In this chapter, the major concepts from program planning in adult education will be applied to health professions education (HPE). Curriculum planning and program planning will be differentiated, and program development and planning will be grounded in a systems thinking approach.

The "Work First" environment demands the following tasks of literacy practitioners: designing programs for clients' specific needs; fostering collaborative relationships with agencies and employers; focusing on comprehensive outcomes; planning holistic curricula integrated with work, family, and community contexts; and providing continuous staff…