California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project

Author: Anne Mishkind, CALPROThis brief provides an overview of research on effective teaching that can be applied in multiple settings by a broad range of teachers across diverse settings. Adult education in California takes place in environments including school districts, community colleges, community-based organizations, libraries, and correctional facilities, and serves students with skills that range from basic literacy to international professional training. Across contexts, research finds that effective teaching is enriched by:thoughtful attention to student backgrounds,collecting and using student data to inform the implementation of evidence based practices including (1) learner-centered instruction, (2) rich and contextualized content knowledge, (3) use of standards to inform learning objectives, and (4) attention to foundational skills and higher-order thinking, and planning for professional development that targets specific teacher competencies

Authors: Mariann Fedele-McLeod, Anestine Hector-Mason, Steve Hinds, Rob Jenkins, Maricel Santos, Susan Pimentel, Jodi Crandall, American Institutes for Research, 2015This document outlines the core knowledge and skills that adult education teachers need to succeed in their roles. The Adult Education Teacher Competencies help teachers improve their effectiveness and learner outcomes. They also assist instructional leaders, professional developers, and teacher preparation faculty prepare effective professional development activities for teachers. 

Produced by California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project, 2008; augmented 2018Based on the Management Competencies and Sample Indicators for Improvement of Adult Education Programs (CALPRO, 2025), this self-assessment helps administrators to identify priority areas for targeted professional development, based on their assessment of relevance and current personal capacity across a variety of criteria. In 2018, the self-assessment was augmented with an addendum introduced to identify additional knowledge and skills that program administrators need to possess in order to be effective in today's adult education landscape in California. For each competency and performance indicator, the addendum also suggests professional development resources to assist in building an annual, individualized development plan. Note: This fillable form can be downloaded, saved, and printed (using Adobe Reader or a similar application).

Authors: Renee Sherman, Dionne Dobbins, John Tibbetts, Judith Crocker, and Michael Dlott, American Institutes for Research, March 2002This publication introduces an assessment instrument to help programs implement the management competencies. What follows is a detailed description of the Management Competencies Assessment Instrument (MCAI), including an overview of the various types of evidence that will help verify of the existence of the competencies. To see and use the updated Management Competencies Self-Assessment (2018) visit the following webpage:https://calpro-online.org/resource/management-competencies-self-assessment

In today's world, media literacy is an essential skill for adults to participate in academic, professional, and community activities. This webinar will explore the importance of media literacy in adult education, providing practical tools and strategies to help learners critically evaluate media sources, understand the impact of media on society, and navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Participants will gain insights into fostering critical thinking and media analysis skills among adult learners, empowering them to become informed and engaged community members.

Hosted By the Sonoma County Adult Education ConsortiumTrauma-informed approaches in schools are grounded in the principles of learning and human development and are especially relevant in adult education. 60 percent of adults are reported to have experienced trauma; and “nontraditional” adult learners are more likely to be exposed to past or ongoing trauma risk factors. Schools can play a vital role in reducing the effects of trauma and promoting resilience for adult learners. Face-to-Face Session: Location: Petaluma, CADate: Friday, May 2Time: 12:30-2:30 PMRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the Sonoma County Adult Education Consortium staff and teachers.There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees.  

Facilitators:Kimberly Kendziora, American Institutes for ResearchSachiko Ozaki Oates, CALPRO/American institutes for ResearchSteven A. Casperite, Placer School for AdultsVeronica Tylor, Los Angeles Unified School District's Division of Adult and Career Education Supporting Student Success Through Social and Emotional LearningSocial and emotional learning (SEL) encompasses developing essential skills for self-awareness, self-management, responsive decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. Incorporating SEL principles in adult education programs holds great promise in empowering adult learners with the skills needed for personal growth, career success, and active participation in society. We will also discuss how educators can develop their own social-emotional skills not only to grow and model those skills but also to promote educator well-being. Join this webinar to explore related frameworks, best practices, and resources to implement SEL in your program.

This course is underway and no longer available for registration.Course Description:This course will examine nine strategies that help learners persist and offer adult educators the opportunity to practice and internalize them. The course focuses on motivation and persistence and is relevant for teachers and instructional leaders from all content areas within adult education. This 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; webinar dates and times will be announced and posted. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of participation (14 hours); they are also eligible to apply to CSU Sacramento for 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) if they wish.Goals:There are a number of research-based strategies for helping adults persist in reaching their education goals. The goal of this course is to expose teachers to nine of these strategies, provide opportunities for practice, and encourage the incorporation of these strategies into instructional practice.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.Registered participants will receive final confirmation and details by Friday, February 27, 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.