1. Minnesota STAR 20 Orientation
July 1, June 30, 2020

2. Overall Orientation Goal
Minnesota Adult Basic Education has been partnering with STAR since 2008! However, STAR during will be very different because of the new hybrid training model. The following slides attempt to clearly explain what STAR 20 will look like – to the best of our knowledge and estimation.

3. Specific Orientation Topics
What is STAR? What is EBRI?
Who are STAR Students & Teachers?
What are STAR 20 Expectations?
What are STAR 20 Time Estimates?
What are STAR 20 Benefits?
How do we apply for STAR 20?

4. What is STAR?
An acronym for STudent Achievement in Reading, a reading reform initiative…
Aligned with a Workforce Opportunity Investment Act (WOIA) requirement to “incorporate the essential components of reading and disseminate information about models and promising practices, as they relate to adults and programs”
Supported by the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) and recently updated as a hybrid training by Project STAR experts

5. What is EBRI?
An acronym for Evidence Based Reading Instruction, the foundation of STAR…
Based on valid and reliable findings from reading research and supported by conclusions from adult literacy experts or practitioners
Includes assessment and instructional practices proven to increase reading achievement for particular student populations
Appropriate for persons with learning disabilities (LD) and English Language Learners (ELLs) – with modifications

6. Who are STAR Students?
A nationwide, adult reader population with complex and challenging reading needs
Native English speakers testing into NRS ABE 3-4 or Low/High Intermediate levels
Non-native English speakers testing into NRS ESL 6 or Advanced level
ABE/ESL students willing and able to participate in regular STAR classes or instruction

7. Who are STAR Teachers?
Have current and future instructional responsibility for Low/Intermediate ABE and/or Advanced ESL students
Are willing to work within a hybrid training with trainer, cohort, and program supports
Are willing to learn and use evidence-based reading testing and teaching practices
Are willing to organize reading routines that benefit programs, teachers, and students

8. STAR 20 Expectations
The new STAR training is a combination of (1) interactive, online modules supported by trainers and (2) in-person meetings facilitated by trainers.
Most of the online modules are used for learning, practicing, and reflecting upon new practices; others guide in-person meetings and program action planning.

9. New STAR administrators are expected to complete some modules and attend all in-person meetings.
New STAR teachers are expected to complete assigned modules and attend all in-person meetings.
Continuing and new STAR administrators and teachers complete program action plans together.

10. Time Commitment *Estimates*
The following hours of participation are *estimates* only. They are based on Project STAR piloting during and the MN STAR training plan for
Completion of learning, practice, and reflection modules: 30+ hours
Attendance at 3 cohort meetings (5 days total): 30+ hours
Completion of 3-4 program action plans: 6+ hours

11. Meeting One: September 12-13, 2019, Hamline University
This first meeting introduces STAR and prepares participants for completion of modules 6-10:
What is STAR? EBRI? Why DRA?
How do you test alphabetics?
How do you test fluency?
How do you test vocabulary?
How do you test comprehension?
What test materials are available?

12. Meeting Two: January 24, 2019, Language & Literacy Institute
This second meeting addresses testing challenges and prepares participants for completion of modules 12-23:
Effective instruction
Vocabulary instruction
Fluency instruction
Alphabetics instruction
Comprehension instruction

13. Meeting Three: April 23-24, 2020, Hamline University
This final meeting addresses teaching challenges and prepares participants for completion of modules 25-27, 29-30:
Creating reading routines
Teaching with reading routines
Working with a peer observer
Next steps for MN STAR teams!

14. STAR 20 Benefits
Combined investments from MDE and ATLAS bring many benefits:
FREE, high-quality, online modules, ongoing trainer support, and access to many resources
66 CEUs based on actual meeting attendance and estimated completion of portfolio assignments
$500 stipend for fulfilling all attendance and assignment expectations
Option of earning 3 graduate-level credits from Hamline University at reduced tuition

15. STAR 20 Stipend
The participant stipend amount has been increased for two reasons:
To allow for the unknowns; specifically, the actual (rather than estimated) time for module and assignment completion
To compensate for feedback on actual time, changes in practice, satisfaction, and improvements in hybrid delivery or support

16. Project STAR Pilot Satisfaction (2017-2018)
89% agreed there were sufficient opportunities to learn
85% agreed the training activities were engaging and helpful
84% were satisfied with the training
74% agreed the time and work was ‘about right’
88% made some changes in their practice

17. MN STAR Stories of Success (2018)
“Being involved in a yearlong PD initiative like STAR has helped me as an administrator understand more about what effective PD looks like, and more effectively advocate for it in budget considerations.” “I feel more confident in my skills as a reading teacher because of STAR practices. I really see purpose and focus in what I’m teaching and how I’m teaching. It’s exciting and satisfying to know I am helping each student to improve.”

18. More MN STAR Successes
“I have a student who entered at Low Intermediate ABE. He has progressed to Low Adult Secondary and is getting ready to take his first GED test.” “A stuck STAR student – at the same NRS level for two years – made a level change during 3rd quarter!” “A volunteer worked diligently with our highest fluency group. Several of his students made huge leaps in their reading skills.”

19. STAR 20 Application
Program Applications and Participant Agreements are completed and submitted to Marn Frank by June 1, 2019.
STAR Leadership Team reviews all application materials and Marn will conduct interviews - as needed.
Selected STAR 20 programs and participants will be notified via by Marn on or before August 1, 2019.

20. THANKS for watching and learning about the new STAR hybrid training!
Please contact Marn Frank at with any questions or concerns!
THANKS for watching and learning about the new STAR hybrid training!