California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project

Hosted by College of MarinCivic Education and Democratic Literacy play a pivotal role in empowering students to become engaged and informed citizens. Individuals equipped with this knowledge understand political and civic systems, allowing them to navigate these systems effectively and contribute meaningfully to the improvement of their communities.  The goal of this CoP is to enhance the capacity of adult educators and programs to provide instruction that amplifies student perspective and voice, builds civic engagement, and dives deep into participatory approaches to democratic processes for adults including those who are developing literacy and language skills.Blended Model (Face to Face Session 1 of 2)Date: 1/31/2025Time: 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.Location: College of MarinRoom: TBDRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is hosted by College of Marin. 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. 

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.

Course Description:Adult education plays a significant role in the lives of immigrants. Often adult education is the first door through which a new immigrant encounters the world of services and supports available to them as they seek to increase their skills to reach their life goals. As described in the white paper by ALLIES on the Immigrant Integration Framework: “Immigrant integration is... a two-way process involving learning and adaptation by both immigrant communities and receiving communities. Broadening an understanding of diverse perspectives and cultural resources ultimately strengthens both the immigrant and receiving communities, and increases the entire community’s capacity to adapt and respond to a changing global environment." This facilitated online course will help educators support immigrants through civics education as understood within the lens of the California Immigrant Integration Initiative and aligned to approved EL Civics metrics. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of participation (15 hours); they are also eligible to apply to CSUS for 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) if they wish.Goal:Participants will be able to locate and adapt Teaching Skills That Matter lesson materials on Civics Education topics in order to support immigrant students at all levels of ESL to become successful members of their communities.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, October 17, 2025. Waitlisted participants will also receive an update regarding their enrollment status by that date.Contact Information:Please contact calpro@air.org with any questions.

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.

Hosted by the San Joaquin Adult Education ConsortiumThe goal of this CoP is to support adult learners’ postsecondary and workforce transitions bybuilding consortia and adult education program staff’s capacity to implement evidence-based practices that facilitate transitions.identifying ways to enhance support services, program structures, and local partnerships. prioritizing improvement actions and identifying challenges and solutions for implementation.

This training outlines the process of curriculum alignment to help adult learners successfully transition within adult education programs and from adult education to post-secondary environments.Registration Information:This tailored regional CoP is hosted by the Victor Valley Adult Education Regional Consortium and will take place at the Apple Valley Adult Education site. 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. 

Hosted by the Ventura County Adult Education Consortium The goal of this CoP is to support adult learners’ postsecondary and workforce transitions bybuilding consortia and adult education program staff’s capacity to implement evidence-based practices that facilitate transitions.identifying ways to enhance support services, program structures, and local partnerships. prioritizing improvement actions and identifying challenges and solutions for implementation.Location: Oxnard Adult School at 1800 Solar Drive, OxnardTime: 1:00pm - 3:00pmRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the members of the Ventura County Adult Education Consortium. There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees. 

Panel DiscussionSuccessful 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 research forum webinar 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 CounselingNorth Santa Clara County Consortium for Adult Education: Dual Enrollment for All CAEP StudentsState Center Adult Education Consortium: Student Ambassador Model