NAEPDC
Overview

The National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium (NAEPDC), was established by the State Directors of Adult Education to serve state staff in adult education in Washington, D.C. In 1989, the State Directors of Adult Education determined that there was a great need for a national organization that would provide for professional development, policy analysis, a D.C. presence and dissemination of information important to state staff in adult education. A desire to grow both as individuals and as state administrators was evident and the Consortium was established to fulfill that purpose.

The organization was incorporated in 1990 and the first Executive Director was hired in July of 1991. In 1992, it became a 501 © (3) organization. Support for the organization comes from a percentage of the federal grant that each state receives. For the program year 1999-2000, we have 53 members.  A board of directors, elected by the membership, oversees all Consortium activities.

During the last six years, the Consortium has produced:

	Eight national surveys
	Four major publications
	Six annual reports outlining the accomplishments of state programs
	By-monthly newsletters containing the latest information and trends in our field.

In addition to our extensive publishing activities, the Consortium has also offered:

	Seven national teleconferences
	An Executive Development Program
	Twelve regional meetings with consultants focusing on topics of interest to that particular region
	Meals and single day professional development experiences at all national meetings hosted by the Department of Education.

One of the purposes of the Consortium was to provide the adult education program with a visible presence in D.C. To that extent, collaborative relationships have been established with groups such as the National Governor's Association, the National Coalition for Literacy, the National Goals Panel, the Chief State School Officers, the National Center for Family Literacy, the National Institute for Literacy and the National Council of State Directors of Vocational Education.

The Consortium is fundamental in providing our field with the latest information and analysis of the many changes that are taking place in the federal policy arena. As the need requires, policy updates and alerts are sent on a regular basis. Our community is aware of the latest policy initiatives before most other state agencies. We believe to be informed is to be prepared.

In addition to these specific activities, the Consortium has a Research Committee to assist in the determination of and preparation of materials; a Professional Development Committee charged with designing an annual plan for professional development for our membership; a Policy Committee charged with analyzing the impact of current and future policy; and a National Programs Committee which works to ensure coordination and customer input into the expenditure of national R&D dollars.

The Consortium staff consists of a half time Executive director, a full time Executive Assistant, and a policy analyst who works 10 hours per week.