In 2006, the Association of Adult Literacy Professional Developers (AALPD) identified the development of quality standards in professional development as a priority area. The standards define the characteristics of quality professional development that develops effective and reflective adult educators.
In drafting professional development standards in adult education, the committee reviewed other professional development standards initiatives and research in the field. The standards are broad guidelines for providing quality professional development experiences. A set of indicators was developed for each standard to operationalize the standards in adult education. The AALPD Standards were revised in 2018.
Using the AALPD Standards
The standards can be used:
By state adult education leadership to set a vision for professional development.
By professional developers to guide them as they design and deliver professional development activities.
By practitioners to help them understand the characteristics of effective professional development.
In 2018, three tools were developed to facilitate the use of the standards by practitioners and to identify gaps in professional development programming. Read more and access the tools below.
The PD Training Reflection is used by participants to evaluate and provide feedback on a professional learning opportunity.
Current Work with the AALPD Standards
The AALPD Standards Committee, led by AALPD Chair Carmine Stewart and Board member Dalanda Bond are working to evaluate the AALPD PD Standards, identify gaps, and make revisions to better support the field.
