California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project

Course Description:This course examines how adults learn and the implications for adult literacy programs. It explores the unique characteristics of adult learners as well as adult motivation, needs, and self-concept and their effect on learning. The course also explores adult development and the implications for effective teaching. This 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. A 1-hour, kick-off Webinar will take place during the first week of the course. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of participation (14 hours); they are also eligible to apply to CSUS for 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) if they wish.Goals:The goal of this course is to help participants gain a general understanding of adult learning and development so that they can design and deliver instruction that is responsive to the needs of adult learners.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. This course is currently at capacity. Waitlisted participants will be notified regarding their enrollment status by Friday, April 4, 2025. Contact Information:Please contact calpro@air.org with any questions.

Hosted by Los Angeles City CollegeCivic 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.Date: 3/07/2025Time: 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.Location: LACC Room: TBDRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is hosted by Los Angeles City College. 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 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.  

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.

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.  

Facilitators:Kimberly Kendziora, American Institutes for ResearchSachiko Ozaki Oates, CALPRO/American institutes for ResearchSteven A. Casperite, Placer School for AdultsVeronica Tylor, Los Angeles Unified School District's Division of Adult and Career Education Supporting Student Success Through Social and Emotional LearningSocial and emotional learning (SEL) encompasses developing essential skills for self-awareness, self-management, responsive decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. Incorporating SEL principles in adult education programs holds great promise in empowering adult learners with the skills needed for personal growth, career success, and active participation in society. We will also discuss how educators can develop their own social-emotional skills not only to grow and model those skills but also to promote educator well-being. Join this webinar to explore related frameworks, best practices, and resources to implement SEL in your program.

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.

This worksheet is designed to support students in Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs, but it is also suitable for use with all adult education learners during orientation. It helps students identify potential obstacles to educational success and document both personal support systems and wraparound services available through the program or its partners.