California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project

Hosted by San Diego College of Continuing Education/SDCCDAdult education instructors who work with English language learners can benefit from familiarity with the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards for Adult Education. These standards help guide instruction toward the increased rigor and skills needed for successful transition to work, postsecondary training, and active participation in community life.In this virtual session, participants will explore the guiding principles of the ELP standards and consider how they apply to instructional practice. They will also examine strategies for scaffolding instruction so students can access and succeed in rigorous curriculum requirements.Registration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the instructors at San Diego College of Continuing Education/SDCCD.There is no registration fee to participate.

Course Description:This course will introduce participants to the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards and provide strategies for using the standards to guide and inform instruction. ESL instructors can benefit from familiarity with and reliance on the ELP Standards for Adult Education to guide instruction toward the increased rigor and skills that adult learners need for successful transition to work, postsecondary training, or further education, and for participation in communities. 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 90-minute 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 (15 hours); they are also eligible to apply to CSUS for 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) if they wish.Goals:The goals of this course are to introduce ESL instructors to the ELP Standards and how they provide the language support to meet the rigorous requirements of the College and Career Readiness Standards for adults; to explore and practice applying the standards to teaching; and to develop a deep understanding of the requirements of academic rigor along with scaffolding strategies to help adult students reach their goals.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 17, 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.

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