California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project

Authors: Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy (ISAL), The Pennsylvania State University Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation (CPWDC), North Central Workforce Development Board (NCWDB), Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board (SAWDB), and Pennsylvania College of Technology Produced by The Pathways to Employment initiative funded through the U.S. Department of Labor's 2015 Sector Partnership National Dislocated Worker Grant program, and supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, February 2017.This guide was prepared by the Pathways to Employment Initiative of the Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy at The Pennsylvania State University, and three Pennsylvania Workforce Development Boards in partnership with local IET training providers (2017, February) to engage stakeholders in curricular collaboration. IET programs in IL, KS, KY, OH, PA, VA, WA and WI are highlighted including descriptions of their course offerings, objectives and partners. This resource focuses on addressing basic skills, rather than occupational skills to help students as they move along their career pathway.The resource is divided into six sections and provides highlighted program snapshots, lesson planning and program design considerations as well as questions and worksheets to foster discussion. Additional resources are also included with direct links to the aforementioned programs. Agencies and their partners can use the guide and ready-to-use tools as they collaborate in the planning and implementation of new or existing IET programs.

This community of practice helps participants improve their writing instruction for their adult students by applying research-based instructional techniques. This hands-on workshop is intended to guide teachers to prepare and deliver instruction, including appropriate instructional supports that promote student achievement.Registration Information:This tailored regional CoP is hosted by the San Joaquin Adult Education Consortium. Participants from neighboring districts or regions may be admitted on a space-available basis. There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees. 

Session 1 at Fremont Adult and Continuing EducationWhat are “Communities of Practice”?Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and strive to learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.1 To provide opportunities for California adult educators to interact regularly and to engage in sustained professional development, CALPRO is offering professional development in a Community of Practice format that includes online interaction along with two face-to-face sessions.What is a pilot?This Community of Practice is complete and ready for participants, but before offering it statewide, we are field-testing the content, design, and the online activities as a pilot. Throughout the pilot, participants will be asked for feedback. This feedback will be used to improve the delivery of future trainings.What are the benefits of participating in this CoP Pilot?More in-depth engagement with training content;Opportunity for “early adoption” of best practices;Opportunity to interact with fellow educators and the trained facilitator synchronously and asynchronously to share practical experiences and problem solve;Collegial support for thinking about program and curriculum changes;Contribution to the development of an enriched statewide professional development experience for adult educators in California.

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.

Adult learners bring a wealth of prior knowledge and experiences to the classroom. Their unique learning motivations and expectations call for instructional approaches that are both responsive and intentional. To support adult learners in achieving their personal, academic, or career goals, educators must design engaging and effective instruction that acknowledges and builds upon learners’ strengths and meets their needs.In this webinar, we will explore strategies for differentiating and scaffolding instruction, as well as using formative assessment to guide learner progress. The session will highlight the value of data-informed, learner-centered design in adult education and offer actionable insights for creating supportive learning environments.

Hosted by ABC Adult SchoolThis interactive training empowers adult education instructors to implement the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards to guide instruction toward the increased rigor and skills necessary for successful transition to work or to postsecondary training or further education and for participation in communities that adult learners need. This tailored community of practice (CoP) introduces the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards and provides an opportunity for participants to plan classroom activities that incorporate the standards. Location: ABC Adult SchoolDate: Friday, December 5, 2025 (Choose Thursday evening or Friday morning)Time: 10:40am - 12:40pmRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the ABC Adult School 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.  

Hosted by ABC Adult SchoolThis interactive training empowers adult education instructors to implement the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards to guide instruction toward the increased rigor and skills necessary for successful transition to work or to postsecondary training or further education and for participation in communities that adult learners need. This tailored community of practice (CoP) introduces the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards and provides an opportunity for participants to plan classroom activities that incorporate the standards. Location: ABC Adult SchoolDate: Thursday, December 4, 2025 (Choose Thursday evening or Friday morning)Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pmRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the ABC Adult School 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.