Minnesota Adult Basic Education
Assessment Training
SPARC
Support Professional Advisory Resource Committee
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SPARC
The primary role of SPARC is to identify support staff development needs and plan the annual Support Services Conference, which is held each fall. Group members are happy to respond to questions that support professional may have about anything connected to their work in ABE.
The group is comprised of support professionals who are actively working in ABE programs in the Minnesota.
Please contact chair Rachel Stiglitz, or Marty Olsen if you are interested in joining the group.
SUPPORT SERVICES CONFERENCE
SW ABE, the Minnesota Department of Education, and SPARC support an annual statewide conference for support professionals. There is a pre-conference focusing on orientation for new staff and assessment training, followed by a full day general conference that includes an update from our state ABE director and other state staff, as well as concurrent sessions in the areas of accountability/NRS, assessment data analysis, intake and orientation, customer service, conflict resolution, effective communication, and cultural awareness.
SAVE THE DATE! The Fall 2026 Support Services Conference will be held November 12 and November 13, 2026.
SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
COFFEE BREAKS
As part of the Assessment and Support Staff Training Supplemental Services grant, SPARC has instituted a monthly Coffee Break. On the third Friday of the month, 10:00-11:00, SPARC hosts a virtual gathering and invites presenters to talk about topics that address the needs of our support professionals. Following a short presentation, the presenters open up the gather to questions.
Testimonial
“I attended the Support Services Conference. I was very impressed with the level of professionalism and training that was given. I was also amazed that MDE is offering an ABE Support Professional Certificate! Great opportunity to provide professional development to our Support Staff.”
Attendee, ABE Support Services Conference