Retention and Persistence
Hosted by the Greater Opportunity Through Adult LearningTo support adult education professionals in implementing research-based strategies to improve learner persistence by supporting motivation and empowering learners to overcome their internal and external challenges.The goal of this tailored CoP is to explore research-based retention and persistence strategies for adult education programs.
Motivating Learners and Implementing English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards
Hosted by Turlock Adult SchoolIt takes persistence as well as effective instruction for adult learners to significantly increase their skills to achieve their goals, whether it is in their community, workplace, or in postsecondary education. Adult educators can support learners to persist and efficiently gain relevant skills by implementing standard-based instruction and evidence-based motivation strategies. This tailored community of practice (CoP) provides an overview of the motivation strategies and introduces the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards. The CoP will provide an opportunity for participants to plan classroom activities that incorporate the standards and motivation strategies. Location: Turlock Adult SchoolDate: Tuesday, April 15th, 2025Time: 3:30pm - 6:30pmRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the Turlock 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.
Research Forum: Strategies for Effective Instruction: Fundamentals of Adult Education
Research Forum Webinar on Fundamentals of Adult Education Instruction
Facilitator: Sachiko Oates
CALPRO Research Forum: Formative Assessment for Data-Informed Differentiated Instruction
This one-hour webinar explores how formative assessment can enhance teaching and learning to support adult learners' persistence and goal achievement. The webinar will address common misconceptions about formative assessment, such as the belief that it’s too time-consuming or only useful for teachers. Through examining real-life examples, participants will learn strategies for collecting and analyzing learner data to inform differentiated instruction. The session will include practical examples, tools for implementation, and opportunities for reflection and discussion.
Presenter: DeAnne Berryhill
Admin Forum: From Reports to Results: Using Data to Drive Program Growth
Webinar date: 1/21/2026, 1-2pm
Coordinator: Cherise Moore
Presenters: Dr. Carolyn Zachry, Kathleen Porter, and Carlos Rodriguez
View this one-hour webinar designed to strengthen your use of data in shaping and advancing your Continuous Improvement Plan. You’ll hear professional perspectives from the California Department of Education, CASAS, and the field on how to effectively analyze and apply data for program improvement. Together, we’ll explore specific reports you can generate to guide decision-making and provide hands-on practice in developing clear, actionable SMART goals.
Research Forum: Designing for All: Universal Design for Learning for Adults with Learning Disabilities
This research forum webinar introduces the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework as well as the accommodations and modifications that support learning, self-determination, and success for adult learners, including learners with learning disabilities. We will discuss the challenges adult education professionals face while supporting adults with learning disabilities and share strategies and tools that work.
Date: 2/17/2026
Presenter: Marie Doerner
When AI Helps You Write: Smarter Goals, Better Plans
Description: Generative AI is changing how educators plan, write, and communicate—and it can make your work easier and more effective. Whether you’re drafting SMART goals for your Continuous Improvement Plan or developing a strategic plan for your program, AI can provide powerful support when used thoughtfully.In this practical, demonstration-based webinar, you’ll learn:• How to create prompts that generate clear, relevant, and useful results• What to do when AI output doesn’t meet your needs—and how to refine it• How to assess AI-generated text for accuracy, appropriateness, and tone• Why human expertise and context remain essential in every AI-assisted taskYou’ll also hear from fellow adult education professionals who are already using AI to lighten their writing workload—discover what’s working for them, what to avoid, and how AI can free up more time for what matters most: supporting learners.Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and examples you can apply right away to make your planning, reporting, and writing tasks more efficient and impactful.Presenter: Steven Casperite, Principal, Placer School for AdultsDate: March 27, 2026
Research Forum: Universal Design for Learning in Action: Applying UDL in Adult Education Classrooms
Description:
This webinar focuses on turning UDL concepts into everyday teaching routines to improve engagement, accessibility, and learner persistence, with examples tailored to adult‑education contexts. Let's explore concrete instructional strategies, lesson design choices, and learner support.
Presenter: Marie Doerner