Northstar Digital Literacy Foundations

Northstar Digital Literacy Foundations provides an introduction to the Northstar Digital Literacy standards and how they can be integrated into any adult education course.  The Northstar standards are one of three required sets of content standards for adult education in Minnesota (along with the College and Career Readiness Standards and the ACES-TIF standards).


This course is intended for Minnesota Adult Education teachers, managers, program coordinators, and anyone in a role supporting learners or staff with digital literacy instruction (e.g., curriculum specialists, distance learning coordinators, technology integration specialists, digital navigators, volunteer tutors, etc.).  The course consists of three modules.  Participants will earn 5 CEUs upon completion (2 CEUs for Module 1, 1 CEU for Module 2, and 2 CEUs for Module 3).  To receive CEUs, participants must create an account in the Literacy Minnesota Online Training Portal, enroll in the course, complete all three modules, complete and submit the notetaking document, and complete the course evaluation.  You may contact ebennett@literacymn.org for assistance.

Using an LMS to Build Teacher-Created Distance Learning Courses

In this course, you will learn the basics about Learning Management Systems (LMS), how and why you should use one with your adult learners, and resources to help you get started.

Distance and Blended Learning Basics for Minnesota Adult Education

Welcome to the new professional development course required for Minnesota adult educators who are offering distance or blended learning options for their adult learners. This course also includes the required training modules for adult education teachers seeking certification for the Teacher Verification Model (TVM) of distance learning.

This course is comprised of 6 modules, all of which can be completed one at a time, at your own pace. Up to 11 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available to teachers who complete all 6 modules. Modules 1- 4 are worth 1.5 CEUs; Module 5 is worth 1 CEU; Module 6 (TVM in Practice) is worth 5 CEUs. For TVM Certification, an additional 2 CEUs/TVM Certification will be issued after you attend a TVM Certification Webinar. 

Volunteer in the Adult ESL Classroom

This training prepares new volunteers to work in an adult ESL classroom, and provides ongoing development for experienced classroom volunteers. Topics covered include volunteer roles, culture and cultural awareness, responding to errors, and effective floating in the ESL classroom.

Approximate time to complete course: 3 hours.

Orientation to GED 2014 for ABE Teachers

This course is for teachers who are new to teaching students preparing for the 2014 GEDR. Participants will review the basics of the GED, content students will need, and instructional suggestions to prepare students.

ACES 101: Integrating Academic, Career, and Employability Skills in ABE

A course for Adult Basic Education practitioners who are new to Minnesota's ACES framework for transitions skills.

ACES Project: Academic, Career and Employability Skills

This course is not currently available.

Citizenship Tutor Training

The Citizenship Tutor Training educates teachers and tutors to assist students in preparing for United States Citizenship through naturalization.

This course offers 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Approximate time to complete course: 3 hours.

Using Volunteers in the Classroom


This class will provide ABE and ESL teachers with ideas for effectively using volunteers in their classrooms.

This course offers 2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).Approximate time to complete course: 2 hours.