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.

Author: John Tibbetts and Anestine Hector-Mason, September 2015Produced by California Adult Literacy Professional Development ProjectCollaboration has been shown through research to be an effective strategy both in the classroom and in program management. This CALPRO Research Brief examines the research as it applies to both Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at the program level, and to classroom instruction, and finds that in both applications collaboration improves outcomes.

Authors: Committee on Learning Sciences: Foundations and Applications to Adolescent and Adult Literacy; Alan M. Lesgold and Melissa Welch-Ross, Editors; National Research Council (2012).This 504-page report synthesizes the research on literacy and learning to improve literacy instruction in the United States and to recommend a more systemic approach to research, practice, and policy. From the National Academies Press (NAP) Web site, readers may read the report online, download free PDF files of the full report and a 24-page summary, or purchase the book. Visit the NAP Web site.

Join us for an insightful webinar focused on promoting math identity in adult learners and embracing productive struggle in mathematics. Research shows that students who lack confidence in math often give up when faced with challenges, mistakenly thinking that struggling indicates a lack of intelligence. Although struggle can conflict with educators’ notions of successful teaching, struggle and mistakes are the best times for brain growth and are a necessary component of learning and understanding. Teaching that embraces and uses productive struggle leads to long-term benefits, with students more able to apply their learning to new problem situations. This research forum webinar explores ways to foster a positive math identity and embrace productive struggle in adult education classrooms.

Hosted by Rowland Adult and Community EducationJoin us for an insightful webinar focused on promoting math identity in adult learners and embracing productive struggle in mathematics. Research shows that students who lack confidence in math often give up when faced with challenges, mistakenly thinking that struggling indicates a lack of intelligence. Although struggle can conflict with educators’ notions of successful teaching, struggle and mistakes are the best times for brain growth and are a necessary component of learning and understanding. Teaching that embraces and uses productive struggle helps students apply their learning to new problems and situations. This research forum webinar explores ways to foster a positive math identity and embrace productive struggle in adult education classrooms.

Join us for Part 2 of our two-part series on enhancing math instruction in adult education. This webinar focuses on the concept of productive struggle in mathematics, building on our previous session on Promoting Positive Math Identity. Reframe mistakes and struggle as part of natural learning. Discover strategies to help students persevere through challenging problems, fostering deeper understanding. Join us to enhance your teaching practices to support student growth.

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.