Institution: Torah University (or equivalent adult education division)

Proposed by: Department of General and Continuing Education

Prepared by: Curriculum Committee on Adult Learning and Lifelong Competence

Date: October 2025

Program Level: Post-secondary Certificate (Non-degree)

Credit Hours: 24 credits (8 courses × 3 credits each)

Delivery: Online / Hybrid / On-site

Duration: 2 semesters (approximately 9–12 months)

I. Executive Summary

The Certificate in Practical Adult Knowledge and Competence (CPAK) is designed to fill a critical gap in adult education: the lack of foundational practical knowledge required for successful, informed, and ethical participation in modern life. The curriculum integrates quantitative reasoning, civic literacy, critical thinking, communication, health, and ethics into a cohesive program that provides the knowledge most adults were never systematically taught.

The certificate program will serve as a bridge between formal education and lifelong learning, improving employability, social participation, and personal independence. It is especially suited for adult learners re-entering education, career changers, community leaders, or those seeking a comprehensive life-skills credential.

II. Rationale

A. Problem Statement

Most adults complete formal education without a coherent framework for applying knowledge to real-world contexts. Essential competencies — such as interpreting contracts, understanding compound interest, evaluating media claims, or making informed medical decisions — are scattered across disciplines and rarely mastered holistically.

B. Educational and Social Need

Employers and community organizations increasingly require practical literacy and reasoning skills. Civic participation is declining amid misinformation and confusion about legal and governmental systems. Health misinformation, financial illiteracy, and logical fallacies contribute to widespread personal and social dysfunction.

C. Institutional Fit

This certificate aligns with the institution’s mission to cultivate wisdom, integrity, and applied knowledge. It serves as a foundation for advanced certificates in business, governance, theology, or health, and as a re-entry path into higher education for non-traditional learners.

III. Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the CPAK program will be able to:

Apply numeracy and quantitative reasoning to financial, civic, and everyday decisions. Interpret legal and governmental processes and act as informed citizens. Manage personal finances, budgets, and economic choices responsibly. Evaluate information and arguments critically, identifying bias and fallacy. Communicate effectively in professional, civic, and digital settings. Make informed health and wellness decisions grounded in evidence. Navigate bureaucratic, digital, and logistical systems efficiently. Demonstrate ethical reasoning and cross-cultural awareness in daily life. Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines into coherent personal and civic action.

IV. Program Structure

Course Code

Course Title

Credits

Type

Prerequisite

PAK 101

Practical Numeracy for Adults

3

Core

None

PAK 102

Civic and Legal Literacy

3

Core

None

PAK 103

Financial and Economic Literacy

3

Core

None

PAK 104

Critical Thinking and Logic

3

Core

None

PAK 105

Communication, Media, and Digital Literacy

3

Core

None

PAK 106

Health, Nutrition, and Wellness Literacy

3

Core

None

PAK 107

Practical Life Skills and Systems Navigation

3

Core

None

PAK 108

Ethics and Cultural Competence

3

Core

None

Total Credits

24

V. Course Descriptions

PAK 101 — Practical Numeracy for Adults

A comprehensive exploration of quantitative reasoning in everyday life, covering percentages, interest, inflation, taxes, risk, data interpretation, and estimation. Learners complete a numeracy portfolio demonstrating applied problem solving.

PAK 102 — Civic and Legal Literacy

Introduces the structure of government, jurisdiction, and the functioning of courts. Students analyze contracts, liabilities, employment law, and family property issues, gaining the ability to read and respond intelligently to legal documents.

PAK 103 — Financial and Economic Literacy

Covers the principles of personal finance, household budgeting, credit management, investment, and macroeconomic context. Students design a personal financial plan using real data and long-term projections.

PAK 104 — Critical Thinking and Logic

Develops reasoning skills for discerning truth and sound argumentation. Topics include deductive and inductive reasoning, cognitive bias, fallacies, and rhetorical manipulation in politics and media.

PAK 105 — Communication, Media, and Digital Literacy

Strengthens verbal, written, and digital communication. Learners analyze media bias, practice professional correspondence, understand algorithmic influence, and design a media-literacy portfolio.

PAK 106 — Health, Nutrition, and Wellness Literacy

Covers reading medical information, nutrition basics, preventive health, mental health, and navigating healthcare systems. Emphasizes evidence-based reasoning and lifestyle design.

PAK 107 — Practical Life Skills and Systems Navigation

Equips students with life logistics skills: project management, housing, transportation, consumer protection, digital security, and emergency preparedness. Includes a personal “systems audit” project.

PAK 108 — Ethics and Cultural Competence

Explores ethical reasoning, cross-cultural communication, and professional integrity. Students analyze moral dilemmas in technology, work, and community life and prepare an ethical case study.

VI. Pedagogical Approach

The program emphasizes active, problem-based learning and experiential assessment. Each course requires practical projects tied to real-world documentation: budgets, contracts, health plans, or ethical analyses.

Teaching methods include:

Mini-lectures and guided readings Scenario analysis and simulations Peer and instructor feedback loops Online discussion forums and civic debates Applied capstone projects

VII. Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment Type

Weight

Description

Applied projects

40%

Each course includes one major applied project demonstrating practical mastery.

Quizzes and short exercises

25%

Low-stakes assessments reinforcing key concepts.

Discussion and participation

15%

Evaluated for constructive, evidence-based contributions.

Final Portfolio

20%

Comprehensive demonstration of program-wide competencies.

Portfolio Requirements:

Financial plan Legal or civic engagement analysis Health and wellness plan Ethical reasoning essay Personal systems audit

VIII. Faculty Requirements

Instructor Qualifications:

Master’s degree or higher in the relevant field (education, economics, law, health, communication, or philosophy). Demonstrated experience in adult education or applied instruction. Commitment to interdisciplinary, real-world pedagogy.

IX. Implementation Plan

Phase

Timeline

Actions

Phase 1

Spring 2026

Pilot PAK 101 and 104 online; gather feedback.

Phase 2

Fall 2026

Add remaining courses; begin first full cohort.

Phase 3

2027 onward

Launch community partnerships and professional endorsements.

Enrollment target: 60–100 students in the first full year.

Delivery model: Modular; courses can be taken individually or in sequence.

X. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

Annual program review with learner feedback and outcome tracking. Advisory board with representatives from education, finance, law, and health sectors. Curriculum update cycle every three years to ensure relevance to evolving adult needs.

XI. Institutional and Community Benefits

Increases access to meaningful continuing education for adults. Enhances workforce readiness and civic engagement. Strengthens the institution’s reputation as a provider of holistic, real-world learning. Serves as a pathway into degree programs in business, law, theology, or health.

XII. Accreditation Alignment

The CPAK curriculum aligns with the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of post-secondary certificate programs and the UNESCO framework for lifelong learning. Outcomes correspond to Level 5 of the EQF (European Qualifications Framework): comprehensive, practical, and problem-solving competence in defined areas of work and study.

XIII. Sample Course Learning Outcomes and Rubric Framework

Example: PAK 104 — Critical Thinking and Logic

Outcome

Performance Indicators

Assessment Method

Identify and define common logical fallacies

Recognizes at least 10 distinct fallacies with examples

Quiz and analysis exercise

Evaluate sources and evidence

Grades source reliability using defined criteria

Annotated bibliography

Construct valid arguments

Produces reasoned essays or presentations

Final argument paper

Apply reasoning to real cases

Uses logic to evaluate political/media claims

Media case study project

XIV. Budget and Resource Estimate

Item

Cost Estimate (USD)

Notes

Faculty salaries (adjunct basis)

$60,000

8 courses per year

LMS and online content development

$15,000

Initial design and hosting

Marketing and outreach

$8,000

Adult learner recruitment

Materials and licensing

$5,000

Open educational resources preferred

Administrative oversight

$7,000

Program coordination

Total Initial Year Cost

$95,000

Program revenue expected to exceed costs at enrollment >80 students annually.

XV. Appendices

Appendix A: Program Syllabi Summaries

Appendix B: Faculty Qualifications Templates

Appendix C: Assessment Rubrics

Appendix D: Community Partnership Letters (sample)

Appendix E: Accreditation Crosswalk