California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project

CALPRO's Research Forum Webinar: 

Evidence-Based Reading Instruction

Presenter: Kristi Reyes

Description: 

Successful postsecondary transitions can change the life trajectories of adult learners and their families. According to the statewide data, only 6.5% of adults 25-40 are currently enrolled in higher education while over 25% intend to enroll. Providing effective support for adult learners’ transition to postsecondary education has become one of the critical missions for adult education. This session will feature four California Adult Education Consortia that are implementing innovative, learner‑centered approaches to improve transitions into postsecondary programs. Panelists will share practical insights, lessons learned, and replicable models that other regions can adapt. Featured Implementation 

Examples: 

• Education to Career Network of North San Diego County: Sustainable Structures and Collaborative Culture 
• Inland Adult Education Consortium: Successful Transition Counseling 
• North Santa Clara County Consortium for Adult Education: Dual Enrollment for All CAEP Students 
• State Center Adult Education Consortium: Student Ambassador Model

Presenters: Kathleen Porter, Emma Diaz, Jenee Crayne, Pang Vangyi

Description: 

This practical webinar to explore strategies for budgeting when the path ahead is anything but certain. We’ll talk through real‑world decision‑making approaches, ways to stay flexible without losing your footing, and how to plan with confidence even when the numbers are still in flux. If you want tools that help you stay calm, strategic, and maybe even a little inspired during budget season—this session is for you.

Presenter: Steve Curiel

This course is currently at registration capacity; register below to join the waiting list.

Course Description:
This course examines how adults learn and the implications for adult literacy programs. It explores unique characteristics of adult learners; adult motivation, needs, and self-concept, and their effect on learning; adult development; and implications for effective teaching. The course takes place entirely online and runs for four consecutive weeks. Weekly participation is required, though participants may, during a given week, log in whenever they wish. Two live webinars will be scheduled during the course, with a makeup option offered to accommodate time conflicts. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of participation (14 hours); they are also eligible to apply to CSUS for 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) if they wish.

Goal:
The goal of this course is to help participants gain a general understanding of adult learning and development so that they can design and deliver instruction that is responsive to the needs of adult learners.

Registration Information:
There is no registration fee to participate. CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees; agency/work email address required at registration to confirm eligibility. 

Registered participants will receive final confirmation and details by Friday, July 24, 2026. Waitlisted participants will also receive an update regarding their enrollment status by that date.

Contact Information:
Please contact calpro@air.org with any questions.

Course Description:
This self-directed course supports independent professional development; there is no facilitator nor other participants. Sign up now and access the class for 3 months. There is no official start or end date to worry about.

The purpose of this course is to identify how research-based learning strategies can increase engagement and access for all learners. Through this learning module, adult educators are introduced to the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, which provide a framework to help educators create learning spaces which work better for all students. Additionally, the course presents straightforward strategies that educators can use to start implementing UDL immediately. The estimated course completion time is 1.5 hours.

Enrollment verification with Moodle login information will be sent to registrants within one business day of registration.

Registration Information:
This course is free of charge to all California adult education programs.

Contact Information:
Please contact CALPRO at calprohelp@air.org or at 916-286-8803 for more information.

Hosted by ABC Adult School

Today’s adult education classrooms are welcoming a growing number of younger learners whose high‑school years were impacted by pandemic‑era disruptions. This three‑hour workshop equips educators with practical, evidence‑based strategies for engaging today's adult learners. Drawing on CALPRO’s motivation and persistence for adult learners training, participants will explore how to set clear and high expectations, build trust through social‑emotional learning, support goal setting and self‑management, and design student-centered learning experiences that engage all students.

The session also highlights active learning approaches—such as providing autonomy, collaborative learning, and contextualized instruction—that resonate strongly with today’s learners with varied needs. Educators will leave with ready‑to‑use strategies to motivate, connect with, and support all students in their classrooms.

Registration Information:
This tailored regional CoP is designed for the staff and teachers at ABC Adult School. Registration through the school is required. 

There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees.