Avi, I disagree with you about women learning Kitzor Shulchan Aruch or Chayei Adam as opposed to Mishna Berura. If you learn Kitzur Shulchan Aruch or Chayei Adam, you will not know what to do l’maaseh. It is true that there are times when we don’t posken according to the Mishna Berurah, but in general, if you act according to the Mishna Berurah, you are on safe grounds. The best is to learn Mishna Berurah with Dirshu (that’s what I do), since he brings the opinions of the contemporary poskim.
The only problem with women learning Mishna Berurah might be that most women don’t have the necessary training and background, and might come to “posken” incorrectly. I assume that is why many schools learn Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. In any case, if one wants to ensure that she knows halacha l’maaseh properly, she is probably best off reading a quality English Halacha Seifer, but I don’t think they exist yet for every topic.
I have not actually come across one yet for Cheilik Alef, although I have been looking for such a thing, since I am teaching it now.