Adults

Adult Enrichment Education Classes

A variety of adult enrichment programs are available through the Spring Lake Park Schools Community Education. Current classes and other adult and senior opportunities can be found below. Additionally, check out the Blaine, Spring Lake Park and Fridley Parks and Recreation Departments for more adult enrichment opportunities.

Community education offers classes throughout the year on finance, career, health, art and more.

For more information on upcoming classes click her e

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

Spring Lake Park Schools Community Education partners with eight school districts and other community partners in the north metro to offer free adult basic education (ABE) classes for adults ages 17 and up who are not enrolled in a secondary school program. Together, the community education programs are called "Metro North ABE."

Adults can take classes taught by licensed teachers and supported by trained volunteers who work with students to meet their educational goals. A student may start class at any time throughout the year and classes are offered year-round during the day, evening or online.

Classes offered can help students:

Improve basic reading, writing and math skills
Earn a high school diploma or GED
Learn and improve English language
Prepare for college and high demand careers

Teachers are trained to work with adults and all materials are designed to help the adult learner. Students will have opportunities to work in groups and independently. Learning is done in the classroom, on the computer and online. Teachers will help students set and meet their goals. Most sites offer basic computer training during class time.

ABE Classes

Basic Skills

Metro North ABE successfully delivers basic skills training for adults who want to acquire or improve their math, reading, grammar or writing skills; or for those who want to prepare for getting a job, a promotion, or entering post-secondary education.

Licensed, professional teachers are trained to work with adult learners to build on their existing skills and achieve their own personal goals. Metro North ABE teachers actively participate in professional development so they are equipped to deliver high quality and relevant instruction to the adult learners. All materials used in classes are geared for adult learners.

Metro North ABE works in partnership with local CareerForce centers, colleges and businesses to ensure instructional content is aligned with real-life academic needs and relevant employment skills. This partnership also participates in grant projects that offer specific training for in-demand jobs. The adult basic education program also conducts ongoing evaluation of instruction to ensure consistent, quality programming or training.

College Preparation

North ABE can help adults prepare to enter college or a career training program. Classes are offered to help adults focus on reading, writing, and math skills to become self-directed learners with additional practice in listening, speaking, computer, and study skills. Classes focus on post-secondary admissions tests like the Accuplacer or the T.E.A.S.

Metro North ABE staff can help you transition to college by helping with applications and getting adults ready for college-level work.

Diploma Programs

Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE) has helped hundreds of adults finish their high school diploma. Currently, Metro North ABE offers adult diploma programs at two locations:

Blaine Learning Lab: Minnesota State Adult Diploma (Credit Recover)
Elk River Adult Education Center: Minnesota State Adult Diploma; Elk River Diploma (credit recovery)

Some school districts will offer a local diploma once the student earns a Minnesota State Adult Diploma.

If you are thinking about finishing your diploma as an adult, our staff encourage students to consider:

How many credits you have to complete.
If you have time to attend classes regularly.
If you have time to study and complete course work at home
How soon you would like to complete a diploma program.
If a GED diploma would be faster to earn to enter post-secondary training more quickly.

Students must be at least 18 years of age, and their class must have already graduated in order to be eligible for ABE diploma programs.

Once you enroll, an adult basic education teacher will meet with you to discuss graduation options based on your unique situation. An advisor will work with you during the entire process to support you on your path to graduation and beyond.

Adult diploma students enrolled in the Metro North ABE program can expect:

High school transcripts will be analyzed to determine what credits are needed.
To set short- and long-term goals toward completing your diploma.
To attend classes regularly.
To create a professional resume, online portfolio, and complete a digital literacy certification.
An invitation to participate in an annual graduation commencement ceremony hosted by Metro North ABE.

English Learners

Transition Classes

Non-native English speakers who are advanced English language learners may enroll in transitional classes as they prepare to enter the adult basic education program to work on earning a GED or high school diploma. The curriculum focuses on reading and study skills to help learners become self-directed learners and gain additional practice in listening, speaking and writing.

United States Citizenship

Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE) offers free U.S. citizenship classes several times each year for learners who want to prepare to take the citizenship test. Online study opportunities are also available for students who prefer to study online. The program is free of charge to current Metro North ABE students.

Get information about becoming a U.S. citizen
Learn U.S. History and Government
Tips on filling out the application
How to connect with local immigration legal services
Practice for the citizenship interview

GED Prep

Workplace Skills

Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE) can work with local businesses to provide on-site adult instruction in basic skills or English language; customized to meet the needs of the employer. Our connections with local Workforce Centers and the Minnesota Department of Education help strengthen our community by equipping adults with skills they need to join the workforce and attain a job in an area benefiting our local economy.

Members of Metro North

The following community education programs are consortium members of Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE). These community education departments provide classes and support through Metro North ABE:

Partners of Metro North

Each year, the consortium serves over 4,000 adults in the northern Twin Cities metro area. Community partners come together to support students in reaching their goals:

Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka Technical College
County Workforce Centers
Anoka County Corrections
Anoka County Sheriff's Department
Literacy Minnesota
Early Childhood Family Education
Minnesota Department of Education
Anoka County Library

Members

Partners

Each year, the consortium serves over 4,000 adults in the northern Twin Cities metro area. Community partners come together to support students in reaching their goals:

Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka Technical College
County Workforce Centers
Anoka County Corrections
Anoka County Sheriff's Department
Literacy Minnesota
Early Childhood Family Education
Minnesota Department of Education
Anoka County Library

Sites and Locations

Metro North ABE offers learning opportunities at various locations in the north metro to best serve our students:

Volunteering

Volunteers play a vital role at Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE). Volunteers do more than assisting teachers in the classroom. Our volunteers encourage, inspire and mentor learners by encouraging them to achieve their fullest potential.

Volunteers are needed to serve as:

Classroom aides
Computer lab assistants
English learning aides
Office support
Instructors and co-instructors
Intake and assessment aides
Special projects assistants

Volunteers help by assisting teachers in the classroom, providing learners with additional support and working with staff to complete essential projects. Volunteer Services staff and teachers provide orientation and training as well as ongoing support.

Volunteer support is always needed and welcomed. It's easy to get involved.

Learn more about current volunteer needs at Metro North ABE, and get started.

Contact Information for Metro North ABE

Instructional Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in teaching a class through Spring Lake Park Community Education.

We are committed to enhancing and impacting the quality of people’s lives through affordable seminars, workshops and activities. Primarily offered in the evenings, these one-to-three hour classes provide adults with nuts-and bolts advice and strategies on career development, business, relationships, health, personal growth and finance, computers, arts, crafts, languages, music, sports, etc. We emphasize the “short course” because our customers are busy adults looking for classes with a short time-commitment.

Courses are taught by professionals and experts who are independent contractors that enjoy sharing information, strategies and new developments in their fields of expertise.

The best instructors are those who have a love of their subjects and a desire to share their knowledge and passion.

Community Education promotes the Adult Education program through online publications, social media and email marketing directed to Spring Lake Park Schools families. We also encourage instructors to share their classes with their own networks as well.

Become a Community Education Instructor

If you are interested in teaching a Community Education class please fill out this form.

If you have any questions, please contact Luke at 763-600-5046 or LHallb@district16.org.

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