Blaine location’s distance learning team developed and implemented a process for learner support,
learner expectations and staff reporting and documentation that allowed the site to require six lessons of
Skills Tutor from each ABE learner weekly. The changes implemented, especially in the area of learner
accountability and support, has resulted in every learner making their NRS target while enrolled in Skills
Tutor, and the number of hours for Skills Tutor hours has doubled since July. The model developed in
Blaine has been replicated at two other locations, with more sites looking to adopt it in the coming
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
months. The advisor for the diploma program pilot is fully trained in the use of Skills Tutor, and the
instructor can access the required training and support as needed to ensure success.
Through our strong relationship with the Anoka County Workforce Center, learners have ongoing access
to instructor-lead computer classes. Classes are offered at the Workforce Center, the Anoka County
Library- Rum River, and Anoka Ramsey Community College-Coon Rapids. Class offerings are taught by
an ABE instructor, and include Basic Computer Skills, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access. Metro North
ABE also actively promotes technology classes offered by the Workforce Center in online job seeking,
resume writing, and using MinnesotaWorks.
There are two certified Northstar Digital Literacy test administrators at the Blaine location. Since July
2014, they have administered over 150 assessments, and nearly 60 people have earned one or more
certificates. Learners that do not earn a certification are encouraged to take advantage of one of the free
computer classes offered in partnership with the Workforce Center and/or to improve their skills during
regular class instruction.
Once they have completed their diploma credential, they may also have the opportunity to participate in
the Career Connections FastTRAC grant. Through this grant, learners complete a forty-hour career
exploration class, which allows the learner to explore and learn about three training options; Office and
Administrative Technology, Precision Sheet Metal, and Certified Nursing Assistant. Learners that select
the Office Administrative Technology complete 30 hours of contextualized bridge programming and
another 100 hours of Microsoft Office training, culminating in the opportunity to sit for the Microsoft Office
Certifications in Word and Excel. 95% of the learners in the most recent class earned the official
Microsoft Office Certification in Word, and 90% earned the Excel certification. Job placement rates for the
program exceed 90%.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
During the pilot Metro North ABE will continue to offer credit-recovery options for our learners at various
consortium locations, including the Blaine Learning Lab. The structure of the current credit-recovery
classes may vary throughout the consortium, but most often looks like a lab setting facilitated by an
instructor and supported by an assistant or volunteer. Learners are given individual learning plans to
guide their work time and efforts. During the pilot stage, the Blaine Learning Lab will offer a separate
morning class on opposite days of the current credit recovery program for those specifically working on
the state adult diploma. In addition, learners will have the option of attending a full-time, teacher-led ABE
class providing direct, standards-based instruction in the key academic areas. Adult diploma learners will
also continue to have access to our distance learning options and the support of our distance learning
team.
Our Blaine Learning Lab location has recently begun to offer an adult diploma option that focuses on
providing lower level adult diploma learners with additional exposure in basic academic skills including
reading, math, writing, and language. This class offers a more structured, full-time setting for those who
require the additional support. This class includes direct instruction, teacher/volunteer supported small
groups, and distance learning components.
Moving forward, Metro North ABE is committed to continue offering quality adult diploma options
consortium-wide. Regular communication with current credit-recovery instructors at the other sites, as
well as training, brainstorming, and information sharing will allow all sites to benefit from the pilot at the
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Blaine location.
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
For the past twenty years Metro North ABE has offered a credit-recovery adult diploma option supported
by Spring Lake Park ISD 16 for adult learners whose class has graduated. This program includes
learners under the age of 21. The process of moving towards the Minnesota Adult Diploma option
involves input from the nine Community Education Directors in our consortium. Pat Adams has presented
information on the Minnesota Adult Diploma program several times this past year. Recently the directors
had an in-depth discussion about the Minnesota Adult Diploma program and the application for the pilot.
The Community Education Directors are concerned about moving exclusively to the Minnesota Adult
Diploma program because it means Metro North ABE sites would no longer be offering a diploma option
to those under 21. The directors are anxious to learn more to determine if we can continue both options,
and to what degree, or if we need to choose only one option for our learners.
None of the school districts within the consortium have been contacted to determine if they would present
a local diploma to ABE learners who have earned and been awarded a Minnesota Adult Diploma.
Historically, many of our member districts have honored the completion of the Spring Lake Park Adult
Diploma by awarding a local diploma as well.
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Minneapolis Adult Education
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Education
Same
Kate Ronald
kronald@voamn.org
612-278-4239
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Kate Ronald
Kate Ronald
Kate Ronald
Shirley Durr (English), Ben Savitt (Social
Studies), Jeff McArthur (Science), Teresa
Thompson (Math)
Lynnea Forness
Robin Mercier and Carlye Peterson
(Minneapolis Adult Education lead contacts),
Janice Phillips (Minneapolis district contact,
We Want You Back)
All (or as needed)
All (or as needed)
All (or as needed)
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 61 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
See attached.
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
Our site at VOA Adult High School has had an adult diploma program (based on Equipped for
the Future or EFF) for many years so the staff is comfortable and experienced working with
competency standards. GED instruction and testing is handled at another site in our consortium
(the South Campus) but we are used to sending students back and forth between sites
depending on which program (GED or adult diploma) is the best fit for the student. VOA’s
director (Kate Ronald) has participated in the second adult diploma task force and all working
group meetings, including as part of the math, science and social studies sub group.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
All our adult diploma teachers are licensed in their subject areas. Our science, social studies
and math teachers all teach full time in alternative high schools during the day and part time at
our school in the evening so they are well versed in Minnesota’s K-12 standards. Our adult
diploma English/language arts teacher is full time at our site and works with both the CCRS and
K-12 standards.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
Kate Ronald has had four years of experience advising students as the director of the program.
Shirley Durr and Ben Savitt also both have advising experience, Shirley through her work with
EFF diploma students and Ben through his work with alterative high school ISP students.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
VOA Adult High School
25-50 (estimated)
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
We can do this if it seems like the best option
This option will not be available during the
for a student, but because it doesn’t allow
beginning of the pilot period.
students to finish portions of their
competencies outside of the NEDP (such as
through GED tests or credits already earned) it
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verfication
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
Minnesota Department of Education
Do you plan to make it available locally?
might not be used much if at all.
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (through other sites in the consortium)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (through other sites in the consortium if
needed)
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes (through other sites in the consortium)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (through other sites in the consortium if
needed)
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (through other sites in the consortium)
Yes
Page 63 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes (through other sites in the consortium if
needed)
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (through other sites in the consortium)
Yes
Yes
Yes (through other sites in the consortium if
needed)
Yes
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
Yes (through other sites in the consortium if
Academy, APEX, or other options)
needed)
FastTRAC Programming
Yes (through other sites in the consortium if
needed)
ABE College Prep Courses
Yes (through other sites in the consortium if
needed)
Northstar Digital Literacy
Yes (assessment on site, certificates through
Assessments/Certificate
We Want You Back)
Resume Completion
Yes
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
Yes
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Yes
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
Minneapolis Adult Education serves a large population of ABE students who need secondary
credentials. While the GED programming and testing offered at the South Campus is a good fit
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 64 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
for many students others are better served through an adult competency diploma or a
combination of the two.
VOA Adult High School currently has 25 students enrolled that meet the TABE reading score
requirement for adult diploma. About 15 more students have qualifying TABE scores through
VOA or the South Campus and would like to start, but are waiting to see if we are chosen as a
pilot site before they enroll or re-enroll. About 30 additional former students will be contacted if
the pilot is approved to see if they’re interested in returning to school.
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
Across the consortium we are able to provide ADP students with access to GED programming
and testing, credit completion and ABE competency instruction depending on the unique needs
of each adult diploma student. We have interest and support within the consortium and at the
district through We Want You Back. At VOA Adult High School we already have adult diploma
level classes that are aligned to the new competency standards and have students who are
ready to participate if we are chosen for the pilot.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
Our staff is comfortable with and knowledgeable about technology in general and will be able to
handle online portfolios through Learner Web and all other technology-related requirements.
Our English teacher, who is our lead ADP teacher, runs our computer lab during Independent
Study class and teaches computer-specific classes when we offer them. Although VOA Adult
High School does not currently do distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy
Assessments/Certificates at our site, other sites in the consortium and district can assist if
needed.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
See attached.
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
We work closely with Janice Phillips in the district’s We Want You Back program. The district
has issued diplomas for our adult diploma students as recently as July and we don’t anticipate
any change in their support this year.
Minnesota Department of Education
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Osseo ABE
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
Osseo Area Schools – ISD 279
Osseo Adult Basic Education
Julie Pierce
piercej@district279.org
763-585-7321
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Minnesota Department of Education
Julie Pierce
Christine Derner, Katie Hill, Yasmin Salyani,
Paula Freiermuth, Nancy Johnson
Maria Boeder, Leah Cason, Gayle Chapman, Paula
Freiermuth, Ibby Gilmore, Tom Greve, Terry
Jaakkola, Meg Roeske
Brenda Gust, Katie Hill, Yasmin Salyani, Evening
Education Support Professional (open position)
Brenda Can – Transitions Integration Framework
(TIF) Facilitator; Paula Galbrecht—Northstar Digital
Literacy Assessment proctor, distance learning
technical support; Deborah Santana-MARCS data
entry and recordkeeping; Brenda Gust—
Independent Study support; Evening Independent
Study Support (open position)
Maria Boeder, ABE Teacher
Paula Freiermuth, ABE Teacher
Nancy Johnson, ABE Teacher
Julie Pierce, Program Coordinator
Maria Boeder, ABE Teacher
Paula Freiermuth, ABE Teacher
Nancy Johnson, ABE Teacher
Julie Pierce, Program Coordinator
Paula Freiermuth, ABE Teacher
Page 66 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application. Please see Attachment B-1.
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
All staff currently working with GED preparation have participated in workshops and training
sessions presented by the GED Professional Development Advisory Team and the Minnesota
Numeracy Initiative at regional workshops, the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Summer Institute,
and through webinars. Paula Freiermuth, who will take on the lead role for the adult diploma
pilot, has extensive experience with adult diploma programs including design and implement of
adult diploma for Metro North ABE, instruction with Lakeville ABE, supervision of diploma
programs for Metro South ABE, and lead diploma teacher/advisor for Osseo ABE’s previous
adult diploma program. Other instructional staff included in the adult diploma pilot have
experience instructing in adult diploma and/or ALC programs in the Osseo school district. Terry
Jaakkola is the lead instructor for our College Prep program co-located at North Hennepin
Community College and has served on the College Prep Advisory Committee and the
Academic, Career, and Employment Skills (ACES) Workgroup reviewing and discussing online
learning, college preparation, Mindquest Academy, and transitional skills for success in postsecondary and employment. Current staff responsibilities will be revised to include instructional
and advising for the adult diploma program.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
Brenda Can, ESL instructor, received training in the ACES Transition Integration Framework
(TIF) and serves as our Facilitator for TIF implementation for the Osseo ABE program. All
licensed staff participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). All PLC work is
focusing on embedding the TIF into instruction.
All Osseo ABE teachers, instructional Education Support Professionals (ESPs) and Information
Technology ESPs have received training in the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards and
instruction in the standards is proceeding at all levels of the program. Osseo ABE was one of
four ABE programs participating in the 2013-14 Unemployment Insurance Digital Literacy
Targeted Group grant which partnered ABE, DEED, and the Minnesota Workforce Centers in
providing digital literacy instruction through Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and Learner
Web to workforce center clients receiving unemployment insurance benefits.
All instructional staff participated in staff workshops last year to discuss in detail the CCRS
reading standards and implications for implementation at all levels of programming. The lead
teacher for the adult diploma pilot, Paula Freiermuth, has attended webinars on the College and
Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) as presented by LINCS. Instructors continue to review
the CCRS standards and revise our program curriculum accordingly.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 67 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
Informal advising is an expectation of all licensed staff. Quarterly staff development includes
information and resources to assist students with personal and employment concerns. As lead
teachers for the day and evening Academics program, Paula Freiermuth and Meg Roeske meet
individually with all incoming ABE students to complete personal learning plans and goal
advising. In addition, Paula Freiermuth has done educational advising for adult diploma
students for Metro North ABE and for Osseo ABE’s previous adult diploma program.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Osseo Adult Basic Education Center
20
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?

National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
This option will not be available during the
beginning of the pilot period.

Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading and
Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on Reading
tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
Minnesota Department of Education
Do you plan to make it available locally?












Do you plan to make it available locally?

Page 68 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing score
+ additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects and/or
reports
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?








Do you plan to make it available locally?








Do you plan to make it available locally?








Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?

ABE group instruction

ABE individual instruction

ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
Academy, APEX, or other options)

FastTRAC Programming

ABE College Prep Courses
Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments/Certificate 

Resume Completion

Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 69 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Do you plan to make it available locally?

Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
Osseo ABE is part of ISD 279-Osseo Area Schools, the fifth-largest school district in Minnesota,
serving all or part of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Osseo, Maple Grove, Corcoran, Dayton,
Plymouth, and Rogers. Osseo ABE serves a demographically changing population mirroring
changes in northwest Hennepin County and the communities we serve. The top five highestrepresented countries of origin for Osseo ABE adult learners are USA, Liberia, Mexico, Vietnam
and Laos. Our school district is home to the largest concentration of Liberians outside of
Liberia. These and other West African students, along with other immigrants, comprise 50% (91
out of 183) of the students seeking a GED in the Osseo ABE program. Their educational
experiences have been extremely limited or interrupted. This causes difficulty with test-taking,
particularly with timed tests. These students have educational and training experiences in this
country and in their home country that can apply to diploma competencies and alleviate the
stress of high-stakes testing.
As of November 15, 2014, 699 out of 1,271 enrollees (55%) in the Osseo ABE program lack a
secondary credential from the U.S. or any other country. Among current students, 115 students
lack a secondary credential, are over 21, and have a TABE reading level over 6.0 on an M, D,
or A test. One hundred eighty three students have enrolled in GED preparation classes since
May 2014.
During Personal Education Plan advising, approximately 20% of students express a preference
for a high school diploma over a GED. One out of every ten inquiries about our program is a
request for high school diploma completion. These students are referred to other ABE programs
or given the choice to work on their GED at Osseo ABE.
During the Fall 2013 push for students to finish their 2002 GED, approximately 60 students were
unable to complete their credential. For most of these students, time ran out. For others, the
stress of the testing process was too demanding.
Based on these numbers and the current structure of our program, we feel that we can
effectively serve 20 students in an adult diploma program at this time. We want to ensure quality
of instruction, evaluation, and advising, so the projected number is smaller. It is likely that this
number will increase as processes and implementation become clearer. We have calculated
that 20 students who participate with at least 75% attendance in classroom, independent study,
and distance learning will generate sufficient contact hours to sustain the adult diploma program
in successive program years.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 70 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
Osseo ABE has provided adult basic education programs and services to adult learners for over
40 years. Our program mission is to provide a quality and comprehensive adult basic education
program designed to meet the needs of each learner in a positive, innovative and safe
environment and is aligned with the Osseo Area Schools-ISD 279 mission statement that “We
will inspire and prepare all learners with the confidence, courage, and competence to achieve
their dreams, contribute to community and engage in a lifetime of learning.”
Programming includes English as a Second Language, academic skills, GED preparation,
College Prep, Family Literacy, workplace education, and FastTRAC bridge classes. In addition,
Osseo ABE has staff trained in distance learning (Learner Web, PLATO, Mindquest Academy,
Skills Tutor, i-Pathways, and D2L).
During the 2013-2014 program year, Osseo ABE served 2,150 learners for 156,999 hours. The
primary site is the Northwest Family Services Center (NWFSC) campus in Brooklyn Center.
Basic skills, Academics, and GED prep classes are held Monday through Thursday mornings
(9:00am-1:00pm) and Tuesday and Thursday evenings (5:30pm-8:30pm). English as a Second
Language classes are held Monday through Friday mornings (9:00am-1:00pm), Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday mornings (9:00 am-12:30 pm) and Monday through Thursday evenings
(5:30pm-8:30pm). ESL Family Literacy classes are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
mornings (9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). The College Prep distance learning program is co-located at
North Hennepin Community College. FastTRAC bridge classes are held at the NWFSC or on
site at Hennepin Technical College. Computer literacy and job-seeking classes are held at the
Minnesota Workforce Center-Hennepin North in Brooklyn Park.
Osseo ABE has 43 staff members—1 program administrator, 29 licensed instructors, 8
instructional support professionals, 3 information technology support professionals, 1
administrative support professional, and 1 volunteer coordinator.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
Each Osseo ABE teacher has access to a classroom laptop computer, classroom document
camera and ceiling-mounted projector, desktop computer, and i-Pad. There are three computer
labs (two labs with 20 desktop computers each and one lab with 22 desktop computers) for
students to use in class or during open lab time. In addition, the Academics Independent Study
classroom has eight student desktop computers. There are also three mobile laptop carts (20
computers per cart for a total of 60), and three mobile iPad carts with a total of 60 i-Pads
available for class, small group, and individualized instruction.
All Osseo ABE students receive weekly digital literacy instruction in the Northstar Digital
Literacy Standards. Proctored testing for Northstar certificates is available whenever needed.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 71 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
The program administrator and Information Technology Education Support Professional (ESP)
have completed Distance Learning 101. Staff has access to District 279 technology support and
are included in the district’s “Digital Learning for All” plan. Technology support is provided onsite by three Informational Technology ESPs who have had specific training in hardware and
software including PLATO, Learner Web, SkillsTutor, and Northstar Digital Literacy
Assessments. College Prep staff are trained in Mindquest, PLATO, SkillsTutor and D2L. They
receive support from an Instructional ESP and North Hennepin Community College IT staff.
District 279 supports using Schoology for online coursework and flipped classrooms. Students
at Osseo ABE are using Schoology and PLATO to access course materials and learning
resources in support of class work. Students also have access to program-specific web sites for
additional practice materials.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
Osseo ABE has a leveled class structure for ABE and ESL. Our GED preparation program is
called “Academics” with classes for students with a 6.0 GLE on TABE M, D, or A reading
assessments who are preparing for the GED, college, or employment. There are specific
classes in English/ Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Math. Students are placed into
classes by ability level in reading or math and proceed to their next class level based on
assessment results (TABE or teacher-developed assessments). The curriculum for these
classes is based on the College and Career Readiness Standards. Additional class time is
spent on technology skills, specifically the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards. This existing
structure will easily lend itself to include an adult diploma program. The Academics classes
have both daytime and evening sections and include an independent study lab with Education
Support Professionals and volunteers available for assistance in independent projects. Students
who are lacking competencies in any subject areas will have these classes as a pathway for
instruction. In addition, students will be able to continue to use our distance learning platforms to
complete competencies.
To place students in classes, all students attend an orientation session which includes pretesting with TABE or CASAS in reading and math, a writing sample, and information about
learning options, program attendance requirements, and school district policies. Students then
meet individually with a lead teacher who helps them develop a personal learning plan (PLP).
The PLP interview includes discussion about the student’s test results, additional diagnostic
testing, goals, past educational experiences, and potential barriers, and culminates in a plan for
instruction. Additional PLP advising is conducted informally several times throughout a student’s
enrollment by the classroom teacher to monitor progress toward meeting goals, establishing
new goals, and developing new or additional paths of instruction. To facilitate transition to the
next level class or to employment or post-secondary, students complete the required progress
testing in TABE or CASAS and teacher-developed assessments. The results are kept in our
electronic student database and hard copy and electronic portfolio along with any certificates
from technology assessments and special course completions.
Please see Attachment C-4 Curriculum Outline.
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 72 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
The program administrator has been in discussions with department leadership of District 279
Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Standards, Student Services, and the Alternative
Learning Center. All department leadership find the plan for an adult diploma intriguing and
discussions are ongoing.
Attachment B-1
Osseo Adult Basic Education
Adult High School Diploma Primary Contact Staff List
Maria Boeder
Brenda Can
Leah Cason
Gayle Chapman
Christine
Derner
Paula
Freiermuth
Paula Galbrecht
Ibby Gilmore
Tom Greve
Brenda Gust
Katie Hill
Terry Jaakkola
Nancy Johnson
Julie Pierce
Meg Roeske
Yasmin Salyani
Deborah
Santana
Position
currently vacant
Day Diploma
Instructional Lead
Transitions
Integration
Framework
Facilitator
Eve Academics
Instructor
Eve Academics
Instructor
College Prep ESP
Diploma Lead/
Advisor/ Evening
Diploma
Instructional Lead
Information
Technology ESP
Day Academics
Instructor
Eve Academics
Instructor
Day Academics/
Independent Study
ESP
Intake/
Assessment ESP
Lead Teacher
College Prep
Advisor
Administrator
Day Academics
Lead Instructor
Intake and
Assessment ESP
Data ESP
Academics and
Independent Study
Support
Professional Eve
Minnesota Department of Education
NWFSC
763-566-5452
boederm@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
canb@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
casonl@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
chapmang@district279.org
NWFSC/North
Hennepin
Community
College (NHCC)
NWFSC
763-566-5452
dernerc@district279.org
763-566-5452
freiermuthp@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
galbrechtp@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
gilmoree@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
grevet@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
gustb@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
hillc@district279.org
NHCC
763-566-5452
jaakkolat@district279.org
NWFSC
NWFSC
NWFSC
763-566-5452
763-585-7321
763-566-5452
johnsonn@district279.org
piercej@district279.org
roeskem@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
salyaniy@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
santanad@district279.org
NWFSC
763-566-5452
Page 73 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Attachment C-4
Curriculum Outline
Academics Low/Academics C
English Language Arts
SWBAT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Alphabetics/ Fluency/ Foundational Skills
1.1
Accurately read multisyllabic words with frequently used affixes
1.2
Read fluently with accuracy, speed, and expression
Comprehension
2.1
Cite evidence to support analysis of text
2.2
Determine theme or central idea
2.3
Summarize a text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions
2.4
Analyze connections between individuals, ideas, or events
2.5
Determine how a particular sentence or paragraph contributes to development of ideas
2.6
Analyze how text structure contributes to development of ideas
2.7
Determine author’s point of view
2.8
Integrate information presented graphically
2.9
Integrate text information into graphic format
2.10 Delineate and evaluate argument—claims, reasoning, evidence
2.11 Analyze two conflicting texts
Writing
3.1
Write arguments to support claims with reasons and evidence
3.2
Use words and phrases to create cohesion and relationship among claims, reasons,
evidence
3.3
Organize writing with topic/these, body, conclusion
3.4
Use appropriate transition words
3.5
Write informative/explanatory text
3.6
Use appropriate text structures—sequence, definition, classification,
comparison/contrast, cause/effect
3.7
Use relevant facts and quotations
3.8
Use precise language
3.9
With minimal guidance revise and edit writing
3.10 Conduct short research projects using multiple print and digital sources
Speaking and Listening
4.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
4.2
Come prepared, follow agreed-upon rules
4.3
Carry out assigned group roles
4.4
Delineate a speaker’s argument, claims, and reasoning
4.5
Orally present claims and findings
Language
5.1
Use pronouns correctly
5.2
Recognize and correct vague or unclear pronouns
5.3
Use verbs in active and passive voice
5.4
Correct shifts in verb voice and mood
5.5
Use all verb tenses correctly
5.6
Use phrases and clauses correctly
5.7
Write simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences
5.8
Correct misplaced and dangling modifiers
5.9
Use correct punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 74 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
6.
Vocabulary
6.1
Use Tier 2 vocabulary.
6.2
Use context to determine meaning
6.3
Use print and digital reference sources
6.4
Determine the meaning of words used in texts—figurative, connotative, technical
Science
8. Scientific Method
9. List the steps of the scientific method
10. Apply the steps of the scientific method in basic lab activities
11. Recognize the steps of the scientific method in written documents
12. Interpret data collected and develop a conclusion
13. Evaluate statistical data for mean, median, and mode
14. Write a summary of a scientific investigation
15. Scientific Theories
16. Describe a scientific theory in life science, physical science, or earth and space science
17. Compare two theories in life science, physical science, or earth and space science
18. Life Science
19. Describe human body systems
20. Describe elements of a healthy lifestyle
21. Describe food chains and food webs
22. Explain the process of photosynthesis and respiration
23. Explain the elements and inter-relatedness of ecosystems
24. Physical Science
25. Contrast states of matter
26. Explain conservation of mass
27. Describe the properties of waves
28. Understand Newton’s Laws of Motion
29. Explain the concepts of speed, velocity, inertia, and acceleration
30. Identify the parts of an atom
31. Interpret basic chemical formulas
32. Locate elements on the periodic table by name, symbol, and mass
33. Earth and Space Science
34. Describe the Earth’s structure
35. Explain the types of landforms and how they were created
36. Contrast the types of renewable and non-renewable energy sources
37. Identify the elements of the solar system
Social Studies
SWBAT
1. Economics
1.1. Understand basic economic concepts of productivity, supply, demand, market
equilibrium, scarcity
1.2. Create a personal budget
1.3. Identify the responsibilities of government agencies that provide financial oversight
1.4. Explain the difference between banks and credit unions
1.5. Understand credit
2. Geography
2.1. Recognize the effect of humans on Earth’s physical geography
2.2. Describe Earth by its regions
2.3. Explain how states and regions get their borders
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
2.4. Use various maps to locate areas, regions, landforms
3. US History—Revolutionary War through the Depression
3.1. Describe the exploration and colonization of North America
3.2. Summarize the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence
3.3. Identify the causes of the Revolutionary War
3.4. Explain the concept of Manifest Destiny
3.5. Describe the causes and effects of westward expansion
3.6. Identify the causes and effects of the Civil War
3.7. Show the societal changes due to immigration and industrialization
3.8. Explain the U.S. role in World War I
3.9. Identify the major events that led to the Great Depression
4. U.S. Government
4.1. Compare and contrast types of governments
4.2. Understand the major sections of the U.S. Constitution
4.3. Summarize the Bill of Rights
4.4. Compare and contrast the branches of government
4.5. Compare and contrast national, state, and local governments
4.6. Explain the role of political parties and interest groups
Math 5
Numbers and operations
Expressions and
equations
Geometry






scale drawings of
geometric figures
Measurem
ent and
data
Numerical
data sets
area and
circumference of a
circle
mean,
media,
range










positive and negative numbers
number lines
absolute value
ordering rational numbers
coordinate plane in all four
quadrants
additive inverse
integers
convert rational numbers to
decimals
real world problems all four
operations with rational
numbers
irrational numbers
ratio and rate reasoning to solve
problems
o unit pricing, constant
speed
percent of a quantity
ratio to convert measurements
proportional relationships
o testing for equivalence
o identify the constant in
tables, graphs,
equations, diagrams,
verbal descriptions
o equations
simple interest
Minnesota Department of Education





properties of operations
to add, subtract, factor,
expand linear
expressions with
rational coefficients
equivalent expressions
multi-step problems
with positive and
negative rational
numbers
mental computation,
estimation strategies
variables to represent
quantities
solve linear equations
with one variable
o rational number
coefficients
o distributive
property
o like terms
supplementary,
complementary,
vertical, adjacent
angles
area, volume,
surface area
congruence
similarity
Pythagorean
theorem
Page 76 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Academics High/Academics D
English Language Arts
SWBAT
1. Alphabetics/ Fluency/ Foundational Skills
1.1
Accurately read multisyllabic words with a variety of affixes
1.2
Read fluently with accuracy, speed, and expression
2. Comprehension
2.1
Cite evidence to support analysis of text—explicitly and inferentially
2.2
Determine theme or central idea as developed over the course of a text
2.3
Summarize complex concepts, processes, or information
2.4
Analyze in detail connections between individuals, ideas, or events
2.5
Determine how a particular sentence or paragraph contributes to
development of ideas
2.6
Analyze how text structure contributes to development of ideas
2.7
Determine author’s point of view
2.8
Analyze text that uses satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement
2.9
Compare point of view of two or more authors on the same topic
2.10 Integrate information presented graphically
2.11 Integrate text information into graphic format
2.12 Delineate and evaluate argument—claims, reasoning, evidence
2.13 Assess validity of reasoning, relevance of evidence, false statements, and
fallacious reasoning
2.14 Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literacy significance
2.15 Analyze seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth- century foundational
U.S. historical and literary documents
3. Writing
3.1
Write arguments to support claims with valid reasons and sufficient
evidence
3.2
Use precise claims, distinguish from opposing claims
3.3
Use words and phrases that link to the text to create cohesion and
relationship among claims, reasons, evidence, and counterclaims
3.4
Organize writing with topic/these, body, conclusion
3.5
Use appropriate transition words
3.6
Write informative/explanatory text
3.7
Use appropriate text structures—sequence, definition, classification,
comparison/contrast, cause/effect
3.8
Use relevant facts and quotations, extended definitions, concrete details,
quotations
3.9
Use precise language and varied transitions
3.10 Revise and edit writing
3.11 Conduct research projects using multiple print and digital sources
Minnesota Department of Education
Page 77 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
4. Speaking and Listening
4.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
4.2
Come prepared
4.3
Collaborate to set rules
4.4
Carry out assigned group roles
4.5
Delineate a speaker’s argument, claims, and reasoning
4.6
Orally present claims and findings
5. Language
5.1
Follow the conventions of standard English grammar and usage
5.2
Use parallel structure
5.3
Use a variety of types of phrases and clauses
5.4
Demonstrate command of the conventions of capitalization, punctuation,
and spelling
6. Vocabulary
6.1
Use Tier 2 vocabulary
6.2
Acquire and use domain specific words and phrases
6.3
Use context to determine meaning
6.4
Use print and digital reference sources
6.5
Determine the meaning of words used in texts—figurative, connotative,
technical
Science
SWBAT
1. Scientific Method
1.1. Apply the steps of the scientific method in scientific inquiries and labs
1.2. Analyze the use of the scientific method in explanations of scientific inquiries
1.3. Evaluate statistical data including mean, median, mode, and probability
1.4. Interpret scientific data and construct written conclusions
1.5. Express and interpret scientific data in text and graphic form
1.6. Write a summary of a scientific investigation
2. Scientific Theories
2.1. Read and understand scientific articles to support a scientific theory
2.2. Write an analysis of a scientific article or theory using evidence from the text
3. Life Science
3.1. Identify the cause and effect of disease transmission
3.2. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of disease prevention
3.3. Describe the human impact on environmental systems
3.4. Understand the theory of heredity (Mendel)
3.5. Know and use Punnett squares
3.6. Explain the theory of evolution
3.7. Explain the concepts of mutations and adaptations
3.8. Describe the different biogeochemical cycles
4. Physical Science
4.1. Conduct experiments or demonstrations to illustrate, speed, velocity, inertia, and
acceleration
4.2. Explain the difference in thermal, electrical, chemical, and mechanical energy
4.3. Describe the theory of gravity
4.4. Explain the properties of light
4.5. Balance chemical equations
4.6. Explain and notate different chemical reactions
4.7. Explain covalent and ionic bonding
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
4.8. Analyze the physical properties of a mixture
5. Earth and Space Science
5.1. Describe the composition and function of Earth’s atmosphere
5.2. Describe climate change, global warming, and the greenhouse effect
5.3. Describe the characteristics and impact of oceans
5.4. Explain the theory of Plate Tectonics
5.5. Compare and contrast stars
5.6. Describe the Big Bang Theory
Social Studies
1. Economics
1.1. Analyze production possibilities curves and supply and demand curves
1.2. Compare and contrast different types of economic systems
1.3. Explain the role of government in the economy
1.4. Read and summarize analyses of different monopolies and their effects
1.5. Summarize the theories of Adam Smith and other economists
1.6. Identify and summarize different fiscal policies
1.7. Explain gross domestic product
1.8. Explain the concepts of inflation, deflation, depression, recession
1.9. Identify the factors that lead to economic growth
1.10.
Explain the impact of globalization
2. Geography
2.1. Analyze demographics to identify population trends
2.2. Explain the terms mortality rates and fertility rates
2.3. Analyze how migration impacts population
2.4. Explain how population growth impacts sustainability and resource depletion
3. US History—World War II through Present Day
3.1. Identify the causes of World War II
3.2. Identify the effects of the development of the atomic bomb
3.3. Describe the Cold War from the point of view of political leaders and everyday people
3.4. Describe the progression of events that led to the Civil Rights protests of the 1960s
3.5. Analyze articles that explore different points of view regarding the Vietnam War
3.6. Identify major events and people from Watergate
3.7. Identify the changes in U.S. foreign policy and effects of them
3.8. Describe how life in the U.S. has changed since the 9/11 terrorist attacks
3.9. Analyze the increase in the U.S. national; causes and effects
4. U.S. Government
4.1. Analyze Bill of Rights issues addressed in Supreme Court cases
4.2. Understand the process of how a bill becomes a law
4.3. Evaluate written documents regarding civil liberties and civil rights
4.4. Explain the role of Cabinet officers particularly the Secretary of State
4.5. Explain the role of caucuses in Minnesota elections
4.6. Read and analyze articles about current public policy
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Math 6
Numbers and
operations
 rational numbers
 ordered pairs
with negative
numbers
 coordinate plane
in all four
quadrants
 integers
 irrational
numbers
 markups,
markdowns
 gratuities
 commissions
 fees
 percent increase,
decrease
 percent error
Expressions and
Geometry
equations
38. surface area
 word problems for
and volume of
equations and
3-dimensional
inequalities
solids and
 radicals and integer
composite
exponents
solids
 scientific notation
39.
area and
 graph proportional
perimeter of
relationships
composite 2o unit rate as slope
dimensional
 systems of equations
figures
o solve
o graph
 linear functions,
nonlinear functions
 functions to model
relationships
o rate of change
o initial value
o analyze, sketch
a graph
 quadratic functions
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Measurement and
data
40. numerical data
sets
41. mean, media,
range
42. deviations
43. measures of
center and
variability
44. random
sampling
45. comparative
inferences about
two populations
46. probability
models
47. scatter plots
48. slope and
intercept
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Robbinsdale Adult Academic Program
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
Robbinsdale Adult Academic Program (AAP)
AAP
Theresa Zingery
Theresa_zingery@rdale.org
763-504-8301
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Theresa Zingery
Dan Woodbury (licensed counselor)
Dan Woodbury
Andy Albee, Kristine Kelly, Sara Turnbull, John
Trerotola
Teachers plus Heather Warnecke (admin staff)
Michelle Raftshol (Media educational
assistant) will help students with registrations
and usage of all DL programming
Theresa Zingery
Dan Woodbury
Kristine Kelly
Theresa Zingery
Dan Woodbury
Andy Albee
Kristine Kelly
Sara Turnbull
John Trerotola (15th only)
Theresa Zingery (some)
Dan Woodbury
Kristine Kelly
Sara Turnbull
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
Theresa Zingery
Administrator
theresa_zingery@rdale.org
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763-504-8301
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Dan Woodbury
Andy Albee
Kristine Kelly
Sara Turnbull
John Trerotola
Heather Warnecke
Michelle Raftshol
Counselor
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Student Admin
Media Ed Asst.
daniel_woodbury@rdale.org
andy_albee@rdale.org
kristine_kelly@rdale.org
sara_turnbull@rdale.org
john_trerotola@rdale.org
heather_warnecke@rdale.org
michelle_raftshol@rdale.org
763-504-8318
763-504-8364
763-504-8364
763-504-8365
763-504-8365
763-504-8304
763-504-8317
All staff are at our single site in Golden Valley
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
Theresa Zingery – experienced program administrator who oversees all ABE programming
including ALC, GED and our existing Adult Diploma (credit recovery) program.
Dan Woodbury – Licensed school counselor with 10+ years of ABE experience working with
GED, Adult Diploma (credit recovery) and ALC students. Currently on the Student Advisory
Task Force with Julie Dincau.
Andy Albee – licensed math teacher with 15+ years of ABE experience working with GED, Adult
Diploma (credit recovery) and ALC students. Has served on numerous state task forces and is
currently involved in training for the state CCRS math standards.
Kristine Kelly – licensed English teacher with 15+ years of ABE experience working with GED,
Adult Diploma (credit recovery) and ALC students. Currently serving on the Adult Diploma Task
Force and working group.
Sara Turnbull – licensed science teacher with 15+ years of ABE experience working with GED,
Adult Diploma (credit recovery) and ALC students.
John Trerotola – licensed social studies teacher. Experienced working with GED, Adult Diploma
(credit recovery), and ALC students. Currently serving on the Adult Diploma Working Group.
Heather Warnecke – program administrative staff assigned to student assessment and records.
Currently serves on the SPARC committee.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
Andy Albee (math) - currently involved in training for the CCRS standards (mainly for
mathematics). His program goal is to more strongly align his group work to the CCRS
standards. Through his work with MNI is focusing all Professional Development this year into
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
implementation of the CCRS and its connection to the GED. Has been through stage one of the
ACES TIF framework training and will be continuing on that training this year.
Kristine Kelly (language arts) – has had experience with integrating Minnesota's K-12 standards
within diploma courses in both K-12 alternative high schools and adult basic education
programs. As part of the Metro South ABE program in Bloomington, she worked with both credit
recovery and competency-based diploma programs for several years. She has also done some
initial work embedding ACES standards into her instruction. Regarding the CCRS, since the
GED 2014 is built around some of the CCRS standards, she has been working on embedding
these standards since 2013. In addition, she has been part of the Minnesota CCRS Team since
it was formed in late spring of 2014 and attended specialized CCRS training in Washington,
D.C. in June. Helping Minnesota to implement the CCRS into adult basic education is a part of
her other job as ATLAS Literacy Coordinator, and she will continue to present and be trained on
CCRS instruction and implementation in the next few years.
Sara Turnbull (science)– has participated in: MNI 2011, MNI Algebra 2013, STAR 2012, ACES
2014, 2014 Math Institute-Exploring the Math Standards, Fall ABE Regional-Writing Institute.
Credit assignments and GED materials (for science instruction) are aligned with the Common
Core and College and Career Readiness Standards.
John Trerotola (social studies) – has participated in: Yearly Minnesota Council for the Social
Studies Regional Conferences (focus on MN K-12 standards), ACES Training – 2014, Member,
GED Advisory Board (focus on CCRS), ABE Regional Conferences, Writing Institute and
other related training (focus on CCRS). High school credit assignments are aligned with the
Common Core/MInnesotaK-12 Standards. GED materials for social studies are aligned with the
Common Core and the CCRS.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
Dan Woodbury is a licensed school counselor who has worked with ABE students for 10+
years. He does all student orientations and intakes and provides one-to-one career and postsecondary advising for interested students. He teaches classes on career and college
readiness and coordinates field trips and speakers to keep students informed on college and
career options as well as a variety of supportive community organizations. He has strong,
ongoing relationships with local technical and community colleges.
Because our program has an Adult Diploma (credit recovery) and an ALC option, he is also
experienced working with student records/transcripts in an effort to coordinate diploma
completion efforts with each student’s “home” high school. As a result, several local districts
refer students to our adult diploma program.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Adult Academic Program – Sandburg Learning
Center, Golden Valley
Since this is a pilot and the scale of associated
workload is unknown and the timeframe is
short, we plan to serve around 10-15 students
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Adult Academic Program – Sandburg Learning
Center, Golden Valley
during the pilot period so we can give each
student the advising time and teaching
attention that is required. Most of these would
be current GED students who staff have
identified as having good academic skills and
employment history, but might face a hurdle
passing one or more of the current GED tests.
As the pilot proceeds and as workloads permit,
we will market this opportunity to new students
as well as unsuccessful GED test takers who
tested at our center last year, potentially
pushing the numbers above projections.
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
No
This option will not be available during the
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
No
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Yes
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Yes
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
Yes
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
Yes
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Yes – with added work
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
Yes – with added work
TOEFL
Yes
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Yes
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning
Yes
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
Yes
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Page 84 of 132
Yes
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes – with added work
Yes
Yes – with added work
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
K-12 course completion verification
Yes
Postsecondary course completion verification
Yes
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
Yes
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
Yes
score
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning
Yes
Approved and aligned research project and/or
Yes
report
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
Yes
Academy, APEX, or other options)
FastTRAC Programming
Yes
ABE College Prep Courses
Yes
Northstar Digital Literacy
Yes
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
Yes
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
Yes
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Yes
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
While it is difficult to provide a hard estimate for adult diploma programming in our area, there
are several factors which should contribute to its demand.
1. Annually, we serve nearly 1,200 students of whom the vast majority are lacking in
secondary credentials. As such, we have a large base of students to which we can offer
this new option.
2. Based on our current state entitlement calculation, we have nearly 6,500 adults in our
service area who are lacking a secondary credential.
3. We have many current and past students who find math to be the most challenging area
of the GED. An adult diploma option might give these students the opportunity for
success by demonstrating math competency in ways other than passing a single test.
4. While there was a testing surge in late 2013, we know that 85 of our testers were
unsuccessful. Some have been too discouraged to try the new test because of the
significant format changes and others are discouraged because they would have to
“start all over”. We think both groups might be very receptive to the new adult diploma
option.
5. In our current adult diploma credit recovery program, we allow participation only for
students who need 10 or less credits. Those needing more are referred to the GED
option. For students who have quite a few high school credits but need more than 10,
the new adult diploma option might be an attractive option, especially if they have issues
or concerns with testing.
6. We have several students each year who have completed a significant portion of their
high school credits in another state, but our adult diploma credit recovery is not an option
because it requires their home high school to issue their diploma after credits are
completed with us. We have found that out-of-state high schools do not typically accept
our credits, so GED is the only option for these students even though they might have
needed to complete only need a few credits to fulfill their diploma requirements.
Our participant number was calculated based on surveying our teachers about current students
who might benefit from participation. As mentioned, we intend to keep our pilot numbers around
10 because we envision added advising and teacher staff time devoted to working through the
details of each student’s situation. Additional numbers will be added as we find the model
working and as capacity permits. This pilot will be a good way to ascertain how much intensive
effort is involved and to see if we can plan for more capacity in the future.
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
The AAP is exceedingly well positioned to implement the state adult diploma pilot for several
reasons:
1. We have had an adult diploma program for many years. Teachers and office staff are
experienced at understanding the current adult diploma requirements and providing
programming and services to address those requirements.
2. Advising staff – we currently have a licensed school counselor on staff who has
significant adult diploma experience as well as overall ABE career and post-secondary
advising experience.
3. Teaching staff – with licensed teachers in math, English, science and social studies, our
staff is very capable of evaluating student competencies and providing a variety of
completion options.
4. Current involvement with the project – members of our staff currently sit on the Adult
Diploma Task Force, Working Group, and the Student Advisory Task Force. As a result,
our understanding of the pilot project is excellent and we have knowledgeable staff on
site to help work through the inevitable issues that will emerge in this pilot project
situation.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
The AAP has extensive technology resources and staff technology skills as are described in the
technology section of our 2014 Narrative submission (link below).
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0cEYM_/09168deedcc848593745a49013852ec4/Section_7Tech_and_Distance_Learning_Plan_-_JK_CW_KK.pdf
We use distance learning extensively with our current students and offer Northstar Digital
Literacy training assessments and are an official site to grant certifications. We have 4
computer labs that are used by our teachers for regular programming on a weekly basis.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
Math - students who are working on Adult Diploma will have opportunity to work in: individual
coursework with a syllabus towards credit completion, higher group lessons to show
competency, distance learning at the levels to show competency. Linked below are Math level
3 and math level 4 descriptors from the Narrative. Students would be able to work at either of
these levels to complete competencies as listed in the standards.
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0dKEo_/908cc32ede2719f13745a49013852ec4/N.8_GED_Level_3_M
ath_Instructional_Program_Description.pdf
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0dKFC_/d11874254b65f1583745a49013852ec4/N.9_GEDLevel_4_M
ath_Instructional_Program_Description.pdf
Page 87 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0dKIt_/8bd8f9f9577e4eab3745a49013852ec4/N.14_Diploma_Math_In
structional_Program_Description.pdf
Language Arts – for students with a TABE reading score above a 6.0 on level D, Academic
Literacy, GED Advanced Reading and Writing, and 9-12 grade credit recovery English classes
(12). Frameworks for these classes are part of Robbinsdale's Adult Academic Program's 5-year
Narrative (Link below) K-12 and/or CCRS standards are embedded in all of the listed
coursework.
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0dKEV_/3c935bd650724ada3745a49013852ec4/N.7_GED_Advanced
_Reading_and_Writing_Instructional_Program_Description.pdf
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0dKId_/0bf82af6cfa6e4ed3745a49013852ec4/N.13_Diploma_English_
Instructional_Program_Description.pdf
Science – for students with a TABE reading score above a 6.0 level D, GED Science and grade
9-12 credit recovery science classes (link below). K-12 and/or CCRS standards are embedded
in all of the listed coursework.
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0dKGg_/af063981ad43a1443745a49013852ec4/N.11_GED_Science_
Instructional_Program_Description.pdf
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0dKJG_/65361ed3ca5eabeb3745a49013852ec4/N.15_Diploma_Scien
ce_Instructional_Program_Description.pdf
Social Studies - for students with a TABE reading score above a 6.0 level D, GED Science and
grade 9-12 credit recovery science classes (link below). K-12 and/or CCRS standards are
embedded in all of the listed coursework.
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0dKHX_/3ccd8ff3ba5ff6183745a49013852ec4/N.12_GED_Social_Stu
dies_Instructional_Program_Description.pdf
http://ced.rdale.org/files/_0dKJa_/1802e85e9e25fdda3745a49013852ec4/N.16_Diploma_Social
_Studies_Instructional_Program_Description.pdf
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
We have begun discussions within our district administration (Robbinsdale Area Schools, ISD#
281) to see if a diploma could be awarded from one of our district high schools (Cooper or
Armstrong).
If our district is not willing to grant a credential, our adult diploma students would be offered the
State of MN diploma. Since our service area is the Robbinsdale Area School district, we will not
be contacting school districts outside our area.
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Rochester ABE
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
Rochester
Rochester
Nadine Holthaus
naholthaus@rochester.k12.mn.us
507.328.4466
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Nadine Holthaus
Jeff Gorfine
Jeff Gorfine/Nadine Holthaus
Marian Dyck, Doug Guenther, Kathy Loecher,
Dennis Lawler, Mary Kramer
Jeff Gorfine
Jason Schmidt, Brian Faloon (distance
learning and computer literacy) Nicole Wibstad
(transition to college/career navigator)
Jeff Gorfine, Doug Guenther, Kathy Loecher,
Dennis Lawler, Mary Kramer, Nadine Holthaus
Jeff Gorfine, Doug Guenther, Kathy Loecher,
Dennis Lawler, Mary Kramer, Nadine Holthaus
Nadine Holthaus, Jeff Gorfine, Julie Nigon
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
Page 89 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups. Hawthorne Education Center, the main site of the
Rochester Consortium, has a full range of ABE programming. Staff members include licensed
teachers, educational assistants, GED teachers and proctors, and a variety of support staff.
Julie Nigon, co-manager, has been a member of two phases of the State Adult Diploma task
force/working group. Nadine Holthaus, co-manager, is a member of the current diploma task
force/working group. All other diploma staff members are secondary-licensed teachers or a
learner advocate, computer specialists, or a career navigator with extensive experience working
with these learners.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models. The Rochester Diploma staff members have been required to implement
the MN k-12 standards as they have been providing diploma completion services for more than
20 years. All of the teachers are currently receiving training in the ACES Transitions Integration
Framework. They have completed an all-day training and one of two webinars. Rochester is
collaborating with the Rochester Public Library to promote Northstar Digital Literacy Standards
through the LSTA Project.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising. Jeff Gorfine has been the Learner Advocate for the Rochester
diploma program for 19 years. He has a MA in Psychology and has extensive experience
working with offenders, alternate school students, and adult learners. Nadine Holthaus has been
Lead Teacher for the diploma program. She currently serves on the Diploma Task Force and is
Co-manager of the Rochester Consortium. Nadine brings experience in curriculum design,
assessment, and diploma completion.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Hawthorne Education Center, Rochester
12
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
no
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
This option will not be available during the
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verfication
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
Do you plan to make it available locally?
yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Completion Option
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Do you plan to make it available locally?
yes
yes
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
yes
ABE individual instruction
yes
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
yes
Academy, APEX, or other options)
FastTRAC Programming
yes
ABE College Prep Courses
yes
Northstar Digital Literacy
yes
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
yes
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
yes
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
yes
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)The Rochester
Consortium has a credit-based high school diploma in place. Currently, more than 30 adult
learners (over 21 years of age) are attempting to complete the credit and assessment
requirements. Ten Rochester learners, who were unable to pass the 2002 GED exam, are
continuing toward their goal of a secondary credential. Consortium-wide, more than 10,500
adults over 21 do not possess a secondary credential, with 6,500 living in Rochester.
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot. The Rochester Consortium receives strong support from the Rochester Public Schools.
Superintendent Michael Muñoz was an active participant in the Adult Diploma Focus Group that
was held in Rochester. At that meeting, he expressed interest in piloting the State Adult Diploma
when it became an option. Rochester Community Education also supports Rochester ABE
through use of facilities, business services, and direct funding. The Rochester Consortium and
the Rochester ALC are linked to provide strong transitions for learners when they reach the age
of 21.
The Rochester Consortium has developed strong partnerships with Rochester Community and
Technical College, Workforce Development, Inc., United Way of Olmsted County, Mayo Clinic,
Rochester Public Library, etc. to provide referrals, admissions/financial aid, training,
employment, volunteers, and funding. All of these partners have been kept informed about the
progress and process of the State Adult Diploma. They are in support of its implementation in
Rochester.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.) Hawthorne Education Center, the
adult diploma site and Rochester Consortium headquarters, currently has two computer labs for
learner use. The large lab contains 30 computers with academic software. The smaller lab is
designated for digital literacy and GED testing. A third lab will be added in January 2015 to
function as a distance-learning classroom. Three computer carts, with class sets of laptops, are
also available at Hawthorne. All labs are staffed by teachers, educational assistants, and
technology assistants. Four Hawthorne staff members/administrators are participating in the
Distance Learning 101 course. Rochester is also a site for year two of the LSTA (Northstar
Digital Literacy) project. In January 2015, Hawthorne will be adding Odysseyware to its online
learning options through a collaborative agreement with Rochester’s ALC. The entire Learner
Web will also be available.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.) See
attachments for course listings, etc.
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district. Adult learners who
complete the current Hawthorne/Rochester Consortium credit-based program receive high
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
school diplomas from all of the Rochester schools and many SE region districts. Nadine
Holthaus, Julie Nigon, and Amy Eich, Rochester’s Community Education Director, are meeting
with the Rochester Public Schools’ Administrative Cabinet on December 9 to enlist their support
in making the graduates of the competency-based Adult Diploma eligible for a local high school
diploma. Once the Rochester School District approves this new pathway to a high school
diploma, surrounding school districts will be approached to request their approval, as well.
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Southeast ABE
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
Debra McDermott-Johnson
SE Consortium
Yesica Louis
ylouis@faribault.k12.mn.us
507-330-2599 (Cell)
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
Yesica Louis
Lakeisha Arndt and/or Yesica Louis
Yesica Louis
Jennifer Arndt and Eric Sandberg
Lakeisha Arndt, Jennifer Arndt, Yesica Louis,
Eric Sandberg
Jennifer Arndt and Eric Sandberg-Northstar
Basic Computer Skills training. Participants will
earn a Northstar credential to prove
proficiency and embed basic keyboarding
skills (15+ words per minute). ALC Director,
Margaret Gare and a select group of ALC and
high school staff will participate in designing
the Faribault Adult Diploma Program.
Additionally, local businesses, the workforce
center staff, and South Central College will be
asked to participate in this process.
Yesica Louis (Adult Education Coordinator)
Anne Marie Leland (Community Ed Director)
Eric Sandberg (GED Instructor)
Tentatively - Margaret Gare (ALC Director)
Yesica Louis (Adult Education Coordinator)
Lakeisha Arndt (Data Support
Specialist/Secretary)
Jennifer Arndt (Lead ABE Instructor)
Eric Sandberg (GED Instructor)
Yesica Louis (Adult Education Coordinator)
Jennifer Arndt (Lead ABE Instructor)
Eric Sandberg (GED Instructor)
Page 95 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Yesica Louis
Lakeisha Arndt and/or Yesica Louis
Yesica Louis
Jennifer Arndt and Eric Sandberg
Lakeisha Arndt, Jennifer Arndt, Yesica Louis,
Eric Sandberg
Jennifer Arndt and Eric Sandberg-Northstar
Basic Computer Skills training. Participants will
earn a Northstar credential to prove
proficiency and embed basic keyboarding
skills (15+ words per minute). ALC Director,
Margaret Gare and a select group of ALC and
high school staff will participate in designing
the Faribault Adult Diploma Program.
Additionally, local businesses, the workforce
center staff, and South Central College will be
asked to participate in this process.
Yesica Louis (Adult Education Coordinator)
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
Yesica Louis provides supervision and guidance to Faribault’s GED program. Additionally, she
reviews and maintains required MABE data on GED participants and conducts monthly analysis
on ABE level assignments (pre/post testing) and student contact hours (persistence and
retention).
Yesica’s Professional Development Highlights:









Member of the State Adult Diploma Consultation Team
Contextualized GED Training, LaGuardia
GED 2014 Training
CASAS Certified
TABE Certified
Northstar Training (Faribault ABE is a Northstar approved Site)
A New State Adult Diploma: Creating a Third Pathway for an Adult Secondary
Credential
2014 Navigating through a Student’s Journey
Preparing for the Common Core: Using Contextualized Instruction to Help Students Meet
More Rigorous Standards (National Conference on Effective Transitions in Adult
Education)
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Jennifer Arndt will be taking over as the new GED lead teacher starting December 18, 2014.
Jennifer’s Professional Development Highlights:









Lead GED Instructor
Transitions Integration Frameworks training
ACES Training
Contextualized GED Training, LaGuardia
CASAS Certified
TABE Certified
Northstar Training (Faribault ABE is a Northstar approved Site)
A New State Adult Diploma: Creating a Third Pathway for an Adult Secondary
Credential
2014 Navigating through a Student’s Journey
Eric Sandberg will be hired as the Faribault Public Schools- GED Instructor starting December
18, 2014.
Eric’s Professional Development Highlights




GED Instructor
CASAS Training
TABE Training
5-12 Social Studies Minnesota Teaching License
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
Yesica Louis has over 11 years of teaching ESL students K-12 and has had extensive training
in standards-based education. She has designed reading and math lessons and designed
assessments and scoring rubrics for the Faribault School District to meet the K-12 State
Standards. As the Adult Education Coordinator, Yesica has also participated in Northstar Digital
Literacy training.
Yesica’s Professional Development Highlights:





K-12 Minnesota ESL Teaching License
K-12 Minnesota State Standards (unpacked and aligned science, math and ELA
standards)
Faribault Public Schools Curriculum Committee
Faribault Public Schools Technology Committee
Schools and Business Partnership Committee
Jennifer Arndt has received extensive training in Common Core K-12 Standards from Southwest
Minnesota State University and has her K-6 Elementary Teaching license. She is currently
working with the Transitions Integration Framework to design her daily ESL lessons and
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
embeds career pathway skills. Also, Jennifer has been a Northstar Instructor for over eight
months and has created lessons that align to the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards.
Eric Sandberg is a licensed 5-12 Social Studies teacher with two years of high school teaching
experience. In his classes, he implemented a standards based grading model. This required
assessments to be aligned with Minnesota’s high school social studies standards which led to
adjustments in curriculum. Eric is well versed in the work done by Ken O’Connor and Rick
Wormeli on standards based grading.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
Yesica Louis conducts one-to-one academic advising for all ABE students and currently has
weekly AM and PM office hours. A variety of approaches are used when advising students but
mostly tends to use the developmental advising model that focuses on academics, life goals,
career pathways and employment. Yesica implemented student conferences to be held three
times a year. This provides an atmosphere where students are in control of their learning.
Eric Sandberg has taught and coached for two years as well as his current role as the youth
development coordinator for Faribault Public Schools. Eric possesses extensive experience
working with young adults and advising them. Eric currently coordinates a college access
program for high school students. This program assist students to make sure that they are
successful in high school, get accepted into a post-secondary institution, and graduate from that
institution. Eric and his staff do a significant amount of advising students in their future postsecondary options. This program collaborates closely with high school counselors and the
career resource staff. This college access program also collaborates with South Central
College. Eric’s program participants receive college readiness instruction. In addition to the
college readiness instruction, Eric teaches a First Year Experience class to program
participants. This curriculum was created as a team with South Central College staff and Eric.
This curriculum was then approved by South Central College.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Faribault Public Schools ABE
35 Students
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
NO
This option will not be available during the
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
YES
secondary schools +
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verfication
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Do you plan to make it available locally?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Do you plan to make it available locally?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Do you plan to make it available locally?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Page 99 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
YES
ABE individual instruction
YES
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
YES
Academy, APEX, or other options)
FastTRAC Programming
NO (not available in our area)
ABE College Prep Courses
YES
Northstar Digital Literacy
YES
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
YES
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
YES
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
YES
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
According to the American Community Survey, 2008-12 Faribault has 2,306 adults (25+) that
have less than a high school diploma or equivalent. Faribault is 7% higher than the State
average. See chart below.
Total adult population
(25+)
Less than high school
2014 LEP Count
Faribault
15,474
Faribault
Minnesota
2,306
703
15%
18%
8%
8%
Source: American Community Survey, 2008-2012 & Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Report Card
Faribault ABE has 109 ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials. A phone survey
was conducted and results indicated that 15 students are interested and would like to enroll in
the Minnesota Standard Adult High School Diploma Program Pilot. Faribault ABE also has a
Page 100 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
close partnership with the Alternative Learning Center. The Director of the ALC indicated that 22
students would be eligible and would like to participate in the Diploma Program Pilot. Faribault
currently serves 10 ABE students that meet the general requirements of the Development,
Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act and could become eligible for deferred
action if they obtain their GED/Adult Diploma.
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
The SE Consortium fully supports Faribault’s efforts to pilot and implement the state adult
diploma pilot. The SE Consortium would benefit from having in-house experts and Faribault staff
would be available to the consortium for trainings or other requests related requests. Faribault
ABE would be willing to cross-train and share our thoughts and opinions at the State and local
level.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
Yesica Louis and Jennifer Arndt are both fully trained in administering Northstar assessments.
Jennifer Arndt has been conducting Northstar Literacy classes and has experience with
LiveText (online portfolio). Faribault ABE is committed to implementing distance learning for our
Adult Diploma students.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
If the SE Consortium is selected as a pilot program, Faribault ABE will provide managed
enrollment classes to support student success and offer blended learning models in the AM and
PM to fit each students’ schedules and needs. The Faribault Adult Diploma students will benefit
from receiving direct instruction, online education options with a combination of independent
study, to group work. In addition to fulfilling the Adult Diploma components, Faribault Adult
Diploma students will work on earning their Northstar Basic Computer Skills Certificate to prove
proficiency to employers. Throughout the pilot, Workforce Development, Inc. will be scheduled
into our classes to work on soft skills, create transition plans, conduct future goal setting, and
possibly provide additional support services that the student may need. Adult Diploma classes
will be combined with current GED classes.
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
This discussion is currently in progress with the Faribault Public Schools Superintendent and
local School Board members. The Superintendent of Faribault Public Schools is a strong
supporter of the Adult Diploma and has discussed this possibility with other Superintendents in
Page 101 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
the SE Consortium at a Big 9 Superintendent meeting and through phone calls and email and
has received full support from his peers.
Page 102 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Southwest ABE Regional Collaborative
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Mankato Area Adult Basic Education
Mankato Area Public Schools
Mankato Area ABE
Area Adult Learning Cooperative (AALC)
Glacial Lakes ABE
Southwest ABE (SW ABE)
Faribault County ABE
Karen Wolters, Mankato ABE Program
Coordinator
kwolte1@isd77.k12.mn.us
(507) 345-5222 x3054
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Who is the main pilot
application contact?
Person
Email
Phone
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Karen Wolters (Mankato Area ABE)
Becki Hawkins (AALC)
Julie Mischke (Glacial Lakes)
Marty Olsen (Southwest ABE)
Sue Vogelsang (Faribault County ABE)
MaryKate Lewis (Mankato ABE)
Nicole Dummer (Mankato ABE – New Ulm)
Julie Mischke (Glacial Lakes – Hutchinson)
Laura Morales (Glacial Lakes – Willmar)
Sue Vogelsang (Faribault County ABE)
Becki Hawkins (AALC)
Pat Thomas, Marty Olsen, Katie Raymo, Dona
Anderson or their designee (SW ABE)
Angie Blackstad (Mankato ABE)
Nicole Dummer (Mankato ABE)
Julie Mischke (Glacial Lakes – Hutchinson)
Shari Johnson (Glacial Lakes – Hutchinson)
Sue Vogelsang (Faribault County ABE)
Becki Hawkins (AALC) – will hire an advisor
Marty Olsen (SW ABE)
Matt Fischer (SW ABE)
Robert Maas (Mankato ABE)
Theresa Mosher (Mankato ABE)
Katie Sulzle (Mankato ABE)
Ruth Tweeto (Mankato ABE)
Lorie Grunzke (Mankato ABE- New Ulm,
Sleepy Eye)
Rebecca Strom (Mankato ABE)
Marilyn Solberg (Mankato ABE)
LuAnn Sting (Mankato ABE)
Ron Fleischmann (Mankato ABE)
Liv Musel-Staloch (Mankato ABE)
Beth Emerson (Faribault County)
Page 103 of 132
New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
Carol Werner (Glacial Lakes)
Jenifer Leitch (Glacial Lakes)
Shari Johnson (Glacial Lakes)
Andrew Hendrickson (Glacial Lakes)
Dianne Wilson (AALC)
Mary Margaret Johnson (AALC)
Rita Kramer Curtin (AALC)
Allison Beggs (AALC)
Sandra Hendrycks (AALC)
Lori Stearns (SW ABE)
Matt Fischer (SW ABE)
Carol Coriolan (SW ABE)
Brenda Hackbarth (SW ABE)
Bridget Smith (SW ABE)
Laurie Varley (SW ABE)
Tom Hammer (SW ABE)
Sarah Schultze (SW ABE)
Cindy Torkelson (SW ABE)
Judy Hacker (SW ABE)
Deanna Johnson (SW ABE)
Dave Lieser (SW ABE)
Pam Hamann (SW ABE)
Linda Howard (SW ABE)
(TABE, CASAS, Accuplacer, NCRC)
MaryKate Lewis (Mankato ABE) Nicole
Dummer (Mankato ABE - New Ulm) Fanah
Adam (South Central College) Sue Vogelsang
(Faribault County ABE) Lori Stearns (SW
ABE) Jenifer Leitch (Glacial Lakes) Shari
Johnson (Glacial Lakes) Laura Morales
(Glacial Lakes) Carol Werner (Glacial Lakes)
Barbara Saunders (Ridgewater Community
College, Hutchinson) Sara Carrigan, (Mankato
Workforce Center - DEED Job Service) Case
Managers at DEED Job Service Case
Managers at Southwest Minnesota Case
Managers at MN Workforce Center
Hutchinson and Willmar Sandra Hendrycks
(AALC) Dianne Wilson (AALC) Mary Margaret
Johnson (AALC) Rita Kramer Curtin (AALC)
Allison Beggs (AALC) Becki Hawkins (AALC)
Matt Fisher (SW ABE) Katie Raymo (SW ABE)
Maylis Dickey (Mankato ABE) Computer Lab
assistant
Karen Wolters (Mankato ABE) Angie
Blackstad (Mankato ABE) Nicole Dummer
(Mankato ABE - New Ulm) Julie Mischke
(Glacial Lakes) Shari Johnson (Glacial Lakes)
Becki Hawkins (AALC) Sue Vogelsang
(Faribault County ABE) Katie Raymo (SW
ABE) Pat Thomas (SW ABE) Dona Anderson
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expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
(SW ABE) Marty Olsen (SW ABE)
Lorie Grunzke (Mankato ABE - New Ulm,
Sleepy Eye) Rebecca Strom (Mankato ABE)
Angie Blackstad (Mankato ABE) Karen
Wolters (Mankato ABE) Nicole Dummer
(Mankato ABE - New Ulm) Julie Mischke
(Glacial Lakes) Carol Werner (Glacial Lakes)
Jennifer Leitch (Glacial Lakes) Shari Johnson
(Glacial Lakes) Andrew Hendrickson (Glacial
Lakes) Sue Vogelsang (Faribault County ABE)
Marty Olsen (SW ABE) Matt Fischer (SW
ABE) TBA (SW ABE) Becki Hawkins or
designee (AALC)
Karen Wolters (Mankato ABE) Angie
Blackstad (Mankato ABE) Bob Maas (Mankato
ABE) Lorie Grunzke (Mankato ABE - New
Ulm, Sleepy Eye) Julie Mischke (Glacial
Lakes - Hutchinson) Shari Johnson (Glacial
Lakes - Hutchinson) Sue Vogelsang (Faribault
County ABE) Becki Hawkins (AALC) - will hire
TBA (SW ABE)
Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
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Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
The Southwest regional partners have GED 2014 programming offered in all five consortia in
southwest Minnesota. All consortia have trained GED 2014 instructors who regularly participate
in state ABE professional development such as regional workshops and summer institute. In
addition to the GED programming, the partners worked collaboratively to insure that Pearson
Vue testing sites were implemented regionally. Pearson Vue centers have been established
through Mankato Area Adult Basic Education at Lincoln Community Center, at South Central
College in North Mankato, in Hutchinson at Ridgewater College, at Southwest Minnesota State
University (SMSU) at the Marshall campus and at Minnesota West Community and Technical
College at the Worthington Campus.
Regarding Adult Diploma programming, Mankato Area ABE and Area Adult Learning
Cooperative have established credit recovery adult diploma programs in place and their local
school districts grant the diploma to successful students. Mankato has had this programming in
place since 1994 and the AALC has had it in place since 1996.
In addition to credit-based programming, Mankato Area ABE has a competency-based diploma
program for English language learners that has been in existence since 2005. This model,
based on Equipped for the Future Standards, will be replaced with the new Standard Adult High
School Diploma Program. No new students were enrolled in this program in 2014-2015, in
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New State Adult Diploma Pilot Program Description
anticipation that the new pilot will begin this school year. Once the new program is in place, it
will serve all students, not just ESL learners.
The Southwest Regional ABE partnership has been well-represented throughout the planning
phases of the Standard Adult High School Diploma initiative. The following staff have
participated in the research, development, task forces and legislative process:






Beverlee Mountain and Marty Olsen served on the first LAN task force.
Karen Wolters was the chair of the legislative (second) task force.
Marty Olsen, Julie Mischke, Karen Wolters, Angie Blackstad, Robert Maas, Rebecca
Strom and Lorie Grunzke have attended working group meetings since spring of 2014.
Karen Wolters serves on the consultation team.
Karen Wolters, with Brad Hasskamp, has presented to multiple stakeholder groups,
including the MN state legislature, to promote a better understanding of the initiative.
Angie Blackstad and Julie Mischke serve on the Student Advising Task Force. The
Southwest regional partners are committed to piloting the Standard Adult High School
Diploma in small, rural programs and wish to see this option available for all learners.
Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
All consortia in the SW region have trained Northstar Digital Literacy proctors and instructors
who have been implementing the Northstar assessments and standards via Learner Web
learning plans and face to face classes. All consortia have staff who have participated in either
DL101 or DL Basics. Currently the ABE Managers are insuring that all online teachers in the
region participate in DL Basics by May, 2015.
Currently 90% of the instructors in the SW region have participated in ACES round 1 training.
Throughout the pilot period, instructors and advisors will be provided the opportunity to expand
their ACES knowledge and understanding through additional study circle training with funding
leveraged through the regional transitions budget.
Mankato Area ABE and AALC have high school diploma instructors who have implemented the
K-12 standards in their Adult Diploma courses for two decades. As the standards change over
time, the teachers regularly update the standards in these courses. In addition, Mankato Area
ABE has been implementing the Equipped for the Future (EFF) Standards in their competencybased diploma program since 2005. All ESL teachers from the Mankato consortium have been
trained in EFF Standards.
Several of the ABE instructors have participated in CCRS standards training at Summer
Institute and at the ABE South Regional. Because the CCRS Standards have recently been
introduced to the ABE field, we hope to gain a better understanding of them through this
diploma pilot project.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
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All consortia have provided student advising informally through regular programming with GED,
ESL, and work skills classroom instructors. Since FastTRAC programming began in 2008, all
consortia have received FastTRAC grants and therefore have developed a more sophisticated
advising model for these students, which includes partnerships with local workforce counselors.
FastTRAC students are screened and advised by ABE and workforce jointly. The advising tools
that are used in southwest Minnesota have been shared with the Adult Diploma working group
and are included in the resource packet that accompanied this application.
Because Mankato ABE and AALC have established credit-based adult diploma programming in
place, they have processes in place to evaluate student transcripts and test scores to determine
individual learning plans for each student. Both school districts allow ABE students to earn a
high school diploma from the local school district.
As project lead, Karen Wolters will mentor and direct the advisors of the SW Region. Karen has
20 years of advising experience and program development in the Mankato ABE Adult Diploma
program, 7 years of College Prep and 4 years of FastTRAC program screening, intake and
advising. From 1994-2014, Karen learned to interpret and evaluate transcripts and determine
student’s academic needs and developed the learning plans for all diploma students at Mankato
ABE. She also developed programming to meet the needs of both college readiness as well as
high school completion. In addition to her teaching degree, Karen has a Masters degree in
Counseling and Student Personnel - College Student Affairs from Minnesota State University,
Mankato.
Angie Blackstad is now the Diploma Program Supervisor for Mankato. Angie has 11 years of
K12 teaching experience and 4 years experience with case management at Lifeworks Services
of Mankato, where she advised adults with disabilities on their academic and career
development. Angie has served as a FastTRAC Integrated teacher and currently serves as the
Diploma Program Supervisor for Mankato Area ABE.
Julie Mischke has a Minnesota teaching license in Adult Education from the University of
Minnesota. She has 18 years experience in Adult Basic Education advising, management and
teaching. She has experience with FastTRAC screening, intake and exit interviews.
Shari Johnson has worked at Glacial Lakes ABE for seven years as a FastTRAC, computer,
and GED instructor and advisor. She has experience with FastTRAC screening, intake and exit
interviews. Currently, she is also SW Regional Transitions Co-coordinator.
Nicole Dummer has four years experience with intake, advising, and administering the Northstar
Digital Literacy certificates at Mankato ABE. She was previously employed at Mankato
Rehabilitation Services, Inc. for two years working with Minnesota Family Investment Program
clients providing job search classes, computer literacy classes, and workforce counseling.
Nicole also taught a two-day creative job search class for the Department of Employment and
Economic Development for two years, where she developed skills in presenting, team building
and goal setting. She advised unemployed clients as they researched online job sites, built
resumes and developed essential (soft) skills.
Sue Vogelsang has been an ABE program manager since 1997. Due to the nature of her very
rural site Sue serves as intake, assessment, and advisor to students as well as supervising the
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programming and staff. She has 4 years experience with FastTRAC screening, including intake
and assessment interviews and exit interviews.
Becki Hawkins has been an ABE program manager since 1993. Becki serves as the adult
diploma and GED advisor for the AALC. She works closely with the local high school
counselors in her district to evaluate transcripts and determine high school diploma
requirements for individuals. She has 4 years experience with FastTRAC screening, including
intake and assessment interviews and exit interviews.
Marty Olsen has been in ABE since 1994. She has taught ESL, GED, Work Readiness and
Citizenship. Since 2012, she has been ABE program manager for SW ABE - Worthington
Region. She is a nationally-certified CASAS trainer, and a state TABE trainer, and manages the
SW ABE Supplemental Services grant for Assessment Training.
Matt Fischer has 4 years of secondary math education experience. Matt has been in ABE since
July of 2014. He is the ESL/GED instructor for Marshall, and also teaches math to CNA and
welding students.
The southwest regional team intends to work collaboratively to advise students, based on the
student’s residence, work location and needs of the student. We intend to use online resources
such as Skype or Facetime to connect with students and other advisors as necessary. As we
anticipate that students will cross consortium lines, we will put the students’ needs first.
Consortium “boundaries” will be considered a secondary factor in student advising.
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Mankato - Lincoln Community Center Site
Mankato - New Ulm Workforce Center Site
Mankato - BIC Graphics site in Sleepy Eye
Glacial Lakes - Hutchinson Site
Glacial Lakes - Willmar Site SW ABE traveling advisor to all sites
AALC - traveling advisor to all sites
Faribault County ABE - traveling advisor to all
sites
Mankato @ Lincoln - 15
Mankato @ New Ulm Workforce - 5
Mankato @ BIC Graphics - 3
Glacial Lakes @ Hutchinson - 4
SW ABE - 3
Faribault County ABE - 2
AALC – 2
(Please complete checklist below of all
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
We are interested in looking at this for the very
This option will not be available during the
rural sites. Count us in if you are developing
beginning of the pilot period.
PD around this possibility. We really want to
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Potential Completion Option
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
Do you plan to make it available locally?
use this for portions of the diploma, rather than
the entire NEDP.
We are not sure how to do this but we are
interested in this possibility. We’d like to
partner with MNSCU and Workforce partners
to evaluate these transcripts and provide credit
towards high school completion.
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes – all consortia have the capacity to
provide Accuplacer testing at their ABE site.
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
An advisor from SCC is co-located at the
Mankato - Lincoln site two days per month
offering Accuplacer testing.
Yes - would like further explanation of what
“additional work” means.
Yes - There are five Pearson Vue testing sites
in the SW region (Hutchinson, Mankato, North
Mankato, Worthington, and Marshall). All
consortia in the SW Region have the capacity
to administer/proctor GED Ready tests at all
sites.
Yes - we no longer offer this testing on site but
will accept passing scores as “test verified
knowledge”.
No - we do not know how to interpret the
results of a TOEFL exam. We would like to
learn how to use this for “test verified
knowledge”
Yes - we do not offer ACT testing at local
sites, however will accept scores as “test
verified knowledge”
Yes - Mankato ABE has courses already
aligned with K-12 standards in Novel Reading
and Communication Studies
Yes - Via distance learning and AALC has
independent study courses in all subject areas
Yes - All consortia in SW MN use Mindquest
Academy, Skills Tutor, GED Academy,
MyFoundations Lab, KeyTrain, and i-Pathways
No - We don’t currently do this, but would like
to explore this option with the working group
members
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
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Potential Completion Option
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes – Accuplacer
Yes
Yes – Mankato has courses that we are
attempting to align to the CCRS Standards
Yes
Yes - Skills Tutor, My Foundations Lab,
A+dvancer, Key Train, Ged Academy, and
iPathways
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes – would like further explanation of what
“additional work means
Yes
Yes - Mankato has an Environmental Studies
course already aligned to K-12 standards
Yes - AALC has independent study courses
available
Yes - Mindquest, GED Academy, Academy,
GED Academy, and i-Pathways
No - We don’t currently do this, but would like
to explore this option with the working group
members
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes - would like further explanation of what
“additional work” means
Yes
Yes - Mankato has two courses already
aligned with K-12 standards in the area of
Economics and Government
Yes - AALC has independent study courses
available
Yes - Mindquest, GED Academy, and
iPathways
No - We don’t currently do this, but would like
to explore this option with the working group
members
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Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
Yes - FastTRAC Bridges, College Prep,
Northstar Digital Literacy courses in all
consortia
ABE individual instruction
Yes - with local workforce counselors, ABE
advising sessions
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
Yes - Mindquest Academy, Learner Web,
Academy, APEX, or other options)
KeyTrain, and Skills Tutor (work skills lessons)
FastTRAC Programming
Yes - All consortia offer FastTRAC
programming
ABE College Prep Courses
Yes - All consortia offer College Prep
programming
Northstar Digital Literacy
Yes - All consortia offer proctored
Assessments/Certificate
assessments and certificates as well as
Northstar preparation via Learner Web
Resume Completion
Yes - ABE Employment SKILLS classes as
well as partnerships with local workforce
centers
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
No - We don’t currently do this, but would like
to explore this option with the working group
members
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Yes - we use Mavis Beacon and online
opensource programs to verify wpm
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
Mankato ABE has a waiting list for this program. Between Mankato and New Ulm sites, we
have identified a list of 15 students who are eligible and have expressed interest in starting the
program immediately if the pilot application is approved.
Faribault County has identified two learners who have expressed interest in pursuing this option
if the pilot application is approved. In addition, six students have passed four out of five GED
2002 exams and would be good candidates for this option.
AALC has identified two students who would qualify for this option. Both of these students have
expressed that they want a diploma but have too many credits remaining to make the credit
based diploma feasible.
Glacial Lakes has over 100 students who have passed two or more of the GED 2002 version
tests that would be candidates for this option.
SW ABE has identified several students who would qualify for this option.
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Per the state entitlement calculation worksheet for each consortium, the chart below shows the
number of individuals in SW Minnesota who are lacking a HS Equivalency Diploma:
Consortia
Glacial Lakes
Mankato Area ABE
Southwest ABE
Area Adult Learning Cooperative
Faribault County ABE
No Diploma Entitlement Census Count
9,863
7,368
28,832
8,180
1,915
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
The team of southwest regional managers are recognized as leaders in “regionalization” efforts
in the ABE field. Since December of 2010, the southwest regional managers have been meeting
at least quarterly to strategically plan, share, and disseminate relevant information to reduce
barriers for students and to develop regional ABE programming and strategies. Our regional
commitment is governed by the fact that we will use resources from all programs to serve any
customer within our service area. This is evidenced by the fact that any customer has access to
any service regardless of where they live through cooperative programming. For example, we
have regional FastTRAC programming, and students crossing boundaries for ESL or GED.
This will be carried out as we implement the Standard Adult High School Diploma pilot.
The team is committed to developing an Adult Diploma model that can serve any and all
customers within the regional boundaries. We fully recognize that some of our partners have
greater capacity and we will utilize their strengths in areas that have less capacity to offer the
programming. We expect to utilize Mankato, AALC and Glacial Lakes to lead the effort during
the pilot phase and provide guidance and mentoring to those with less experience, who will be
learning and developing their capacity throughout the pilot timeframe.
The regional programs intend to use the pilot period and funding to strengthen already existing
connections and programming. Because some of the regional ABE programs have adult
diploma programming already established, they have a strong capacity to expand this
programming to offer the Minnesota Standard Adult Diploma option. Mankato and AALC
already have advising in place in their programs as well as K-12 aligned courses, and are in a
good position to mentor the other advisors. The region is well equipped to offer distance
learning options and FastTRAC programming. All consortia have GED programming as well as
adequate access to Pearson Vue testing centers.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
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Through local program dollars and regional transitions funding, the southwest region has
provided technology training and support around Learner Web, Northstar Digital Literacy
assessments, Skills Tutor, Google docs and other various online platforms. We fully recognize
we need to embrace distance learning to maintain the vitality of our rural programs. Every
consortia has trained distance learning teachers who have taken the responsibility of “training”
the other teachers at their local consortia and at regional events. Some of our “lead” technology
trainers have been utilized through the St. Paul Distance Learning Consortium at regional
trainings and consortia-level trainings multiple times per year. The individuals include Lori
Stearns - SW ABE, Shari Johnson - Glacial Lakes, Bob Maas - Mankato ABE, and Nicole
Dummer - Mankato ABE.
All consortia have staff who have participated in DL101 and DL Basics professional
development opportunities. The regional managers are currently working to ensure that by May
of 2015, all distance learning instructors in the regional will have taken the course “DL Basics”.
Three participants from the SW region have served on the “Career Development, Employability
Skills & Distance Learning” standards committee of the diploma working group. These
participants will be assisting in the development of the online portfolio through Learner Web.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
Mankato Area ABE has 6 courses (already aligned to K-12 standards) that are offered to current
credit-recovery students that may be utilized during this pilot. The courses include Economics,
US Government, Novel Reading, Career Exploration, Communication Studies and
Environmental Issues. These courses are offered from February through May. In addition, the
math courses offered at Mankato ABE are currently being aligned with the CCRS math
standards. (Link to adult diploma course descriptions for Mankato ABE).
FastTRAC bridge courses will satisfy the ACES career awareness standard “Developing a
Future Pathway.” FastTRAC bridge courses will be offered in Mankato, LeSueur, Hutchinson,
Blue Earth, and SW ABE, throughout the spring semester of 2015. (Link to FastTRAC bridge
course description for Mankato, AALC, Faribault County ABE).
Mindquest Academy courses are utilized throughout the region with students who are interested
in attending college. The College Planning course is aligned with the career awareness ACES
“Developing a Career Pathway Standard.” The southwest region intends to assist with aligning
the Mindquest modules with ACES and CCRS standards, should that grant be awarded to the
Mindquest group. Mindquest courses are offered throughout the region at all five consortia
during the pilot timeframe. (Link to Mindquest Academy course descriptions).
Computer classes may be accessed throughout the region for skill development in order to pass
the Northstar Digital Literacy assessments. In addition to the face to face computer classes, the
region has access and uses the Learner Web plans correlated with Northstar assessments.
(Link to computer course description).
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Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
Becki Hawkins, AALC manager, intends to ask the Le Sueur-Henderson school board for
approval to grant their local diploma upon completion of the pilot phase. Currently, Le Sueur–
Henderson school district grants a local diploma for the credit-based program.
SW ABE, Glacial Lakes and Faribault County intend to use the state-issued diploma.
Mankato Area Public Schools has obtained local board approval to issue a local Mankato Area
Public schools diploma to those students who meet the state-approved standards for this pilot
and graduate (see letter of support).
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St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium
Section A: ABE Consortium Information
Lead Consortium Fiscal Agent
Participating Consortium/Consortia
Lead Contact
Person
Who is the main pilot
Email
application contact?
Phone
St. Paul Public Schools, ISD #625
St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium
Renada Rutmanis
Renada.rutmanis@spps.org
651-744-7556
Section B: Adult Diploma Pilot Program Staffing
Staff Roles
Which staff
member(s) will
perform the following
roles for the new
State Adult Diploma
Pilot Program?
Administration
Intake
Advising
Instruction
Renada Rutmanis
Jenny Schlukebier
Amy Stotzheim
TammyTwiggs, Louella Francisco (math
instruction), DJ Dahl (technology and career
development instruction)
Assessment
Additional? (i.e.
technology support,
etc.) Please specify
role.
Jenny Schlukebier
Tom Cytron-Hysom, Project Consultant
Julia Tabbut, Learner Web/Distance Learning
Karen Gerdin, Instructional Consultant
Scott Hall, SPPS ABE Supervisor
Training (Part One)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot Training (Part One) on
Monday, December 15 from 9:15-3:30pm at
the Minnesota Department of Education, if the
application is approved? Topics tentatively
include overview, staffing roles and
expectations, standards I, and implementation
planning I.
Training (Part Two)
Which staff member(s) will participate in the
Adult Diploma Pilot 2-Day Training (Part Two)
on January 15-16 at the Minnesota
Department of Education, if the application is
approved? Topics tentatively include
standards II, completion options, advising,
program procedures and logistics, course
development, and implementation planning II.
Ongoing Training/Assistance
Which staff members will participate in the
Adult Diploma Working Group and its monthly
meetings starting on Monday, January 26, if
the application is approved?
Renada Rutmanis, Jenny Schlukebier, Amy
Stotzheim, Tammy Twiggs, Julia Tabbut, Tom
Cytron-Hysom, Scott Hall, Louella Francisco,
DJ Dahl
Renada Rutmanis, Jenny Schlukebier, Amy
Stotzheim, Tammy Twiggs, Julia Tabbut, Tom
Cytron-Hysom
Tammy Twiggs, Amy Stotzheim, Tom CytronHysom
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Question B-1. Please attach a staff roster of all staff that will be working directly with the
pilot programming, with names, sites, email addresses and phone numbers, with your
application.
Question B-2. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of GED
and adult diploma programming, including participation in the adult diploma task forces,
working group or other applicable groups.
The St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium (SPCLC) and Hubbs staff have been
actively involved in developing adult diploma programming from the beginning, including
service on the Minnesota Adult Secondary Credential Task Force that produced the
report on which the diploma legislation was based, the Working Group, and the new
Consultation Group. Hubbs maintains an active GED program, and staff have served on
the Statewide GED Teacher Advisory group.
Renada Rutmanis, manager, has a law degree, an ABE teaching license from the
University of Minnesota, and an MA in ESL from Hamline. She taught ESL and ABE for
five years before becoming the St. Paul Public Schools ABE Assistant Supervisor in
August. During her time as a teacher, she taught several higher-level occupational and
FastTRAC classes, including Introduction to Business Office, Introduction to
Accounting, and Retail/Customer Service.
Tom Cytron-Hysom, SPCLC facilitator and advisor on this proposal, served on the
initial Minnesota Adult Secondary Credential Task Force, played a lead role as chair of
the Literacy Action Network Legislative Committee in steering the Adult Diploma
legislation through the Minnesota legislature, has been a regular member of the
Working Group (Employability/Career Development/Digital Literacy sub-group), and has
been asked to serve on the new MDE Consultation Group. He also serves on the State
Advising Task Force, which will support development of advising for the new diploma;
and as manager of Minnesota Learner Web, which will be used to track student portfolio
work required for the new diploma.
Amy Stotzheim, Advisor, currently serves as GED Chief Examiner, overseeing GED
Testing. Prior to working at the Hubbs Center, Amy worked at Job Corps as both a GED
teacher and Academic Manager, where she assisted students in developing
individualized academic plans using their Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores,
transcripts, vocational goals, and time frames to set realistic plans.
Jenny Schlukebier, ABE Systems Manager at Hubbs, will oversee intake and
assessment. She currently supervises registration/intake and assessment of all
incoming and current learners, including GED learners. She supervises the GED
testing, and attends annual state GED meetings. Jenny oversees continued
development of the database used to report attendance and student outcomes for state
and federal reporting requirements.
Julia Tabbut has worked in adult education for nine years, the last
four teaching Distance Learning at the Hubbs Center, along with administering and
building content in Learner Web. She works with GED students in the i-Pathways
platform, was on the review team for the Northstar assessments, and wrote the Learner
Web content that prepares learners for those assessments. She will participate in the
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adult diploma design and build in Learner Web specifically for Hubbs/SPCLC (in
addition to her design work through the Minnesota Literacy Council on creating the
Learner Web learning plan for use by all pilot sites). She will also provide support for
other forms of distance learning used in Adult Diploma programming.
Tammy Twiggs, teacher, has participated in the new Minnesota Standard Adult
Diploma Working Group monthly meetings since June 2014, working on creating
competencies in the English/Language Arts sub-group. She was originally hired at
Hubbs as an hourly Adult Diploma teacher in 1997 to teach English/Language Arts. She
has a current license for English/Language Arts 7-12. As part of the Adult Diploma
program, she trained as a Mindquest online teacher and used Mindquest software for
granting English/Language Arts credits. She worked with approximately 60 to 80
learners using Mindquest. She continued to teach Adult Diploma until No Children Left
Behind imposed a variety of specific requirements that led to discontinuation at Hubbs.
Since then she has been teaching Advanced Secondary courses at Hubbs, including
ELL 7, Reading and Writing 3, Science and Social Studies 1, Writing 3, Writing 4, and
Strategies for Success. She also trained as an instructor in the STAR evidenced-based
reading program through Hamline University and was part of the original team
implementing STAR at Hubbs in the Strategies for Success course. She participated in
the year-long GED Writing Cohort initiative for the new 2014 GED.
Louella Francisco, teacher, has worked for St. Paul Public schools for several years,
teaching students in both K-12 and ABE. She currently teaches a Math 4 class, which is
aligned to both GED 2014 and CCRS Math Level E. She is also currently working on
creating a GED FastTRAC offering as part of a Math lab/orientation class for students
with intensive math needs.
DJ Dahl, teacher, is a Business and Adult Education instructor with extensive studies in
CTE (Career and Technical Education). She has taught business courses (including
career and computer classes) to middle school and high school students, as well as to
adults for North Hennepin Community College and the Hubbs Center for almost 15
years. She has also taught GED and pre-GED classes for many years at the Hubbs
Center and is active in the STAR reading program, a project from the Federal Office of
Career, Technical and Adult Education and Hamline University.
Karen Gerdin, Outreach and Workforce Education Program Manager, has worked for
Saint Paul Public Schools ABE for 17 years. She has been the Regional Transition
SPCLC for the past three years; through this work she has assisted in the coordination
of ACES training among the SPCLC members. In addition, she has served on a
statewide Transitions Committee and is currently on the state Student Advising Task
Force.
Scott Hall, SPPS ABE Supervisor, holds an MA in Teaching English as a Second
Language from Columbia Teachers College and a Specialist degree in Educational
Leadership from the University of Saint Thomas. Scott began his career in education as
a high school teacher in New York City. He moved to Saint Paul in 2000 and has served
as a teacher and administrator at Johnson and Harding High Schools.
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Question B-3. Please describe your staff members’ training and implementation of
standards-based educational models, which could include Minnesota’s K-12 standards,
ACES Transitions Integration Framework, the CCRS (College and Career Readiness
Standards for Adult Education), Northstar Digital Literacy Standards, and/or other
standards models.
SPCLC had five teachers complete the ACES Facilitators Training last year. Those
Facilitators held PLC groups for approximately 20 teachers (Renada Rutmanis
participated in an ACES PLC and received professional development in CCRS
standards). For ACES Phase 2 there are four additional teachers signed up for the
hybrid PLC groups.
In addition, the St. Paul Adult Basic Education program is exploring how to use the
Transition Integration Framework (TIF) in their college level courses. An ABE instructor
is working closely with a St. Paul College instructor under the Child Development
program to rework the curriculum for the CDEV 1200 course using the TIF.
The Saint Paul Adult Basic Education program has built its Math curriculum around the
College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS). Last year the Math curriculum was
divided into four levels and all curriculum was redesigned utilizing the CCRS.
Under Supervisor Scott Hall’s leadership, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at
SPPS ABE are currently updating the ABE curriculum to incorporate the rigorous
College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS). Scott helped to guide a similar
process with Common Core Standards while at Harding High School. With this K-12
experience, he can be a strong resource to guide the SPCLC team while finalizing
completion options for the Adult Diploma.
Tammy Twiggs wrote curriculum for the Hubbs Adult Diploma program based on the
high school standards at the time. While participating in the GED Writing Cohort yearlong initiative for the new 2014 GED, she trained in implementing the College and
Career Readiness Standards for writing in GED classrooms.
Louella Francisco has taught math to students from kindergarten to adults. While
teaching adults, she has taught Math 2, 3, 4, and Accuplacer Math at the Hubbs Center
and Intervention Math at St. Paul College. She has spent the last 1.5 years creating
CCRS-aligned curriculum and materials for Math level 3. She has been collaborating
with other math teachers to ensure vertical articulation of standards and maintaining
effective spiraling instruction inter- and intra- levels. She has also been responsible for
administering diagnostic and placement assessments to new math students to
determine appropriate Math levels. She leads a math lab that has provided
differentiation, appropriate leveling, and course preparation to diverse students with a
variety of skills and needs. In addition, Louella helped align the ELL Math curriculum to
the Massachusetts Framework. She completed the MNI (Minnesota Numeracy Initiative)
training and as part of a final project created rubrics that integrated Webb's Depth of
Knowledge, Habits of Mind, Shwarma's levels of Learning, and GANAG for both
instructors and students. Finally, as a Title 1 Parent Liaison and mentor, she also had
the opportunity to mentor students who had low performance scores on the MCAs
(especially in Math).
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DJ Dahl was the subject matter expert for www.mymncareers.org, a career website for
ABE learners which was produced by Southwest ABE and iSeek with funding from the
Otto Bremer Foundation. In her role, she created and edited the content, created
facilitator's guides, and gave presentations about the website around the state and at
Summer Institute. She is currently working on a FastTRAC professional development
project for integrating technology into ABE classrooms. Ms. Dahl gives digital literacy
and computer skills presentations, workshops and trainings to a number of ABE
programs, conferences, and private organizations.
The Northstar Digital Literacy Standards were developed through a community-wide
collaborative process facilitated by Tom Cytron-Hysom. The Standards are widely used
at Hubbs as well as at other SPCLC member agencies (and by ABE programs
statewide). Hubbs/SPCLC also manage the Distance Learning Supplemental Services
grant, through which an online training on integrating digital literacy training in the
classroom, using Northstar, is in the process of being completed.
Learner Web, which is now used statewide and will be used by all Adult Diploma sites,
was also developed initially in Minnesota through SPCLC, facilitated and managed by
Tom Cytron-Hysom.
Question B-4. Please describe your staff members’ training and experience with
providing student advising.
Amy Stotzheim, Advisor, in her role as GED Chief Examiner, assists people with
planning their testing and accessing educational services as needed. She also fulfills
counseling duties, assisting people with resolving issues that prevent them from being
successful as adult learners and achieving their goals. In her prior position with Job
Corps, she worked with students to develop individualized academic plans using their
TABE scores, transcripts, vocational goals, and time frames to set realistic plans. In
addition, she worked with students to identify potential barriers to their academic
success, brainstormed solutions, and put appropriate supports in place. Although
students were accountable for their progress, she met with them regularly to ensure
they were on track, to see if they needed to make adjustments, or if they needed
additional support. She developed a system that clearly laid out each student's required
tasks, easily tracked progress, and was available to pertinent staff.
Tom Cytron-Hysom and Karen Gerdin serve on the current state Advising Task Force .
Section C: Adult Diploma Pilot Proposed Programming
Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
Potential Number of Students Participating
Pilot (January – June 2015)?
Which completion options do you plan on
Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
10-40
(Please complete checklist below of all
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Proposed Adult Diploma Pilot
Programming Site(s)
having available to your students during
the pilot period?
Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
approved completion options.)
Potential Multi-Domain State Adult Diploma Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) +
This option will not be available during the
beginning of the pilot period.
Approved and aligned transcripts from foreign
Yes
secondary schools +
Potential Language Arts Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Language Arts Credit Verification
Aligned Postsecondary Course Completion
Accuplacer Test Score Verification (78+)
GED (2002 Version) score 450+ on Reading
and Writing tests + writing sample
GED (2014 Version) score 158+ on RLA and
Social Studies/Science tests + writing sample;
GED Ready if proctored
Passing scores on BST or MCA tests
TOEFL
ACT Score 18+ on Writing and 21+ on
Reading tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned interdisciplinary and/or
culminating project with written report and oral
presentation
Potential Mathematics Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
K-12 Math Course Completion Verification
GED (2002 Version) Mathematics + additional
work
GED (2014 Version) Mathematics
GED Ready Score 158 (in a proctored
environment)
Advancing from Developmental Education to
college credit-level courses according to an
approved postsecondary ready test
Passing MCA or BST Math tests
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Potential Science Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
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Potential Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Science test passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Science passing score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research projects
and/or reports
Potential Social Studies Completion Options
Completion Option
K-12 course completion verification
Postsecondary course completion verification
GED (2002 Version) Social Studies passing
score + additional work
GED (2014 Version) Social Studies passing
score
ABE group instruction
ABE individual instruction
ABE distance learning
Approved and aligned research project and/or
report
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do you plan to make it available locally?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Potential Employability, Career Development and Digital Literacy Completion Options
Potential Completion Option
Do you plan to make it available locally?
ABE group instruction
Yes
ABE individual instruction
Yes
ABE distance learning (including MindQuest
Yes
Academy, APEX, or other options)
FastTRAC Programming
Yes
ABE College Prep Courses
Yes
Northstar Digital Literacy
Yes
Assessments/Certificate
Resume Completion
Yes
Approved and aligned projects and/or reports
Yes
Typing speed verification (15+ words/minute)
Yes
Please note that additional information will be given about each completion option during the
initial and ongoing training and technical assistance.
Question C-1. Please describe the potential need for state adult diploma programming in
your area. With this information, please include information on how the potential
participant number (identified above) was calculated. (Examples of demonstrated need
might include the number of ABE enrollees that do not have secondary credentials, U.S.
Census data for your geographic area, applicable enrollee numbers, etc.)
2010 census data for St. Paul indicates 13.8% of the population 25 or older lack a high
school degree. Applying this statistic to the total population 25 and older (174,461)
yields an estimated 24,075 individuals lacking a high school credential. Nearly all of the
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12,275 individuals served by SPCLC last program year lacked secondary credentials.
Anecdotally, we are aware of many adults whose lack of a district diploma or GED
prevents them from enrolling in higher education – we believe the new diploma could
benefit many of these students.
With a graduation rate of 73% last year, it is clear that a significant number of SPPS
K12 learners drop out of school prior to obtaining a diploma. Many of these individuals
already have significant academic credits that could be applied towards an Adult
Diploma. We plan to conduct comprehensive outreach to those who have dropped out
in the past several years and who are at least 21, to inform them of adult diploma
programming, and hopefully enroll them.
St. Paul ABE currently has 136 students enrolled in their GED plus (TABE 8+), Reading
Writing 3 (TABE 6+), ELL 7 (CASAS 236+) classes who do not have a high school
diploma or the equivalent. There are also 77 students with a non-U.S. educational
background who have a diploma or some college/degree from other countries. The
Adult Diploma may prove an attractive option for a significant number of these students.
The SPPS LEAP High School serves older New American students from many
countries. Most of the 375 students are 17-21 years old and working towards their
diplomas. SPPS ABE hopes to work with LEAP students who age out of the K-12
school system. These students should have attained many of the required completion
options at LEAP and can work with SPPS ABE to address any deficiencies. We plan to
work closely with LEAP to establish a seamless transition for these learners.
Our proposed participant number is based on several factors, including our
current number of GED students, and potential referral partnerships with LEAP and our
ALC. Given that this is a pilot project, we feel it is important to initially enroll a relatively
limited number of students, allowing us to establish and assess comprehensive
advising, diploma procedures, high quality programming, etc.
Questions C-2. In addition to staffing and information noted in previous sections, please
describe your consortium’s/consortia’s capacity to implement the state adult diploma
pilot.
SPCLC is the largest consortia in Minnesota, serving in excess of 12,000 students
annually. Last year, we received the PEGASUS Award as the outstanding large
consortia in Minnesota. SPCLC staff play key leadership roles in Minnesota ABE,
including significant representation on the Literacy Action Network Board and
Committees, as well as various Adult Diploma planning, working, and consultation
groups.
SPCLC includes nine community based non-profit service partners, many of them
targeting specific cultural/ethnic groups, as well as SPPS. Working together, we have
developed and maintain an effective collaborative network that helps us effectively
serve diverse populations. Earlier this year, we hired a half-time Community Outreach
and Engagement Consultant to help us engage more effectively with the African
American community.
SPCLC also maintains a highly active professional development program. In addition to
widespread participation in statewide and regional events, SPCLC designs and provides
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PD specific to the needs of St. Paul. For instance, a recent presentation on “Trauma
Informed Care: Empowering students to excel by meeting their needs holistically,”
provided training in helping members to optimize services to our large refugee
population. We also employ a skilled Instructional Design and Professional
Development Advisor who works regularly with consortia teaching staff to help them
hone their skills.
International Institute, acting as fiscal agent, just received a highly competitive,
$400,000 MSPWin grant to develop a College Prep Academy within St. Paul. Primary
partners include the Institute, Hubbs Center, Neighborhood House, and Saint Paul
College. The Academy will include 16-week, Tier 1 classes at the SPCLC sites, and 10week Tier 2 classes at the College. Two fulltime navigators will work with students to
increase their odds of success. We plan to make participation in this program an option
for Adult Diploma students who want to attend college.
SPCLC, with SPPS playing a lead role, manages and administers the statewide
Distance Learning Supplemental Services Grant. Over the past five years, this project
has contributed significantly to improving the quality and availability of distance learning
throughout Minnesota ABE.
As noted elsewhere in this application, SPCLC played the lead role in community efforts
leading to development and maintenance of both the Northstar Digital Literacy Project
and Minnesota Learner Web. The success of these and other projects is evidence of the
capacity and ability of SPCLC to develop, implement, and maintain new projects
successfully.
Saint Paul Public Schools has implemented a Racial Equity policy throughout the school
system. The primary goal of the program is to examine how race plays a part in the
achievement gap and what steps can be taken to eliminate these predicable
achievement outcomes based on race. A concerning result of the achievement gap is
the number of minority students who don’t earn their high school diploma in the K-12
system. The adult diploma program will be a way to address this gap by offering an
alternative route for learners to achieve their diploma. This will give learners many more
options to continue into a technical school, college/university, or employment.
Question C-3. Please describe the technology resources and staff technology skills that
may help them implement the state adult diploma pilot. Answers should also include
experience and use of distance learning, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments and/or
online portfolios. (Applicants can attach applicable sections of their technology and
distance learning plan from their narrative, if applicable.)
SPCLC/Hubbs have long maintained a high priority on the use of technology resources
with and for students. As noted above, the consortium has played a key role in
developing and utilizing Northstar and Learner Web, and plays a leadership role in
supporting distance learning statewide through a Supplemental Services grant (see
information on all of these, above). Last year, SPCLC served 1,827 distance learning
students, and recorded 52,297 DL hours. Hubbs administered over 1,040 proctored
Northstar assessments, and earned over 2,000 Learner Web proxy hours.
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Otto Bremer Foundation awarded SPPS ABE a $55,000 technology grant this year. The
purpose of these funds is to update both teacher and learner computer equipment as
well as provide training in technology best practices for educators. We will be getting a
computer cart with 24 new Dell laptop computers. We plan to dedicate this cart for use
by students in the Adult Diploma Seminar class.
Please see attached the SPCLC technology for the current five years – portions
particularly relevant to Hubbs have been highlighted.
Question C-4. Of the programming that you currently offer, what classes or instruction
do you intend to use with adult diploma students? (Applicants can attach the applicable
program/instructional descriptions from their most recent narrative, if applicable.)
1. Math 4: This class aligns to CCRS Level E (High School Math). This course covers basic
algebra to intermediate algebra. Learners will learn how to set up, write and solve: a variety
of problems using variables, exponents, inequalities, graph, equations, absolute values,
radicals, functions, linear functions, quadratic equations, and systems of equations.
2. Accuplacer Math: This class is for students who plan on taking or have taken the
Accuplacer test with a goal of improving or brushing up the math skills needed to get into
introductory college math courses. These skills include understanding number sense, graph,
measurement, geometry and basic algebra. Students can also review fractions, decimals,
percents, ratios, proportions and other level appropriate topics.
3. College Prep: This class is a test preparation course intended for those learners who wish
to prepare for the Accuplacer College Entrance Exam for Community and Technical
Colleges. Emphasis is placed on acquiring and practicing skills covered in the subtests of
Reading Comprehension, Language Usage, Sentence Skills and Listening.
4. Occupational Classes:
a. Construction Training: Hands on preparation to enter a Pre-Apprenticeship
program with the building trades.
b. Pre-CNA: This class will prepare students for a Certified Nursing Assistant training
program.
c. Retail/Customer Service Certificate: This class prepares students for customer
service and sales in a variety of work settings; students run a school store, improve
communication and money skills, and create a job search portfolio.
d. ServSafe: This class will prepare students for the ServSafe® exam and for the
Minnesota Food Managers license.
5. Computer Basics: A class for students to practice keyboarding, word-processing, email,
and Internet skills. Students can use Learner Web to prepare to take the Northstar Digital
Literacy assessments.
6. Writing 3: Writing 3 is an advanced writing skills course. Students who enter Writing
3 will expand upon their ability to write a simple paragraph that includes a topic
sentence, 3-6 supporting ideas, transition words, and a concluding statement. In
this class, students will practice writing extended paragraphs (8-12 sentences), 3paragraph essays, and business letters. Assignments will require students to use
their critical thinking skills to respond to a variety of readings. All writing assignments
will follow the four-step writing process with particular focus on pre-writing, editing,
and revising. Learners will master simple, compound, and complex sentence types
and continue to improve their use of a variety of verb tenses, descriptive language,
transitional expressions, and other grammar structures. Regular assignments will be
evaluated with a writing rubric. Students will use instructional websites to complete
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different grammar exercises, and they will be expected to use Microsoft Word to edit,
print, and save their writing assignments.
7. FastTRAC programming:
a. Child Development Bridge: This class will prepare students to enter the Child
Development Certificate program at Saint Paul College.
b. Medical Office Prep: This class will prepare students to enter into a Medical Office
Career program at a local community college
8. GED Programming
a. GED Plus: The curriculum for this class has been aligned with the CCRS
standards. This is a class for students from TABE 8 to TABE 12. The class is
appropriate for students who plan to continue onto college prep as well as for
GED learners who are working on reasoning through language arts,
argument-based writing, and critical and close reading skills.
b. Reading and Writing 3: The curriculum for this class has been aligned with
the CCRS standards. It is a transitions level skills course designed for those
learners who want to get their GED. This class includes comprehensive
study in the areas of Literature, Science, Social Studies, and Writing.
c. Science and Social Studies 1 and 2: The curriculum for these classes
aligns with Common Core Standards. Level 1 of this class works on
vocabulary and basic concepts in science and social studies. Level 2 of this
class prepares students for GED-level science concepts, including biology
and chemistry. The science portion also focuses on improving study skills,
critical thinking skills, and communication skills to build success with science
in everyday life situations and in post secondary education. The social studies
portion helps learners to develop and use information and knowledge needed
to interpret, apply, analyze, and evaluate concepts in social studies in order to
pass the GED test, to succeed in higher education and to become an
informed citizen. Technology and lab activities are incorporated into both
levels.
Question C-5. If approved, how will your state adult diploma pilot work with local school
districts? Answers should also indicate whether graduates of the state adult diploma
will be eligible to receive a diploma from a local school district.
St. Paul Public Schools, which serves as the St. Paul consortium fiscal agent and is the
only school district that is part of SPCLC, is fully supportive of this project. Discussions
are underway with SPPS regarding the way in which district diplomas will be awarded to
Minnesota Standard Adult Diploma recipients.
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Minnesota State Standard Adult High School Diploma Program
Pilot Application Details
Pilot Application Release Date:
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Pilot Application Due Date:
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Applications must be completed and submitted electronically to Cherie Eichinger via email at
cherie.eichinger@state.mn.us by 4:30 p.m. on the due date. Late submissions and submissions
not submitted via email will not be accepted.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must currently be receiving state and federal ABE funding and may be current ABE
consortia or collaborations involving multiple ABE consortia.
Staffing Roles and Requirements
Applicants must have multiple staff members participating in training and implementing the new
state adult diploma pilot program. This helps balance the workload and allows for some local
peer support and monitoring of the State Adult Diploma Program. Applicants must ensure that
staff members participate in training and the working group, as proposed in the application or
amended through discussion with the Minnesota Department of Education. While not all ABE
staff must participate in the state-provided training and working group, sufficient local staff must
participate to ensure educational quality and adherence to expectations. Participation in the
working group will provide ongoing technical assistance, training and feedback to approved pilot
programs. Specific staff roles can be mixed and matched across staff members and can
change over time. Roles will include:
Administration will be conducted by the manager(s) and coordinator(s) overseeing the adult
diploma pilot. This role will serve as a program leader and direct staff in the other roles. This
role will ensure that the consortium will fulfill grant expectations.
Intake is frequently completed by the support professional, teacher or administrator that serves
as the first point of contact with the adult diploma pilot student and helps them enroll in the
program.
Advising will be provided to students to help them identify goals and create and revise their
personal learning plan during intake, upon graduation, and throughout their participation in the
adult diploma pilot. As part of the personal learning plan, this role will need to help evaluate
transcripts and other experiences that may serve as evidence of completion of various
competency domains. This role could be filled by local counselors, support professionals,
teachers, administrators, or other appropriate ABE staff members.
Instruction may be delivered by those teachers and staff through classes, individual instruction,
and distance learning to students in the adult diploma pilot.
Assessment is fulfilled by the support professional, teacher, administrator or other practitioner
that will be giving NRS or other formal learning exams. (This does not include informal in-class
assessments.)
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Additional roles may include local technology support or addressing other identified needs.
Funding
Applicants are expected to develop a proposed budget to successfully implement the adult
diploma pilot. Applicants may request up to $10,000 in federal ABE funding to help them
complete the pilot, which ends on June 30, 2015. Consortia can supplement this funding with
additional funding from other sources, including regular ABE funding and resources that have
already been allocated. Of the additional funds provided to approved State Adult Diploma Pilot
Programs, the majority is expected to pay for staffing, training and program development.
Additional Program Requirements
Local ABE Consortia that are selected to pilot will be required to adhere to the following:
A. Have multiple local staff available to participate in the initial training on Monday,
December 15, Thursday, January 15, and Friday, January 16. This training is targeted to
local staff that will be fulfilling any of the staffing roles as identified in the instructions and
will cover several topics, including an overview, standards, staffing role expectations,
completion options, advising, program procedures and logistics, course development,
and implementation planning;
B. Have local staff participate in monthly Adult Diploma Working Group meetings, which are
typically held the third Monday of the month from 9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Minnesota
Department of Education (travel costs can be covered by Literacy Action Network);
C. Use Learner Web as the pilot online student portfolio tool;
D. Work with the State Adult Diploma pilot tools and resources;
E. Adhere to the state Adult Diploma Policy and other policies as established by the
Minnesota Department of Education;
F. Evaluate the pilot program by entering data into the state ABE database at least monthly
and by submitting additional evaluative data and reports, upon request;
For More Information:
Contact Brad Hasskamp at brad.hasskamp@state.mn.us or (651) 582-8594
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