Minutes

Marshall Consortium Staff Meeting
Marshall Area Adult Learning Center
Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Lyon County Government Center
607 West Main, Marshall, MN

Present: Pam Grebel, Sue Burnett, Paula Gimmestad, Lois Schmidt, Ted Stamp, Bonnie Nielsen, Stephanie Guza, Pat Thomas, Charles Carrera, Delores Johnson, Jeanne Kelsey, Sue Hollingsworth, Rita Fasching, Gail Perrizo, Jamie Verdeck, Judy Hacker, Bonnie Ludeman, Tammy Bukowski, John Doyle, Vickie Radloff, Adele Thomas, and Barb Glaeser.

1. Student Contract Discussions – Adele opened this discussion with comments on describing how one must develop action goals to move forward rather than thinking within the framework of “wishing” or “wanting”. Two groups were formed to explore how an agreement (with better defined action goals) between an instructor and ABE student might look. Tammy Bukowski is taking the lead with the ABE/GED area and Sue Burnett is taking the lead for the ESL group. Each group will create a “product” by the end of June. These “products”/concepts will then be considered at our next consortium staff meeting.

2. Meal/Sharing/Wish Lists – Staff were asked to browse catalogs for additional instructional material they would want purchased. Peer input was encouraged as material was considered.

Lois reported that Weekly Announcements going forward would contain an item listing the employment opportunities that have been posted with Job Service for that week. She will be forwarding the same information that is being given to Workforce Center staff at the time an employer calls in the posting to Job Service. The email typically lists the position, employer and wage with the MN Job Bank reference number for details. This will help give teachers early notice of job postings and will remind us and our students to be checking the MN Job Bank website for job opportunities.

The publication, “Stop Thinking Like An Employee: Boost Your Career Into a New Orbit”, 2002 Dahlstrom & Company, Inc. was circulated among teachers. The premise of the manual is to encourage people to look at employment in a new way - a way in which we approach our jobs as valuable contributors, and as team members of an organization that attracts customers because of what our co-workers and we bring to the company. Teachers interested in having a copy for their students will let Lois know so that ABE can purchase some copies.

3. EFF Standards - Stephanie led a discussion on the EFF standards. Staff evals indicate openness by staff to incorporate these standards into our classrooms. The following individuals have agreed to create a framework/format on how to consider using these standards by the end of June: Lois, Stephanie, Delores, and Tammy. This product will be considered at the next consortium staff meeting

4. Computer Books & Reading Recognition (RR) - Charles and Delores presented and demonstrated the Reading Recognition (RR) program. The software for RR has been updated and many of the bugs and weaknesses of the software have been addressed and fixed. 2 evaluation forms have been created to assist in evaluating the software and the individual books. The forms will be placed on the ABE webpage and can be completed and submitted through the on-line form. Charles also presented the Books CD project that was funded through a grant by the Minnesota Literacy Council. Installation of the software was demonstrated and the books were briefly presented.

5. Pat’s Updates

New Policy – As new class schedules are posted each month or if there is a change in a class location or time, staff will share such information with their students.
Educational Level Change – Last year we had 13% of student participants showing an Educational Level Change; For Fiscal Year 2003-04, 20% of student participants showed an Educational Level Change. Without including the students participating in our Marshall Above & Beyond Classes or Redwood Falls Life Skills Class, our consortium data reflects a 26% gain, which is in line with State/Federal expectations.
The SW ABE Consortium - The merger of the 4 SW MN ABE consortia (Jackson, Granite Falls, Worthington, Marshall) will become a reality on July 1, 2004. Marshall will act as the Fiscal Agent and Pat will be the coordinator.
Legislative Update – Due to the fact that little was accomplished this session, none of the items put forward by ABE were addressed. Next year is a budget session. We will encourage all staff in promoting our ABE program with their legislators next fall.
Computer Policy – Our ABE program seeks to use computer technology/instructional materials to enhance classroom instructions – not to replace it!
RCDC Conference – On August 10^th, the “Business and Diversity: Strengthening Rural Communities” Conference will be held. More information on the conference will be available in June.
MLC Grants – The Minnesota Literacy Council is calling for mini grant proposals. If you have an idea, share it with Charles or Barb no later than Friday, May 28^th.

6. Barb’s Reminders

Student Data Base – We will begin using a new Student Data Base on May 1^st. Barb will attend training the end of May. Teachers will be informed of reporting changes as they become necessary.
Payroll – Remember to turn in all June hours worked no later than July 15^th.
Reimbursement Requests – For items purchased for this year, Requests for Reimbursement should be turned in by June 15^th.
Data Privacy Forms – Barb contacted those that do not have this form on file.
2004-05 Calendar – We will follow respective school calendars, with the exception that no classes will be held the week of Summer Intensive Training, August 16^th – 20^th.
Student Files – Barb reminded everyone that Student Files should contain, at a minimum, an Intake Form and Student Log of activities. A permanent folder is kept at the ABE office for all students enrolling in the program. When a student is exited, Teacher files for students may be cleaned out, but the student log should come to the ABE office to be placed in the permanent folder. If not, the teacher is responsible for having that log available for any audits.