Consortium Leadership Academy (CLA)

Purpose Statement

The CAEP Consortium Leadership Academy (CLA) is a professional learning program designed to build the capacity of consortium leads, directors, chairs, prospective leaders, and staff who support consortium-level work. Recognizing the evolving landscape of adult education, the CLA meets the diverse needs of consortium professionals at all experience levels and emphasizes a student-centered approach to consortium leadership and program management.

Participants will strengthen their ability to:

• Lead collaborative consortium planning and decision-making
• Understand and complete CAEP requirements and deliverables
• Navigate funding, budgeting, data, and accountability expectations
• Build productive relationships among consortium members and community partners
• Apply practical leadership tools and strategies within their consortium

Training is delivered through focused professional development modules led by experienced practitioners and subject-matter experts. Topics may include governance, strategic planning, partnerships, technology integration, member engagement, fiscal management, and accountability.

The academy includes virtual self-paced and synchronous learning sessions, peer collaboration and team projects, and 2-3 in-person events culminating with a final convening and graduation.

The CLA is in alignment with the California Adult Education State Priorities and the CCCCO's Vision 2030.

Applications should take approximately 7 minutes to complete.

Course Outline

1. CAEP 101: Building Blocks
   Participants will gain an understanding of the foundational elements of leading an adult education consortium.
2. CAEP Program Areas and Guidance
   Participants will better understand the approved program areas and objectives.
3. CAEP Technical Assistance
   Participants will explore and navigate adult education resources.
4. California Education Code
   Participants will examine key laws and regulations governing adult education consortia.
5. Community and Public Relations
   Participants will explore the values and vision for effective communication and relationship building to develop a collective vision for serving adult students.
6. Consortium and Member Effectiveness
   Participants will dive into the characteristics of an effective member.
7. Data Collection and Evaluation
   Participants will learn methods for collecting, analyzing, and using data to support continuous improvement.
8. Effective Meetings
   Participants will explore essential keys to running an effective meeting. Participants develop their skills in time management, establishing norms, building consensus, and team building.
9. Fiscal Resource Management
   Participants will navigate the complex policies and procedures for administering CAEP consortium funding, including allocations, allowable expenses, and funding cycles.
10. Leadership Styles and Traits
    Participants will explore various leadership approaches and key traits for effective consortium leadership.
11. Legislative Activities
    Participants will stay informed about legislative developments impacting adult education and learn advocacy strategies.
12. Mentoring
    Participants will learn approaches for mentoring and supporting colleagues within the consortium.
13. Online Resources
    Participants will utilize digital tools and online resources to enhance consortium operations.
14. Organizational Leadership
    Participants will strengthen their skills for leading and managing organizations within the context of adult education.
15. Program Development and Evaluation
    Participants will develop skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating adult education programs.
16. Regional Networking and Priorities
    Participants will learn strategies to engage regional stakeholders, build effective networks, analyze regional data, and set actionable priorities to guide consortium planning and implementation.
17. Strategic Planning (Annual and Three-Year)
    Participants will guide annual and multi-year planning processes aligned with CAEP goals and requirements.
18. Team Performance
    Participants will explore methods to enhance collaboration and maximize team effectiveness within their consortium.

Course Schedule

Participant Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and develop leadership principles from a strengths-based lens grounded in current research, theory, and best practices
2. Create and nurture an inclusive community of leaders
3. Enhance skills and apply knowledge for one’s current role, and increase capacity to serve as leaders in today’s adult education environment
4. Navigate and build political, cultural, and community relations to advance the goals of the consortium
5. Develop and sustain relationships with all stakeholders
6. Interpret data to promote effective practices
7. Apply communication strategies to engage all educational partners
8. Support equity-minded leadership

Academy Policies

1. Active communication
2. Participation in all virtual and in-person events
3. Completion of all assignments
4. Meet with the assigned CLA facilitator/mentor