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Inmate
GEDs Going through the Roof
Record numbers of offenders are earning their GED as a result of the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) Accelerated General Equivalency Diploma Program. In Fiscal Year 2004, 1,439 offenders earned their GED while sentenced to ADC, eclipsing 791 graduations in Fiscal Year 2003. During Fiscal Year 2005 to date, 1,275 inmates have already earned their degrees. By the end of the fiscal year, the Department projects the number of new graduates will double again. As one of her goals, ADC Director Dora Schriro set out
to improve the offender education program and increase the number of GEDs
shortly after being appointed as Director in June of 2003. “As an agency, I knew we could do better. Classrooms in our prisons were half full because offenders were not going to class. Empty classrooms are a waste of Arizona taxpayer dollars,” said Schriro. “Any steps our agency can take to be more efficient and improve education are worthwhile. For ex-offenders to successfully return to our communities as productive and civil citizens, they must be literate, employable and sober.” To get better results, ADC implemented a three-tier program that prepares offenders to pass the GED sooner. Rather than have all inmates who seek a GED enroll in classroom study, the Accelerated GED Program tailors the educational curriculum to fit the needs of each inmate. · Inmates who perform well on state-mandated literacy tests are given study materials to study for the GED on their own. · Offenders who pass the state-mandated literacy test but don’t score in the eleventh grade range are given study materials to study for the GED on their own and access to tutors. ·
Inmates who do not meet state-mandated literacy requirements are enrolled
in classroom study and provided the three Ts - teaching, tutoring and time in
class. “Offenders are responding well to the Accelerated GED Program and see it as a key to a better future,” said Programs Division Director Steven Ickes. “A basic education is a prerequisite to a productive life, and helps reduce relapse, revocation and recidivism rates.” The Accelerated GED Program is a component of the department’s re-entry effort, which features Director Schriro’s Parallel Universe. Director Schriro’s Parallel Universe is premised on the belief that life inside prison should resemble life outside prison and that offenders should acquire basic skills and the underlying values and habits characteristic of productive, law-abiding Arizona citizens. Pomp and Circumstance Speaking before about 75 inmates receiving their high school equivalency certificates Friday afternoon at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Yuma, Steve Ickes said he wanted the graduates to join the "orange army." "I want an army of orange-suited GED graduates out on the yard," said Ickes, division director of program services for the Arizona Department of Corrections. "You guys are in the culture. You can change the culture." As the inmates were applauded for earning their GEDs during the graduation, Ickes said he wanted them to make this their first step toward better lives outside prison walls. "Remember the feeling of success in your heart right now," he said. Most of the inmates were all smiles as they received their certificates and shook hands with their instructors. Loud whoops and whistles could be heard from fellow inmates as the names were announced. About 130 Yuma-area inmates have received their degrees this school year. Hal Siel, correctional education program manager, said the goal is to top 300. "We've averaged only 79 per year for the past six years," Siel said. He said the increase can be attributed to a change in programs, better communication with inmates and inmates realizing the importance of education. "I'm very proud of what you've accomplished," said warden Ivan Bartos. "I'm extremely proud of the cohesiveness the staff has shown to facilitate that achievement." Every inmate is required by state law to achieve mandatory literacy. Whether they continue on and receive a GED is up to them. Chet Crain, one of 12 correctional education program teachers, said he has seen inmates go from illiterate to GED graduates in only six weeks. "You can see the self-confidence," said Crain, who was formerly a math teacher at Carpe Diem Academy. "Most have never accomplished anything." Siel said generally it takes inmates about four to six months to earn their GEDs. They receive instruction, take a predictor test and then sit for the test, which is given at the prison. "We tested 60 more this week," Siel said. "We hope to pass 40 or 50 more from that." Another graduation will likely be held in three months, Siel said. Teachers such as Crain actually act more as supervisors. Inmates who already have their degrees teach the other inmates. "It works because professional teachers don't always put it to their level," he said. "We don't have the street talk." Crain said most of the inmates have been failed by the public education system, and what they need more than anything else is focused, one-on-one instruction. The graduation was held inside the Dakota Unit. More than half of the graduates were from this unit, which has the highest custody level at the prison. The importance of education, especially for the incarcerated, was emphasized by every speaker during the graduation. "Education is the only proved reducer of recidivism," said Charles Flanagan, work force development administrator for ADC. Flanagan said six out of 10 inmates return to prison within seven years. He said this had to change - and inmates getting their degrees and taking vocational classes is the right step. Ickes said literacy, sobriety and employability were the most important traits inmates could develop for themselves while in prison. He told inmates to create a "parallel universe" inside the prison's walls where they practice only what would be acceptable outside. Special certificates were given to the inmates who scored the highest on the GED test from each of the three units. Also, an award was given to the inmate with the highest score overall. The reward of earning a diploma could be seen on the faces of many of the inmates - and their teachers as well. "It's definitely
rewarding," said Crain. "We're not officers. We can have a
different relationship." |
