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.

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.

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.  

Hosted By the Sonoma County Adult Education ConsortiumTrauma-informed approaches in schools are grounded in the principles of learning and human development and are especially relevant in adult education. 60 percent of adults are reported to have experienced trauma; and “nontraditional” adult learners are more likely to be exposed to past or ongoing trauma risk factors. Schools can play a vital role in reducing the effects of trauma and promoting resilience for adult learners. Face-to-Face Session: Location: Petaluma, CADate: Friday, May 2Time: 12:30-2:30 PMRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the Sonoma County Adult Education Consortium 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 the CDCR Folsom PrisonTrauma-informed approaches in schools are grounded in the principles of learning and human development and are especially relevant in adult education. 60 percent of adults are reported to have experienced trauma; and “nontraditional” adult learners are more likely to be exposed to past or ongoing trauma risk factors. Schools can play a vital role in reducing the effects of trauma and promoting resilience for adult learners.In this three-hour workshop, participants will explore the impact of past trauma on learning and apply practical instructional strategies that support self-efficacy, self-management, and responsive decision-making.Registration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the Folsom State Prison staff and teachers.There is no registration fee to participate.  

Hosted by the CDCR Mule Creek PrisonTrauma-informed approaches in schools are grounded in the principles of learning and human development and are especially relevant in adult education. 60 percent of adults are reported to have experienced trauma; and “nontraditional” adult learners are more likely to be exposed to past or ongoing trauma risk factors. Schools can play a vital role in reducing the effects of trauma and promoting resilience for adult learners.In this three-hour workshop, participants will explore the impact of past trauma on learning and apply practical instructional strategies that support self-efficacy, self-management, and responsive decision-making.Registration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the Mule Creek State Prison staff and teachers.There is no registration fee to participate. 

Hosted by Glendale Community CollegeThis tailored virtual community of practice will introduce nine strategies that help learners persist in their learning. This is the first of a two-part series offered on March 13 and March 26, 2026. We encourage participation in both sessions.There are a number of research-based strategies for helping adults persist in reaching their education goals. The goal of this session is to expose teachers to nine of these strategies and to encourage the incorporation of these strategies into instructional practice.Registration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the faculty and staff at Glendale Community College. There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees. Registration through Zoom is required.