California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project

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.

This research forum webinar explores ways to foster a positive math identity and embrace productive struggle in adult education classrooms. This webinar focuses 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. 

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.

Hosted by Glendale Community CollegeThis tailored virtual community of practice will focus on applying instructional strategies to help learners persist in their learning. The strategies include differentiation, scaffolding, and collaboration for learner autonomy and multilevel management. This is the second 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 provide opportunities for 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. 

Hosted by Santa Monica CollegeThis tailored community of practice will introduce nine strategies that help learners persist in their learning. 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 encourage the incorporation of these strategies into instructional practice.Registration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the faculty and staff at Santa Monica College. There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees.