Corrections Education addresses the needs of incarcerated adult offenders with educational skills that range from primary grade levels to early post-secondary levels. Incarcerated adult students are assessed for educational levels using the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) for reading and math and the University of Kansas Strategic Instructional Method (SIM) for writing. Based on the educational level of the assessment results students are placed in the appropriate coursework.
Courses are offered in three curricula areas:
In FY22, 799 classes in 46 courses in 10 major subject areas. More specifically, in FY22 there were the following total course registrations for Q3-Q4:
Education Services partners with the following:
Living & Basic Skills: AOE Special Education, VocRehab Vermont
CHSVT: McGraw Hill, Vermont high schools and independent school, New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Workforce Readiness: Community College of Vermont (CCV), University of Vermont (UVM), Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), the Department of Labor (DOL), VocRehab Vermont, Center for Technology Essex
Living & Basic Skills: Corrections Education had developed a Student Special Services (S3) team that works state-wide to consult with educators and other RIS staff to assist in developing interventions that meet the needs of struggling adult learners.
CHSVT: CHSVT has adopted curriculum from McGraw Hill. All curriculum materials are aligned with the common core standards. Using a consistent curriculum across Corrections Education assists students who are moved between facilities to continue their personal learning plans.
Workforce Readiness: Offering post-secondary education is challenging because most of our students are working at the 7-8 grade level. Offering this coursework to those who are ready not only supports the individual working at this level but also motivates those work at the lower levels to know that they can achieve post-secondary certifications.
Living & Basic Skills: Continue to develop our S3 model and have all of RIS use the Focus Student Information System to collect data and communicate within our multi-disciplinary teams.
CHSVT: Corrections Education is working with ADS to develop an education network that will connect all correctional facilities and allow for more distance learning opportunities and allow students to access their education work at all facilities and in the community upon release.
Workforce Readiness: Corrections Education is developing multiple partnerships across the state to ensure that our workforce readiness curricula are aligned with industry standards and the needs of Vermont employers.