Educational services annual report, calendar year ...

              EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
ANNUAL REPORT
Calendar Year 2007
NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Theodis Beck, Secretary
DIVISION OF PRISONS PROGRAM SERVICES
Boyd Bennett, Director Bonnie Boyette, Chief
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Gloria M. Upperman, Director
Prepared by:
Educational Services Section - Division of Prisons
Raleigh, North Carolina June 2008
DEDICATION
The 2007 Educational Services Annual Report
is dedicated to the Education and Programs staff
throughout the Division of Prisons who contribute daily
to the ongoing success of correctional education
and who remain committed to preparing
inmates for a successful return to
the community. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF - 2007
Gloria M. Upperman
Director
Educational Services Section
Emma Brooks
Librarian Consultant
Library Services
Arthur Clark
Education Specialist
Information Management & Program Development
Bobbie Richardson
School Administrator
Licensure, Self-Paced Studies,
Curriculum, Mentor, Guidance Counselors, CEA Accreditation,
Professional Development
Vacant
School Administrator
Exceptional Students Program
Kenneth Phillips
Education Specialist II
Youth Offender Program
Kelli Terrell
School Administrator for
Exceptional Students Program
Vacant
School Administrator
Title I, ESL and Principal Mentor
Toni Williams
Administrative Secretary II
Donna Strickland
Processing Assistant II
Teresa Byrd
Processing Assistant III
Kimela Lindsey
Transition Teacher – Title I Sheila Scott
Transition Teacher – Exceptional Students Program TABLE OF CONTENTS
2007 EDUCATIONAL SERVICES ANNUAL REPORT
MISSION STATEMENT AND PHILOSOPHY.........................................................................1
OVERVIEW OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE NC PRISON SYSTEM................ 2
MAJOR INITIATIVES OF 200...................................................................................................4
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN DOC................8
MONTHLY ENROLLMENT AND AWARDS CONFERRED TABLES...............................9
ON-SITE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION........................................................................10
North Carolina Community College System
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Correctional Education Program
Shaw University Center for Alternative Programs of Education (CAPE)
SPECIAL PROGRAMS..............................................................................................................13
Exceptional Students Program
Title I Program for Neglected or Delinquent Youth
LIBRARY SERVICES................................................................................................................16
PERSONNEL SERVICES..........................................................................................................18
Teacher Licensure
Initial Licensure Program
FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS.........................................................................................................27
APPENDICES
A ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
B PARTNERS IN CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION
C EDUCATION STAFF AT YOUTH FACILITIES
D EDUCATION CONTACTS AT CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
E SYSTEM-WIDE SCHOOL CALENDAR
F EDUCATION MATRIX CATEGORIES
G DOP FACILITIES MATRIX CLASSIFICATION LIST
H 2007 EDUCATION PROGRAM OFFERINGS BY FACLITY 1
MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
IN THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
The mission of Educational Services in the North Carolina Division of Prisons, Department of Correction, is to provide services to those inmates who participate in education activities so that they may become responsible and productive persons who can effectively manage their incarceration and make contributions to their community upon release.
The philosophy of Educational Services is that correctional education is an integral part of the total correctional process. Education is capable of changing inmate behaviors so those offenders become law-abiding, productive members of the community. The goal of Educational Services is to provide a system of education offerings that range from basic reading, writing, and computation skills to advanced vocational skills, which also includes training in the areas of social development and life skills. The outcome goal is to provide inmates with the resources for making a worthwhile life.
The array of education services provided is intended to meet the wide variety of needs of inmates, including those skills required to be successful as jobholders and as contributing members of their communities. It is also the guiding philosophy of the Division of Prisons Educational Services Section that these services must be systematically planned and evaluated, and that changes must be made in the way services are provided depending on changes in education technology, demands of the workplace and characteristics of the inmate population. 2
OVERVIEW OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE NC PRISON SYSTEM
At the end of 2007, there were 78 prisons operating in the North Carolina Division of Prisons, with 100 percent of these facilities offering educational programs for inmates on a full or part-time basis. The average monthly enrollment in education programs in 2007 exceeded 10,382 students, while 1,912 inmates passed the General Education Development (GED) test during the year and 11,541 earned college certificates, diplomas or degrees.
All teachers employed by the Division of Prisons are assigned to one of five facilities serving youth: Foothills Correctional Institution, Morrison Correctional Institution, and North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, Polk Correctional Institution and Western Youth Institution. Education staff at these facilities focuses on teaching inmates to prepare for passing the GED test series. In addition, teachers work with students in special classes related to character education and building thinking skills, mathematics, social studies, science and health.
The Division of Prisons benefits from an excellent community college system, whereby programs are jointly developed. A wide variety of vocational programs, such as computer literacy, food service training, electrical engineering technology, job readiness, as well as basic academics are provided through local community colleges. Programs at facilities match the average length of stay of an inmate so that he or she has a high probability of completing the programming offered at the institution.
Federally supported programs include Title I, which is targeted to meet the education needs of neglected or delinquent youth under the age of 22. This program provides seven teachers who teach reading and math to students who are in need of intensive remedial instruction. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides funds for school-age inmates who have special learning needs, such as behavior disorders, learning disabilities and speech impairments. These education services include a continuum of classes aimed at serving the inmate's individual learning needs.
Inmates who have completed the GED or who possess a high school diploma may be considered for participation in several degree programs and a special “Youth Offender Program." Associate Degree Programs are offered by community colleges and Bachelor Degree Programs are offered at two prison sites through Shaw University, a private university based in Raleigh, NC.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has offered correspondence courses to inmates for more than 30 years. The Department of Correction contracts with the University to provide Independent Studies courses and a limited number of university credit classroom courses. About 100 college-level courses may be taken by correspondence for credit in subjects such as English, history, mathematics, business administration and sociology.
Each facility provides library services, including reference and recreational materials. Library carts are circulated for the many inmates who are unable to use the regular facilities. Library book purchases are supported through the Inmate Welfare Fund.
There are 15 prisons that house non-English speaking inmates. English as a second or other language are offered at each of these designated sites. Books, journals, etc. in other languages, e.g. Spanish, are also supplied. Some of these units also offer certain services in other languages, such as religious services, through a variety of volunteer organizations. Signs, which include policies, can be found posted around those same facilities. The Spanish language is the most representative of the native tongues. In some of the schools located in the prison schools, inmates are able to take their GEDs in Spanish. Learning the 3
English language, however, is encouraged since it is helpful to not only the inmate but to the necessary movement within the prison system.
The Educational Services Section provides services to prison management and staff in the following areas of support:
•
Community college program planning
•
Title I services for inmates under the age of 22
•
Exceptional Students program services
•
School psychology services
•
Educational and psychological testing services for inmates with learning difficulties
•
Library planning services
•
Curriculum planning and purchasing services
•
Instructional design services
•
Teacher licensure services
•
Purchasing of equipment and supplies
•
Outreach Program coordination and planning, including UNC self-paced studies, Shaw University (CAPE) Programs, on-site courses, and information highway courses
•
Staff development planning and training
•
Special Programs planning and evaluation
•
Resource development and information management
•
English as a second or other language program planning 4
MAJOR INITIATIVES OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN 2007
In 2007, the Educational Services Central Office, in collaboration with DOP staff and other colleagues involved in correctional education, engaged in a wide range of priority projects and developmental initiatives, examples of which are noted below:
•
Correctional Education Association (CEA) Accreditation: During 2007, DOC staff attended two conferences sponsored by the Correction Education Association. The CEA Leadership forum was held in Annapolis, Md., in March. The International CEA Conference was held in Atlanta, Ga. Ms. Ann Washington from Foothills Correctional Institution was chair of the CEA Teacher of the Year Banquet. Dr. Steve Moody from Western Youth Institution was chair of the Workshop committee. Both Foothills Correctional and Western Youth Institution are currently accredited by CEA and will be going through reaccreditation in 2008.
•
Business and Industry Advisory Committee to Correctional Education: The Business and Industry Advisory Committee entered its fifth year of existence. This committee makes recommendations to Educational Services on Vocational Training and Job Readiness Training. The committee’s recommendations improve the educational programs offered by DOP as well as transition services, both of which aim to promote successful re-entry into the workplace.
•
New Prisons: Plans are being made for educational programs for Tabor City Correctional Institution, scheduled to receive inmates in September 2008..
•
Year Seven of JobStart: Educational Services provided baseline support for the continuation of JobStart in its seventh year of implementation at four charter sites: Morrison Correctional Institution, Polk Correctional Institution, and Raleigh Correctional Center for Women, and Western Youth Institution. Warren Correctional Institution and Foothills Correctional Institution have been added as JobStart sites. The success of this prison-to-work project has established a benchmark for other transition programs to be used throughout Division of Prisons. Educational Services continues to build on the advances made in 2001 with DOP transition policy, the updated JobStart Community Resource List, and the Transition Documents Envelope.
•
Transition: The two transition teachers have proven to be very productive in providing transition services to our youth population. Educational Services, along with the educational directors and other concerned staff are working diligently to ensure that all ESP and Title I inmates have an operational transition plan which will increase their ability to be successful upon re-entry into the community. The staff is providing training on writing appropriate Transition Plans for ESP and Title I students at the five Department of Public Instruction regulated facilities. The staff is writing a transition curriculum to guide the instructional delivery of transition services for inmates. The transition coordinators and the ESP and Title I staff are working in collaboration with the staff for the Going Home Initiative (GHI) to ensure ESP and Title I students are included in the Going Home Initiative Reentry Program. 5
•
OPUS: OPUS is the North Carolina Department of Correction Offenders Population Unified System for data management. OPUS maintains all collected data on inmates within the Division of Prisons. The Exceptional Student Program staff and the Program Services staff work collaboratively to ensure inmates who are suspected of having a disability are identified and tracked through the OPUS system. To ensure students with disabilities have access to the full continuum of services offered by the Division of Prisons, the ESP staff and Program Service staff have defined a coding system to flag ESP students in OPUS. Once an inmate is referred by the School Assistance Team to the Individualized Education Plan Team, an ESP Case Manager is assigned to the inmate. Case managers participate in the educational planning and delivery of services for students with disabilities. The staff from the ESP and Program Services provides training to staff in the five youth facilities (Polk Correctional Institution, Morrison Correctional Institution, Western Youth Institution, Foothills Correctional Institution and North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women (NCCIW) that serve students with disabilities. The ESP Case manager serves on the student’s IEP Team and consults with the inmate on a monthly basis.
•
Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children: Gloria Upperman, DOP Director of Educational Services, in her capacity as the Division of Prisons official representative to the Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children, NC Department of Public Instruction, participated in a series of council meetings in 2007 to ensure that DOP remains in compliance with all special education requirements impacting the inmate population.
•
Youth Offender Grant Award: The U. S. Department of Education awarded a one-year
Extension grant of $704,776 for the Youth Offender Program, assuring the program’s continuation through 2008. The program, which prepares eligible offenders, ages 16 to 25, to gain employment and continue their post-secondary education upon release, has also expanded to adult facilities. See page 6 for additional details. 6
GRANT ACTIVITY
Youth Offender Program
Since the inception of the Youth Offender Program, we have worked hard to deliver a quality cost effective program. The primary goal of the program is to engage each incarcerated youth within the North Carolina Prison system. Throughout this report period, the Youth Offender Program provided university level courses through the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, UNC-Pembroke, UNC-Asheville, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina Central University and St. Augustine’s College. Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) training and Employability Skills Training (EST) were two elements of the total program essential to the reduction of recidivism among the incarcerated youth population. Both of these programs were instituted to alter the social behavioral patterns of these young inmates. The planning, development and presentation of these resources and services continue to be the focal point of the Youth Offender Program. The program serves as the primary focus for sharing information relevant to post-secondary education, behavioral patterns and occupational/career goals.
Post secondary correspondence courses have been added since last year. The correspondence classes are offered to the qualified youthful offender throughout all the prisons within the system. All classes are funded by the Youth Offender Program through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The youth offender criteria are the same as the on-site classes.
Twelve prison facilities have participated in the Youth Offender Program. These facilities are Foothills Correctional Institution, Western Youth Institution, and North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, Morrison Correctional Institution, Polk Correctional Institution, Avery Mitchell Correctional Institution, Nash Correctional Institution, Wake Correction Institution, and Fountain Correctional Institution for Women, Lumberton Correctional Facility, Sampson Correctional and Robeson Correctional. The Youth Offender committee is currently working with Brown Creek Correctional, Franklin Correctional and Wayne Correctional to add these facilities to the Youth offender Program in the coming year. During the summer semester of 2006 through the spring semester of 2007, there were more than 79 post secondary classes taught as well as some college preparatory classes. Student evaluations, coupled with evaluations from the various committees, have led to additional courses being added to the post secondary curriculum.
Students demonstrated a sincere interest in the Youth Offender Program. They believed the program was a wise investment of their time and energy. There was sufficient interest to explore the possibility of incorporating more programs into the current maximum of three courses per annum. A wider diversity of courses was requested by the student-inmates. Course participation was a factor in the participants reevaluating the importance of the educational impact upon their lives.
The Youth Offender Program offers the inmates an opportunity to depart the prison system with a greater respect for education and, through the alternative programs, a pro-social attitude. Post-secondary education, behavioral modification and transitional counseling are the mainstays of t his program. Transitional programs have evolved into an integral part of the program focusing on either job placement or continuing post-secondary education. 7
Professional Development and Staff Training
The North Carolina Department of Correction encourages all of its employees to enhance their job-related knowledge and skills on a continuing basis and provides training opportunities for this purpose. Education personnel take courses to earn credits at universities, senior colleges, and community colleges, as well as attend workshops and short courses, such as those sponsored by the Correctional Education Association, North Carolina Association of Educators, and Department of Public Instruction. Educational Services also conducts in-service training for which participants receive Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) for licensure renewal. Listed below are the major professional development and staff training activities conducted during 2007 that were sponsored by the Educational Services Section of the Division of Prisons.
Staff Training: Listed below are workshops held during local staff development workdays:
SOP Education 1/17/08
Emergency Response 1/25/08
CEA Administration
CEA Personnel
CEA Students
CEA Programs
SOP FCI
Mentor training
In service:
Processing Blue Folders training
Disciplinary Process training
Students with Delayed Mental Processing Capabilities training
Local Gang Awareness training
P-Card training
Applied Learning for the GED training
Special Needs Students training
Community Resource Day training
PREA Training
Community Success Initiative training 8
Self Injurious Behavior
Undue Familiarity/Sexual Harassment
PowerPoint
LEP
Security Threat Groups (STG)
Troubled Student
Reading/Technology
Retirement
Development of the Male Brain
Managing Resistance While Building Rapport
ESP Case Management
Updates with Section 504
Transitions! Transitions!
Quizdom
Professional Conferences: Listed below are other professional development activities attended in 2007 By The Division of Prisons educators as sponsored by other agencies or organizations:
Annual Conference, North Carolina Reading Association
National Association for Adults with Special Learning Needs (NAASLN) Conference
Correctional Educational Association Leadership Forum
Spring 2007 EC Program Directors Institute
Personnel Administrators of North Carolina Spring Conference
LRP Conference on Legal Issues in Special Education
Correctional Educational Association International Conference
57thConference on Exceptional Children Directors/Principals Institute
NC Symposium on Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder
North Carolina CASE Conference 9
Exceptional Children – Central Region Directors’ Meetings
Institute on IDEA Reauthorization
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
IN THE DIVISION OF PRISONS, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Educational Services Section, based at the Division of Prisons administrative center in Raleigh, was comprised of the director and a staff of ten in 2007. Each staff member reports to the Director of Educational Services, who reports to the Chief of Program Services. Educational Services is responsible for the oversight and coordination of formal education programming throughout the Division of Prison system. Educational Services is also directly involved in supporting the delivery of instruction and student services at designated facilities serving inmates age 22 and younger, including shared responsibility for the appointment and supervision of licensed personnel to teach within these facilities as well as to provide psychological counseling, and special education services.
Teachers and other professional staff who are required to hold licensure by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction are supervised jointly by the facility to which they are assigned and by Educational Services. Teachers, guidance counselors and school psychologists report to the Education Director at their facility, who in turn reports to the facility’s Assistant Superintendent for Programs and the Director of Educational Services.
Staff in the Educational Services Section work closely with the North Carolina Community College System office in Raleigh and with the individual member institutions, to develop and improve correctional education programming. Staff also assisted in planning for the acquisition of instructional equipment and educational materials required to support these programs, including the purchase of such basic items as student textbooks and classroom supplies. Needs for library supplies and equipment at prison facilities were likewise communicated on a regular basis to the librarian consultant in Educational Services, who periodically visited division units in 2007 to assist in developing lists of needed resources.
The Exceptional Students program, which is mandated by federal and state law, was managed in 2006 by Educational Services staff, in conjunction with the facilities, while the federally funded Youth Offender Grant was managed by an education specialist who provided planning services, hired contract staff and coordinated the program evaluation process. These and all other Educational Services programs received information management support, including data collection and news dissemination, from an education specialist in 2007. 10
Table 1
AVERAGE MONTHLY ENROLLMENT IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS
2007
Academic Programs: 1,943 (full-time)
(Includes Adult Basic Education, 2,233 (part-time)
General Education Development Preparation,
Selected Associate Degree Programs).
Vocational Programs: 2,197 (full-time)
(Includes Curriculum Certificates, Diplomas, 688 (part-time)
and Occupational Extension).
Life Skills:
(Includes Employability Training, Interpersonal 154 (full-time)
Communications, Family Life, Character Education. 1,167 (part-time)
Does not include substance abuse rehabilitation).
TOTAL AVERAGE MONTHLY ENROLLMENT: 10,382
Table 2
CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS, DEGREES AWARDED
2007
Total Awards
AA Degree Programs 912
BA Degree Programs 7
Vocational Certificates 1,545
Diploma Programs 192
GED 1,912
Vocational Continuing Education Programs 6,920
TOTAL 11,54111
ON-SITE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
There are three sources of post-secondary educational opportunities for inmates: The North Carolina Community College System, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Correctional Education Program, and Shaw University's Center for Alternative Programs of Education (CAPE).
The North Carolina Community College System
For over 30 years, the North Carolina Department of Correction and the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) have engaged in a collaborative effort to provide educational opportunities to inmates. Course offerings are selected from Basic Skills, Curriculum or Continuing Education at each facility, consistent with the mission of that facility and the inmate populations’ expected length-of-stay in that facility. The Prison Matrix System requires a classification of all prisons into a category that best reflects the inmate length-of-stay at each facility. A chart defining the categories is found in Appendix F, along with a listing of facilities and their assigned matrix category in Appendix G.
Basic skills instruction is designed to prepare an inmate to achieve his or her certificate of high school equivalency by passing the tests for the General Education Development (GED). Instruction is geared to the student's beginning level of achievement and is graduated to allow him or her to master competencies sequentially that are required for GED completion.
The Human Resources Development (HRD) program is designed to improve employability readiness by helping the student to get oriented to the world of work, appreciate the effects of his or her behaviors on others, and develop the basic academic and communication skills prerequisite to obtaining and maintaining employment.
Vocational training is provided through curriculum or continuing education offerings or a combination of both.Curriculum programs award transferable semester hour credits for successful completion of training, and is utilized when a facility's length-of-stay allows for a stable curriculum program that can maintain acceptable completion rates. Continuing Education courses are shorter courses designed to teach specific vocational skills and are utilized when a facility's length-of-stay makes these offerings a better fit for the needs of the population, including students who have not completed high school or the GED program. Successful completion of continuing education courses results in a certificate of completion, which documents the skills obtained but is non-transferable.
Community college course or program offerings for each facility are included in the 2007 Education Program Offerings Section found in Appendix H.
The Department of Correction/North Carolina Community College System Interagency Committee on Correctional Education meets biannually to guide this statewide collaborative effort and to implement Legislative initiatives. Representatives from both agencies share information, discuss implementation issues, and effect resolutions to remove any obstacles to continued program development. 12
The Interagency Committee on Correctional Education
The Interagency Committee on Correctional Education is comprised of representatives from the Department of Correction and the North Carolina Community College System. The committee is responsible for maintaining a comprehensive plan for academic, remedial, vocational and technical education to inmates. Meetings are held biannually to plan and coordinate statewide community college services to offenders. The committee chair was held jointly in 2007 by Dan Stieneke, Deputy Secretary of DOC and Dr. Delores Parker, Vice President of Academic and Student Services for the NCCCS. The Interagency Committee continues to be an essential vehicle for information-sharing between the two agencies and for assuring that relevant changes in either agency are integrated into the delivery of educational programs.
Committee members who served in 2007:
Department of Correction (DOC)
Theodis Beck, Department Secretary
Dan Stieneke, Chief Deputy Secretary, Committee Co-chair
Division of Prisons (DOP)
Boyd Bennett, Director, Division of Prisons, ex-officio
Bonnie Boyette, Chief of Program Services
Faye Lassiter, Assistant Chief of Program Services
Rose True, Director of Educational Services (1-8/07)
Gloria Upperman, Director of Educational Services (9-12/07)
Arthur Clark, DOP Liaison to NCCCS
Division of Community Corrections (DCC)
Robert Guy, Director, Division of Community Corrections
Glenn Mills, Assistant Director, Division of Community Corrections
Kevin Wallace, Liaison to NCCCS from Division of Community Corrections
North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)
Martin Lancaster, President, ex-officio
Fred Williams, Ex. Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, ex-officio
Dr. Delores Parker, Vice President, Academic and Student Services
Dr. Judith Mann, Associate Vice President, Academic and Student Services
Barbara Boyce, Director, Continuing Education
Dr. Randy Whitfield, Associate Vice President, Academic and Student Services
Wanda White, Director, Student Development Services
Robin Coates, Director, Human Resource Development
Tracy McPherson, Director Programs/Criminal Justice-Correctional Education 13
The University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Correctional Education Program
Through a contract with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, on-site, college-credit classroom courses were provided at selected prisons for eligible inmates in 2007. These classes were taught by instructors from UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Asheville or East Carolina University at the following facilities: Dan River Prison Work Farm, Eastern Correctional Institution, and North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, Orange Correctional Center, Johnston Correctional Institution and Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution.
In addition to on-site courses, UNC-Chapel Hill also offered courses over the North Carolina Information Highway to inmates at Hyde Correctional Institution, Pender Correctional Institution and Southern Correctional Institution.
Self-Pace Studies were also made available through UNC-Chapel Hill at all prison facilities to 650 inmates who met academic requirements and certain eligibility criteria related to the type of crime and length of sentence.
Shaw University - Center for Alternative Programs of Education (CAPE)
The CAPE Program, provided by Shaw University, requires that inmates possess a GED or high school diploma, be eligible for parole or release within 10 years, and not have been convicted of certain felony classes. During 2007, this program was offered at Harnett Correctional Institution and the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women (NCCIW). The program leads to a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology or an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration at NCCIW and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management at Harnett Correctional Institution. Harnett Correctional Institution had ten graduates in 2007; NCCIW had 17 students earn their associate’s degree and two earn the bachelor's degree. Shaw University assumes complete financial responsibility for all instructional costs through a university grant program. 14
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Exceptional Students Program
The Exceptional Student Program is available to eligible students 22 years of age and younger. The Program is governed by the “Reauthorized Individual with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004). The IDEA mandates educational agencies to locate identify and evaluate all individuals with disabilities who may be in need of special education and related services. Students identified as a student with a disability receive their education in the Division of Prisons’ five youth facilities: North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women (NCCIW), Raleigh; Polk Youth Institution (PYI), Bunter; Morrison Correctional Institution (MCI), Hoffman; Western Youth Institution (WYI) and Foothills Correctional Institution (FCI), Morganton.
The Department of Correction adheres to the guidelines set forth in Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities (Procedures). Upon entering correctional facilities, inmates are screened in one of eight Diagnostic Centers (Central Prison, North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women (NCCIW), Craven Correctional Institution, and Fountain Correction Center for Women, Polk Correctional Institution, Western Youth Institution, Piedmont Correctional Institution and Neuse Correctional Institution). The admission process includes an interview of the inmate by a case manager to collect additional information that may indicate a need for further screening. If the screening process reveals that a student has academic deficits, functional deficits and/or behavioral problems, a referral to the School Assistance Team (SAT) is generated. The SAT team collects additional information including, but not limited to public school records, classroom performance, admission test performance, infraction records and mental health information. After reviewing this information, the SAT determines whether to refer the student to the Individualized Education Program Team (IEP) for further testing. When the IEP team refers a student for further testing, permission to test is obtained from the inmate (if he/she has reached the age of majority) or his/her parent(s). Once all evaluations have been completed, the IEP team determines the student’s eligibility for special education services. If the team determines the student is eligible for Exceptional Student Program (ESP) services, the team develops an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to meet the academic, functional performance and/or behavior needs of the student, and consent for placement is obtained from the student (if he/she has reached age of majority) or the parent (s) of the student. Inmates who are identified as requiring English as a Second Language (ESL) go through a specialized screening process.
In accordance to the IDEA of 2004, if a parent or student denies consent for an initial evaluation, or the parent fails to respond to a request to provide consent, the LEA may use the due process procedures described in section 615 of the law to obtain authority to evaluate. However, an inmate or his/her parent may deny consent for special education and related services, the LEA shall not provide special education and related services to the child by utilizing the procedures described in Section 615 of the law. Upon the 16th birthday of an inmate with a disability, the IEP team shall develop a Transition Plan to meet the Transition requirements of IDEA 2004.
The Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that teachers are provided a comprehensive set of staff development opportunities to ensure that teachers are staying abreast of best practices in instructional strategies to ensure high student achievement. In accordance with the federal mandate for continuous staff development opportunities for teachers, approximately 25 percent of the federal VI-B budget is spent on supporting staff development for teachers of exceptional students and regular educators. Teachers were afforded the opportunities to attend the 57Th Conference on 15
Exceptional Children, The North Carolina Learning Disabilities Symposium and various staff development opportunities on best practices in reading and math instruction. Education directors and special education coordinators attended the Administrator’s Training on special education. Additionally, administrators and select teachers attended training on the New IDEA 2004. Other selected teachers attended training on Transition Planning, Direct Reading Coach Initiative and various staff development opportunities at the Hill Learning Center in Durham for student with learning disabilities.
VI-B funds were utilized to purchase technology to support classroom instruction delivery such as computers for all ESP teachers, Qwizdoms, LCD projectors and other supplies and materials to support teaching and learning.
Federal law mandates that all teachers be highly qualified in the areas they teach, therefore, the director for ESP and the director for human resource worked closely with education directors to assist them with recruitment and retention of highly qualified teachers. The Division of Prisons, Education Service Section, is proud to announce that we have a teacher who has been awarded National Board Certification status.
Monitoring is a vital part of the federal grant process, and beginning 2005, the Division of Prisons Exceptional Students Program began the process of completing Phase V of the Continuous Improvement Performance Plan (CIPP). The monitoring process requires the Exceptional Student Section to examine its practices for meeting the 90 day timeline for referrals, the least restrictive environment (LRE) of inmates with disabilities, the graduation rate of inmates with disabilities and to audit 20 records for compliance with Procedures to determine program compliance with IDEA. The CIPP established of a Steering Committee, as mandated by federal statues, to assist the director and her staff with examining its Exceptional Students Program for compliance with the IDEA. Staff was selected from the five youth facilities including an administrator, regular educators, special educators, counselor, psychologist, special education coordinators, transition teacher and Title I staff. We embraced the process with much enthusiasm because its gives the educational staff the opportunity to showcase its implementation of IDEA in compliance with federal and state laws.
Add where we are in this process.
Each year the ESP staff has to generate to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Division of Exceptional Children Services, reports to justify the spending of federal funds to the Office of Special Education (OSEP) in Washington, D.C. On December 1 of each year, we submit our Periodic Child Count (this determines the amount of VI-B funds that will be allocated to the DOC) at the end of the school year and the ESP staff submits the End of Year Report. Once a year, the ESP staff is required to submit the Maintenance of Fiscal Efforts and other reports upon request. The required reports were submitted in an accurate and a timely manner to the NCDPI Division of Exceptional Children Services.
The exceptional student’s staff has been trained on the NCDPI Comprehensive Exceptional Children Accountability System (CECAS), the exceptional children data management system. CECAS was developed by NCDPI to assist LEAs with management and reporting of exceptional children data. It is an electronic management system that stores ESP information for the state on students with disabilities. The Division of Prisons relies on CECAS for the submission of the Periodic Count in December, the End-of-Year Report, and other student information at the request of NCDPI. Disabilities are reported in the areas of behavior emotionally disabled, educable mentally disabled, learning disabled and speech and language impaired.
The Department reported to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction a total of 230 students on the December 1, 2007, Periodic Count. Twenty exceptional students graduated with a GED in 2007. Additional students have passed portions of the GED and continue to study to achieve their GED. ESP 16
students participate in various school activities at the five youth facilities. The youth facilities implement various programs to increase student achievement and re-direct students’ behavior, such as the Behavior Incentive Program at Morrison Correctional Facility and Foothills, an Art Contest at Foothills, a Poetry and Art Contest at North Carolina Correctional Institution, a Book Club, Science Fair, and History Quiz Bowl at Polk Youth Institution, and Life Skill Training, Independent Living, Accelerated Reading, Newspaper staff, Basketball Tournament, and musical activities at Western Youth Institution.
The Exceptional Student Staff for the Division of Prisons consists of:
1 Director
1 Compliance Specialist
1 Transition Teacher
5 Coordinators
13 Teachers
3 Psychologists
1 Contracted Psychologist
6 Contracted Speech Language Therapists
1 Contracted Homebound Teacher
Title I Program for Neglected or Delinquent Youth
The Title I Program for Neglected or Delinquent Youth is a federally funded, compensatory education program created by the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act, P.L. 98-211. This program provides on-site supplemental reading instruction at Foothills Correctional Institution, North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, Morrison (Minimum Custody) Correctional Institution, Polk Youth Institution and Western Youth Institution. Title I also funds an on-site supplemental math program at Foothills Correctional Institution and Western Youth Institution.
All inmates under the age of 22 who are enrolled in academic or vocational courses at least 15 hours a week and who have not completed high school or lack a GED Credential, are eligible to receive Title I services according to the definition of "neglected or delinquent children" (under the age of 22 who reside in adult institutions). Students functioning significantly below expected grade level (fifth grade and below) are given priority placement in the program. These students are determined to have the greatest need for service. Various screening instruments are used to determine student placement.
The Title I teachers utilize direct instruction for students and a variety of educational software to aid students in reaching their prescribed goals. To satisfy the transition requirement of the program, teachers utilize life skill materials in their reading and mathematics instruction. A full-time transition teacher addresses transition needs and helps supervise transition programs.
In 2007, Title I funded four teaching positions and it directly served a total of 606 students. 17
LIBRARY SERVICES
The year 2007 has been very productive for library services in the Department of Correction. We recognize that reading is a valuable educational and recreational activity. In attempting to meet the rehabilitative needs, as well as to help counter-act the prison atmosphere of boredom and idleness, we learned that reading can open a whole new world that can help change the behavior of the offender. We believe in giving inmates every opportunity to change their attitudes both toward themselves and toward society. Incarceration can provide a chance for self-examination and decision making. The department has made library services accessible to all incarcerated offenders regardless of sentence, security designation, or placement within the institution. Library book-carts are circulated for most inmates unable to use the regular library facilities at their institutions or centers. Security requirements or medical conditions in such facilities as Central Prison, North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women and McCain Correctional Hospital may necessitate this arrangement.
It is the responsibility of the Division of Prisons Librarian Consultant to coordinate the implementation and the maintenance of all correctional institution and center libraries (seventy-eight facilities) across the state. Library materials that are made available to the prison population include, but are not limited to, books, magazines, newspapers, audio-books, reference materials and some computer software, as well as some religious, educational and medical videos. In the present system, there are four institutions with comprehensive libraries and full-time library personnel. The other institutions have large libraries but part-time library staff that serves the needs of the large educational and recreational programs at these facilities. Additional emphasis is placed on the use of audiovisual product equipment, special interest periodicals and materials for teachers to use in and out of the classrooms. At the remaining correctional facilities within the Division of Prisons, smaller collections are maintained under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent for Programs or the program director/program supervisor. These collections consist of recreational reading materials, such as newspapers, magazines, paperback/hardback books, current encyclopedias and a small reference collection. As a team, the librarian consultant, the facility librarian, teachers, the program director/ supervisor, and the Assistant Superintendent for Programs work together to select appropriate materials that have been requested by inmates.
AREAS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT IN 2007
The Department of Correction instituted new procedures for purchasing magazines and newspapers. The procedure is that each facility would place an order for five magazine titles with the number of copies remaining the same as the previous year. The procedure for ordering newspapers is that the new subscription would be effective at the end of the current subscription.
Several facilities implemented automated software circulation check out systems in 2007. This is an effort to be up to date with the current technology trends for libraries.
The Division of Prisons libraries continued to receive large amounts of books donated in 2007. Donors across the state supplied the Division with quality books and resourceful reading materials. Donations were made by colleges and universities, public libraries, local citizens, book publishers and county agencies. 18
The Librarian Consultant for library services made field visits to facility libraries providing technical assistance to library staff. The Consultant also accompanied staff to local bookstores to assist with book purchases.
Regional Library In-Service Workshops conducted for all five regions covered all aspects of library services including budgets, collection development, technology, audits, new titles and authors, policies and guidelines and procedures.
Library purchases made for the 78 prison facilities in 2007 were charged to the Inmate Welfare Fund, including library acquisition of all books, library supplies and the current magazine subscription for all correctional facilities across the state.
Albemarle CI updated the reference collection and purchased new encyclopedias. Resource Mate, an automated circulation check in/out system was implemented and a literary book club was organized. An area was set aside for a learning lab for a new selection of English to Spanish materials that include books and audio equipment for inmates interested in learning the Spanish language. Bertie CI instituted a vertical file to include information for Martin Community College programs as well as AA and voting rights pamphlets. The library was reorganized by book category, author and title and issued barcodes using the new Auto Librarian circulation software for check in/check out system. The reference collection was expanded to include materials for GED Prep. Upcoming plans are to add a Spanish collection and to feature an art contest. Warren CI library added to their collection a set of World Book encyclopedias, a fifteen volume set of Natural Disasters, an illustrated Atlas and a five volume set of African American reference books. Warren’s greatest accomplishment was the implementation of Library Concepts, an automated circulation software system. Marion CI expanded their library services for inmates to seven days every week. They also purchased additional book carts to use as their main transport vehicles to the housing units. Pasquotank CI set up a new books section consisting of approximately 500 books which they frequently add to. Pender CI arranged the handicapped library to make better use of the small space by adding a six section privacy table. The outdated encyclopedias in the handicapped and main library were replaced with new sets of World Book encyclopedias. Financial and Business reference materials and GED materials for lower level students have been made available to assist students in their studies. The Spanish novels were organized for easier access for the Spanish inmates in the population and the library schedule has been coordinated with that of the Religious Services library to exchange religious books and videos upon the request of individual inmates.
. 19
PERSONNEL SERVICES
Teacher Licensure
Teachers and other education personnel employed by the Division of Prisons are required to hold appropriate licenses issued by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. All education employees are encouraged to involve themselves in staff development activities to upgrade their licenses, to advance their professional knowledge and technical competence and to earn Continuing Education Units to renew their licenses every five years.
Career Status: As a result of the Excellent Schools Act, when a teacher has been employed by a North Carolina Public School System for four consecutive years, the board, near the end of the fourth year, shall make a decision regarding when to grant the teacher career status. All teachers who have not attained career status are observed at least three times annually by the principal or the principal's designee and at least once annually by a teacher mentor. A principal evaluates them at least once annually.
The Excellent Schools Act also required the State Board to revise and develop standards and criteria for use in evaluating professional employees. As a result, the Division of Prisons adopted rules for the evaluation of all employees who meet the definition of teachers in G.S. 115C-325.
Experienced Teacher Summative Evaluation: The Experienced Teacher evaluation instrument was developed in response to North Carolina Senate Bill 1126 which requires that all licensed, experienced teachers receive an annual evaluation. The two purposes of the teacher evaluation are: 1) accountability and quality assurance, used for making decisions about retention and re-employment and for maintaining quality educational opportunities for all students; and 2) professional growth, used to identify areas where development can improve instructional and professional effectiveness.
The experienced teacher with a history of satisfactory performances is required to have a summative evaluation every five years, which allows the process to coincide with license renewal and the individual growth plan cycle. During the other four years, an alternative evaluation procedure will be used.
Performance Appraisal System: The Performance Appraisal System developed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is used to evaluate the performance of teachers and related education personnel in North Carolina Public Schools at least annually. The Teacher Performance Appraisal Instrument (TPAI) is used to evaluate all teachers employed in the Division of Prisons. The TPAI is research-based and utilizes a four point scale which measures the following eight major function areas:
1.
Management of Instructional Time
2.
Management of Student Behavior
3.
Instructional Presentation
4.
Instructional Monitoring of Student Performance
5.
Instructional Feedback
6.
Facilitating Instruction
7.
Communicating Within the Education Environment
8.
Performing Non-Instructional Duties 20
TEACHER LICENSURE
Excerpted from the North Carolina State Board of Education Policy QP-A-001
1.70 Lateral Entry License
An individual who has not completed an approved teacher education program may be licensed under the following lateral entry provisions:
(1)
Be selected for employment by a North Carolina school system;
(2)
Hold at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the subject area in which they are employed to teach or hold at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and have satisfied Praxis II testing requirements for the license area and meet the requirements to be designated "highly qualified" as prescribed by No Child Left Behind. To be designated "highly qualified," elementary and exceptional children's teachers must pass a rigorous state assessment (currently Praxis II exams). To be designated "highly qualified," middle school, high school, and special subject area teachers (e.g., art, music, second languages) must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in the specific area or have 24 semester hours in the area, or pass a rigorous state assessment (currently Praxis II exams) in the area.
(3)
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or have five years of experience considered relevant by the LEA, or have passed the Praxis I exams and have attained one of the following:
a)
a GPA of at least 3.0 on all work completed in the senior year;
b)
a GPA of at least 3.0 in the major; or
c)
a GPA of at least 3.0 in a minimum of 15 semester hours of course work completed within the last five years.
A person who holds a lateral entry license shall complete a program that includes the following components:
(1) completion of an approved teacher education program in the area of licensure at a college or university or completion of a program of study outlined by the Regional Alternative Licensing Centers;
Prescribed academic content coursework that is available through community colleges may be used to satisfy licensure requirements. General pedagogy competencies can be satisfied as follows.
General Pedagogy Competencies
Completed Through
Educational / Instructional Technology
Approved Teacher Education Program or
Community College or
Local Education Agency (if employed)
Understanding the Learner: Human Growth
and Development
Approved Teacher Education Program or
Community College
Learning Theory; Learning Styles;
Motivation; How Children/Adolescents
Learn
Approved Teacher Education Program or
Community College
Meeting Special Learning Needs;
Exceptionalities; Diversity
Approved Teacher Education Program
Literacy/Reading Methods
Approved Teacher Education Program
Instructional Methods
Approved Teacher Education Program
School Policies/Procedures
Approved Teacher Education Program or
Community College or
Local Education Agency (if employed)
Home/School/Community Collaborations
Approved Teacher Education Program or
Community College or
Local Education Agency (if employed)
Classroom Management/Organizing the
Classroom to Maximize Learning
Approved Teacher Education Program or
Community College or
Local Education Agency (if employed) 21
(2) attaining passing score on appropriate PRAXIS subject exam(s) during the first three school years of holding the lateral entry license if the exam(s) was/were not the basis of qualifying for the license;
(3) completion of a staff development program that includes a two-week training course prior to beginning the
work assignment;
(4) completion of a cumulative of six semester hours of course work in the approved program each school year;
(5) successful completion of at least a three-year initial licensure program in the lateral entry license area;
(6) completion of all above requirements within 3 years of becoming eligible for a lateral entry license and
recommendation of the IHE or RALC for clear licensure.
Individuals who possess five or more years of experience considered relevant by the LEA and satisfy testing requirements currently (Praxis II) for the licensure area within the first year of teaching shall be issued a Standard Professional 1 license upon:
a.
Completion of the NC TEACH modules or the equivalent through an approved teacher education program: 1) The Teacher, The Learner, and The School; 2) Diversity; 3) Content Area Pedagogy. (Note: The NC TEACH modules are offered and administered through NC colleges and universities with approved teacher education programs; and
b.
Completion of the NC TEACH module on Instructional Technology or the equivalent through an approved teacher education program, community college, or through professional development offered by the LEA; and
c.
Completion of one year of successful teaching as verified by the employing LEA.
The employing school system shall formally commit to supporting the lateral entry teacher by:
(1) providing a two-week orientation that includes:
a.
lesson planning,
b.
classroom organization,
c.
classroom management, including positive management of student behavior, effective communication for defusing and deescalating disruptive or dangerous behavior, and safe and appropriate use of seclusion and restraint,
d.
an overview of the ABCs Program including the standard course of study and end-of-grade and end-of course testing, and
e.
the identification and education of children with disabilities.
(2) assignment of a mentor on or before the first day on the job;
(3) providing working conditions that are appropriate for all novice teachers;
(4) giving regular focused feedback to the teacher for improving instruction; and
(5) assisting the individual in accessing prescribed course work and professional development opportunities.
NOTE: Orientation for new teachers in the Department of Correction is held at the school of employment.
Confidentiality Legislation
•
Session Law 2005-414 (SB1048)
The identity theft protection act of 2005 obligates school districts regarding the collection, use, and dissemination of SSNs and other personal identifying information.
Effective 12/1/05, school districts ….
•
May not collect SSNs unless imperative or authorized by law.
•
Must segregate the SSN on a separate sheet of paper from the rest of the record.
•
Upon request must provide the purpose or purposes for which the SSN is being collected.
•
May not use for other than stated purpose.
•
May not disclose SSNs to the general public.
•
May disclose SSN as required by governmental agencies, court order, subpoena, or public health laws.
Effective 7-1/07, school districts may not……
•
Intentionally print or imbed the SSN on any card required for the individual to access services.
•
Require an individual to transmit their SSN unless the connection is secure or encrypted.
•
Require an individual to use their SSN to access a web site, unless password or pin is required.
•
Print an individual’s SSN on any materials that are mailed to the individual, unless required by state or federal law. 22
REEMPLOYED RETIREE PROVISIONS
EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2005
General Statutes of the Retirement System impacting reemployment include:
G.S. 135-1(20) reads as follows: "Retirement" means the termination of employment and the complete separation from active service with no intent or aqreement, express or implied, to return to service. A retirement allowance ... may only be qranted upon retirement of a member. In order for a member's retirement to become effective in any month, the member must render no service, including part-time, temporary, substitute, or contractor service, at any time during the six months immediately following the effective date of retirement."
G.S. 135-3(8)c, reads as follows: The computation of postretirement earnings of a beneficiary under this sub-subdivision, G.S. 135-3(8)c., who has been retired at least six months and has not been employed in any capacity with a public school for at least six months immediately preceding the effective date of reemployment, shall not include earnings while the beneficiary is employed to teach in a permanent full-time or part-time capacity that exceeds 50 percent (50 percent) of the applicable workweek in a public school.
The Department of Public Instruction shall certify to the Retirement System that a beneficiary is employed to teach by a local school administrative unit under the provisions of this sub-subdivision and as a retired teacher as the term is defined under the provisions of G.S. 115C-325(a)(5a).
NOTE: The LEA certifies the above to DPI by assigning Object Code 128 to the reemployed teacher. Based on the LEA certification, DPI certifies to the Retirement System that the beneficiary is employed to teach in an LEA exempt from the earnings cap.
General Statutes in the Public School Laws of NC impacting reemployment include:
G.S. 115C-325(a)(5a)), reads as follows: (Effective until June 30, 2007) "Retired teacher" means a beneficiary of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System of North Carolina who has (1)been retired at least six months, (2)has not been employed in any capacity for at least six months, immediately preceding the effective date of reemployment, (3)is determined by a local board of education or a charter school to have had satisfactory performance durinq the last year of employment by a local board of education or a charter school, (4)and who is employed to teach as provided in G.S. 135-3(8)c. A retired teacher at a school other than a charter school shall be treated the same as a probationary teacher except that (i) a retired teacher is not eligible for career status and (ii) the performance of a retired teacher who had attained career status prior to retirement shall be evaluated in accordance with a local board of education's policies and procedures applicable to career teachers. 23
Reemployed Retiree Policy Change
Section 29.28, 2005 Appropriations Act, Senate Bill 622 as Amended by House Bill 320
Retirement Date: Return to Work as a Classroom Teacher Exempt from the Earnings Cap Subject to the Earnings Cap
November 1, 2005 * 6 month break required * 6 month break
and thereafter: required
* Must be employed greater than 50% of * Must not exceed
workweek earnings cap
* Must be employed in a permanent * Must be temporary
status or permanent part-
time (< 30 hours per
week)
* Shall not be interim, substitute, or * May be interim,
temporary status substitute or
temporary status
* Had satisfactory performance during last * Must NOT be
year of employment by LEA or Charter full-time status
* LEA must contribute 11.7% to the * LEA NOT required
Retirement System to contribute 11.7%
to the Retirement
System
Return to Work in Other Capacity Subject to the Earnings Cap
* 6 month break required
* Must not exceed earnings cap
* Must be temporary or permanent part-time
(< 30 hours per week)
* May be interim, substitute, or temporary status
* Must NOT be permanent full-time status
* LEA NOT required to contribute 11.7% to the
Retirement System
Notes:
(1)
The retirement dates refer to retirement effective date (from the TSERS) not termination date. Therefore, if the employee terminates on October 31st, the retirement date is November 1st .
(2)
During the six month break following retirement, the employee shall not work in any capacity in an organization participating in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System, including part-time, temporary, substitute, part-time tutor or contractor service.
The consequence of coming back within the six month break is that the employee violates the definition of “Retirement” and will be required to repay all retirement benefits received and the six month break requirement restarts. 24
(3)
During the six months immediately preceding reemployment to teach exempt from the earnings cap, the employee shall not work in any capacity in a public school.
Reciprocity
(Teachers with three or more years of experience)
•
Teachers who are fully licensed and highly qualified in another state who have three or more years of teaching experience in another state AND who meet NC’s Praxis testing requirements OR have National Board Certification will be issued the Standard Professional 2 License.
•
Teachers who are fully licensed and highly qualified in another state who have three or more years of teaching experience in another state BUT who have not met NC’s Praxis testing requirements or earned National Board Certification will be issued the Standard Professional 2 License after one year of satisfactory teaching in NC with the recommendation of the employing LEA which includes verification that the LEA will offer the teacher re-employment with the LEA. The teacher will not be required to accept the offer of re-employment.
Teachers with Less than three years of
teaching experience who have completed
an approved teacher education program
and are HQ
•
three years of satisfactory teaching experience;
•
have the recommendation of the employing school system;
•
complete any professional development activities prescribed by the employing school system; and
•
satisfactorily complete NC testing requirements for the teaching area or satisfactorily complete the NC
HOUSSE for the teaching area or receive a satisfactory evaluation in the most recent year of employment
in North Carolina, which verifies the ability to positively impact student learning, AND verification of the
LEA intent to offer re-employment to the teacher the following year. The teacher will not be required to
accept the offer of re-employment.
License Renewal Requirements
•
School Administrators must earn at least five renewal credits during each renewal cycle focused on the
principal’s role in teacher effectiveness, teacher evaluations, teacher support programs, teacher leadership,
teacher empowerment, and teacher retention. This requirement for school administrators applies to
individuals renewing their licenses on or after July 1, 2007.
Adding a Teaching Area to a license
•
The Board has approved a policy that allows an individual to add a teaching area to a clear teaching license without additional testing unless required by NCLB upon completion of an approved teacher education program in the area (the teacher must meet the HQ requirement).
•
A proposal is going to the SBE for discussion in April and approval (hopefully) in May that will allow an
individual to add a teaching area to a clear teaching license by passing the Praxis II test (s) required for the area. 25
Validated Licenses
•
The SBE approved a policy that makes a validated license a full state license. The individual on the validated
license still has three years to fulfill license renewal requirements.
USERRA
•
USERRA protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions
to undertake military service.
•
Prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed services and
applicants to the uniformed services.
•
Employee who is reemployed under this provision is entitled to the seniority that the person had before leaving and rights and benefits employee would have attained if remained continuously employed.
•
An employee who is absent from work by reason of service in the uniformed services shall be deemed to be on furlough or on leave of absence while performing such service; and
•
Entitled to such other rights and benefits not determined by seniority as are generally provided by the employer of the person to employees having similar seniority, status and pay.
•
Examples of seniority-based benefits include:

Career Status

Longevity

Retirement service credit

Health insurance coverage for self

Incentive bonuses (ABC, Safe Schools, etc.)

Salary bonuses
FMLA: BASIC SAT and ACT for Praxis I
•
SAT score of 1100 (Math and Verbal) exempts an individual from Praxis I.
•
If total score less than 1100, a 550 on Math exempts an individual from the Praxis I Math test.
•
If total score less than 1100, a 550 on Verbal exempts an individual from the Praxis I Reading and Writing tests.
•
A composite ACT score of 24 exempts an individual from the Praxis I
•
If composite score is less than 24, a 24 on Math exempts an individual from the Praxis I Math test.
•
If composite score less than 24, a 24 on English exempts an individual from the Praxis I Reading and Writing tests. 26
Graduate Pay Approval and Non-Teaching Work Experience Policy
•
One year of experience credit can be awarded for every two years of full-time relevant non-teaching work experience completed before the individual earned a bachelor’s degree. One year of experience credit can be awarded for every year of full-time relevant non-teaching work experience completed after the individual earned a bachelor’s degree.
•
The Department shall establish an Appeals Panel to consider appeals of requests for non-teaching work experience or graduate salary that have not been approved. The panel shall be coordinated by the Licensure Section. Membership of the panel will include LEA Personnel Administrators, higher education faculty, and representatives of professional teacher associations.
FMLA EMPLOYEE ELIGIBILITY
Employee MUST:
•
Be employed by the employer for at least 12 months (not necessarily consecutive)
•
Worked at Least 1,250 Hours during the 12-month period immediately preceding the commencement of the
leave, and
•
Be employed at a work site where 50 or more employees are employed by the employer within 75 miles other
schools under the jurisdiction of the same employer.
FMLA: Eligible Circumstances
•
Birth and care of a newborn child
•
Placement of child for adoption or foster care
•
Care of employee’s spouse, son, daughter or parent with a serious health condition
•
Employee’s own serious health condition
FMLA: Paid Leave under FMLA
•
Employer may require or employee may choose the substitution of eligible paid leave for any or all employee FMLA qualified leave
��
No limitations may be placed by the employer on substitution of paid vacation or personal leave
Designation of FMLA Leave
•
Under all circumstances, employer responsibility to designate leave, paid or unpaid as FMLA-qualifying amd
give proper notice to employee oral or written within 2 business days.
Description of FMLA Benefits
During the 12 week period approved for FMLA: 27
•
If employee is on some form of paid leave, regular benefits will continue.
•
If employee is not on paid leave, the employer will continue to pay health insurance as usual. Employee will be responsible for paying the dependent coverage amount each month to payroll office.
•
At the end of the 12 weeks of approved FMLA you will return to your same position or one with the same pay, benefits and other conditions.
For more information on (FMLA)
• http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/28
FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2007
ALBEMARLE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Spring 2007 resulted in a graduating class of 115 inmates from curriculum and continuing education programs. During the summer of 2007 we offered 17 continuing education courses graduating 104 inmates. In the fall of 2007 we had a graduating class of 99 inmates from curriculum and continuing education programs.
In 2007 we graduated 75 inmates from the Human Resources Development Class were 12 inmates were enrolled each session.
2007 was also the start of the Small Business Certificate and Diploma program. This program is designed to introduce the fundamentals of the free enterprise system. The course provides participants with the opportunity to appreciate the entrepreneurship, its impact on the economy and the day to day problem solving that is required for a business entrepreneur. The major objective of the course is to provide the students with an understanding of what is involved in establishing and operating a successful enterprise.
ALEXANDER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Alexander Correctional Institution held three (3) Furniture School Graduations during 2007. Thirty-two (32) medium custody inmates completed the program.
During the month of September 2007, Alexander Correctional Institution implemented a Horticulture Program through Catawba Valley Community College. The program lasts for eleven (11) weeks and provides the inmates an opportunity to study the field of Horticulture to prepare them for potential careers in the field upon release.
Alexander Correctional Institution had twenty-seven (27) inmates complete their G.E.D. requirements. A Graduation Ceremony was held on December 13, 2007 to honor the graduates. Mr. Arthur Clark (DOP Education Training Specialist) was the guest speaker.
ANSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Anson Correctional has had eleven (11) inmates to complete their GED requirements and a graduation ceremony was held in their honor. The food service tech. class has had several guest chefs to visit the facility to speak with the inmates. The chefs were from the prestigious Johnson & Whales University School of Charlotte as well as Central Piedmont Community College and Southern Piedmont Community College.
The Carpentry and Masonry classes continue to train inmates for well paying jobs once they are released from The Department of Correction. Also we are preparing to begin working on a Habitat for Humanity House where those classes will provide inmate labor for the construction of those houses. 29
AVERY/ MITCHELL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
AMCI Masonry Class worked hard all year building a new classroom for the Masonry Class. Inmates assigned to this class both past and present helped with this project along with the minimum custody inmates.
The Horticulture Class produces several plants and flowers for the facilities that are used to beautify the grounds as well as for plant sales to the facilities employees. The monies that are made from these sales go back into the program to help purchase additional seedlings and supplies. The students take pride in their work and you can tell by the beautiful flowers that are planted throughout the facility. AMCI is by far one of prettiest facilities in the state.
The HVAC and Industrial Maintenance Class offer a lot of educational opportunities for their students. HVAC had thirteen (13) students who passed the EPA exam. HVAC and Industrial Maintenance had a global educational series on Hispanic construction techniques which they discussed construction techniques, cost, codes and enforcement agencies, benefits of employment in Mexico and technical terminology in Spanish.
BERTIE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Since its opening in 2006, Bertie Correctional has had twenty-six (26) students to receive their GED certificates. Ten (10) students received certificates from the Commercial Cleaning Class, which began July 2007. Seventy-nine (79) received their certificates from the Stress Management Class and One Hundred (100) students received certificates from the Anger Management Class.
BLADEN CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Bladen Correctional Center has added a part-time Adult Basic Education (ABE) Bladen Correctional Center. During the 2007 year there were a total of twenty (20) inmates that passed the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) to receive their high school diploma. These three hour session classes are offered on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
The Computer Application class is offered to prepare inmates with successful basic computer employment skills training and provides career development counseling to unemployed and underemployed adults. As of 12/31/2007 there were a total of eighty-nine (89) inmates that received certificates for completing the class.
The Carpentry class at Bladen CC is a full-time vocational class that offers inmates skills in carpentry, building code, and blueprint reading. There were a total of thirty-eight (38) inmates that received their certificates.
The Character Education class is to provide ethics education to inmates and an opportunity to distinguish between right versus wrong and the skills to analyze and resolve dilemmas and enable them to use better judgment and make better choices in life. This in turn will help the inmate to be a more productive and contributing members of society. A total of fifteen (15) inmates graduated from the program. Napoleon Hill is a course study that provides inmates with skills to develop a positive mental attitude to help cut down on recidivism. There were a total of fifteen (15) inmates that completed the class. Thinking for a Change (CBI) class is a program that is simple and straightforward in the principle that accurate thinking controls overt actions. There were a total of ten (10) inmates that received certificates. The Think Smart Program (CBI) is a program where carefully selected and trained minimum custody
inmates speak in schools, to civic groups and to other public gatherings relating the personal experiences that led to their confinement. The program provides the opportunity for inmates to make retribution by helping to deter others from committing crimes. It also enhances or provides inmates with speaking skills and experience.
BROWN CREEK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
2007 was a very special year for graduating inmates here at Brown Creek Correctional Institution. The last graduates of the Associate Degree Programs were recognized during BCCI and South Piedmont Community College’s Commencement Exercises which were held on June 29, 2007 in the visitation area of the facility. Giving the Commencement Address was retired SPCC instructor, Mr. Larry Oakes. There were seven students earning an Associate in Applied Science, four students earning a Diploma and seven students earning a GED.
Brown Creek Correctional Institution is very proud of how our Tutoring Program has progressed. The program targets at risk illiterate inmates by preparing them for entry into the ABE or GED programs. This program began when the Union County Literacy Council and Administrative Staff at Brown Creek Correctional Institution sought a solution for the high percentage of illiterate inmates. There are 11 tutors and 18 students currently participating in this program.
Advertising and Graphics is a new curriculum program offered at Brown Creek Correctional Institution. This program began in August of 2007 and last for two semesters giving students the opportunity of earning two certificates in the field. Southern Piedmont Community College provides an excellent instructor and student interest has been overwhelming.
Brown Creek Correctional Institution 30
CABARRUS CORRECTIONAL CENTER
The GED is being offered to inmates on a continuous schedule every Tuesday and Thursday night. Twenty-seven (27) inmates completed the GED program this year as well as Twenty (20) inmates who completed the Horticulture program.
CALDWELL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
During the 2007 school year, Caldwell Correctional had one hundred fifty-three (153) students enrolled in the GED class, forty-five (45) tests were given this year with a total of ten (10) graduates.
CALEDONIA CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Caledonia Correctional Institution had a very successful year! Our five vocational classes and the GED class were filled with enthusiastic students. Each class made contributions to the facility saving the State and Caledonia CI much in the way of manpower and expense. Students also benefited from the actual hands-on experience they gained. Some of our accomplishments are as follows:
Our vocational programs include Facility Maintenance, Plumbing, Masonry, Food Service and Small Engine Programs. The Masonry class was involved in the major renovation of the Old Boiler Room at Caledonia. This space was renovated to accommodate our clothes house operation. Additionally, block was laid in the old laundry building to accommodate our canteen storage. Small Engine Class required mowers and motors for Franklin Correctional, Umstead Correctional, ICP Crews and Caledonia as well. Food Service students prepared and served hors d’oeurves at the School Graduation in October, GED had a highly successful year. Seven Students received their GED Diplomas during 2007. Many of these graduates continue into our vocational programs.
Mr. Willey Phillips Food Service Manager, James Whitaker Food Service Supervisor, and Richard Duke Assistant Superintendent of Programs, presented Inmates Donald McClendon and Lawrence Helms with their Food Service Journeyman Certificate. This program affords an opportunity for selected graduates of the Food Service Program to continue their experience in Food Service assisting in the management of DOP kitchens. This program is certified by the NC Division of Labor. Over 120 inmates received certificates during this program.
Caledonia correctional Institution
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CASWELL CORRECTIONAL CENTER
The 2007 calendar year for Caswell Correctional Center’s vocational and academic programs was considered a very successful period for the institution. In addition to maintaining our outstanding tradition of effective instruction in all areas of study with emphasis on developing marketable job skills, Caswell Correctional Center also has Human Resources Development/Thinking for a Change to assist inmates with transition planning.
Caswell Correctional Center in association with Piedmont Community College held its annual graduation exercises on July 20, 2007. Caswell Correctional Center had a total of 245 inmates to receive a diploma or certificate during the 2006-2007 educational year, with twenty-six (26) receiving a GED, fifteen (15) received a welding diploma, sixteen (16) students received their Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration diploma from Piedmont Community College and fifteen (15) students received their Universal EPA Certification. Horticulture Technology had seventeen (17) students receiving a diploma with two (2) receiving certificates.
Overall, Caswell Correctional Center is very fortunate to have capable, knowledgeable instructors, who continue to put forth a tremendous effort to prepare the inmate for re-entry back into society as productive, law-abiding citizens.
CENTRAL PRISON
Central prison’s part-time GED program produced thirteen (13) graduates in 2007. The Commercial Cleaning program completed four cycles and produced forty-nine (49) graduates in 2007.
CLEVELAND CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Cleveland Correctional Center held several graduations throughout the 2006-2007 school year, a total of fifty-eight (58). Sixteen (16) graduates from the Carpentry Program, sixteen (16) graduates from the Electrical-Electronics Technology, ten (10) in plumbing and sixteen (16) in the Welding Technology.
COLUMBUS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Columbus Correctional Institution started a new Computer Repair Class that gives inmates a basic understanding on how to repair personal computers. This will afford inmates a more in depth knowledge of repairing computers. This class is an extension of or Basic Computer Language Classes offered at Columbus Correctional Institution.
Columbus Correctional Institution continues to have an annual graduation ceremony for all inmates that complete any Vocational or Educational program. At this time we have approximately an 80% to 90% completion rate of all of the classes offered. Columbus Institution
CRAGGY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Our major education accomplishments here at Craggy Correctional this year was graduating thirty-two (32) GED students which was quite a accomplishment from other years. According to Asheville- Buncombe Technical College this number of GED graduates is very high. We finally got our facility maintenance class back in session and the instructor is currently having his students assist at a construction site here within the facility in order to perhaps speed up the completion date. The site is the culinary double wide building which had to have new floors and a new footer in order to support the weight of new equipment, etc.
CRAVEN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
THE “New Leash on Life” program, in a joint effort with Craven Community College, completed our first Veterinary Assistant class. In conjunction with the “New Leash on Life” program and Craven Community College, the North Carolina Department of Labor issued and apprenticeship to inmate Grady Meredith.
Craven Correctional Institution offers a Horticulture class through Craven Community College. This year fifty-three (53) students graduated from this class. During 2007, the inmates participating in the class received poinsettia cuttings during August and cared for them through maturity in December. This is an annual project with the mature plants being distributed, in an effort to brighten the holidays, to members of the following facilities; Seasons at The Oakes, Phoenix House, Inc, and Good Shepherd Home for the Aged.
Craven Correctional Institution offers part-time GED class for the inmates assigned to the institution. Currently there are thirty-two (32) part-time students enrolled in the program. During the 2007 school year Craven had seventeen 917) graduates. The institution also offers the “Each One Teach One” tutoring program to assist students who may need extra help.
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Craven Institution
DAN RIVER PRISON WORK FARM
Dan River had a total of four hundred and seventy-three (473) inmates to complete the educational programs. Dan River presented Ms. Kathleen Kersey with the 2007 Instructor of the year award.
The Basic Carpentry Project for the year was “Santa’s’ Got a Brand New Home”. Piedmont Community College in conjunction with Dan River Prison Work Farm incorporated the Basic Carpentry program in building a house for Santa to visit with area children. The Electrical Program helped with the wiring of the building, while the Masonry Class assisted in the building of the Fireplace and Chimney.
Commitment would be the best word that describes Dan River Prison’s approach to its Domestic Violence Education Program. Administrative Staff, Custody, and Programs staff work together to ensure its success. The program is considered to be unique with providing education to individuals who are inclined to commit acts of Domestic Violence. It has been designed to capture and hold the interest of the sixteen (16) participants in each class. The main focus of the curriculum is to provide knowledge, skills, and self-awareness enabling the abuser to effectively make changes in their life. With reported cases of Domestic Violence on the rise this four week program has proven ideal for the offender who is sentenced from seventy-five (75) to one hundred fifty (150) day sentences. 2007 represented the second successful year of the program graduating one hundred fifty-two (152) participants in 2007. Over ninety (90%) of these participants have been released from prison and resumed their domestic relationships.
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DUPLIN CORRECTIONAL CENTER
James Sprunt Community College awarded fifty-five (55) certificates/diplomas at Duplin Correctional Institution: Eleven (11) from Auto Technology, eleven (11) from Food Service Technology, twelve (12) from Masonry, fifteen (15) from Welding and six (6) from Electrical/Electronics.
The Masonry Class completed the underpinning for the Religious Service Center. The Electrical Wiring Class started and finished the wiring for the Regional Service Center. The students that participated in the wiring exercise learned a valuable lesson that could not have been obtained in the normal classroom setting.
DURHAM CORRECTIONAL CENTER
During the 2007 school year Durham Technical Community College awarded certificates in the following areas; seven (7) completed the GED program, eighteen (18) in the “Character Education” program and five (5) in the “ Think Smart” program.
EASTERN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
2007 saw the implementation of the Veterinary Assistant Technology Program beginning Spring Semester 2007. With the increase in student enrollment programs are beginning to grow each year.
Eastern Correctional Institution, in conjunction with Lenoir Community College, held its Annual Education Graduation. Awarded were eight (8) Associate degrees, seventeen (17) diplomas, twenty-six (26) college certificates and twenty-one (21) GED Certificates.
The twentieth year of the Horticulture program at ECI continues to meet the needs of the population. Under the direction of instructor Jody Pierce, students receive classroom instruction and actual practice in landscaping and greenhouse work. The principals of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are practical in the management of pests. Greenhouse work is focused around foliage plant and animal bedding plants. The horticulture program produced plants for the beautification of the facility entrance as well as providing for other facility activities
In 2007 the Culinary Technology Program continued the delivery of a Food service Apprenticeship program which is registered by the North Carolina Department of Labor and with the United States Department of Labor. Eastern Correctional Institution had five (5) graduates from the Culinary Program enrolled in the apprenticeship program during 2007. Eastern Correctional Institution
FOOTHILLS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Vocational curriculum with transferable credits that earns a one year diploma in computer technology. New computer lab was purchased and formatted with updated software to teach new Trends in Computer Technology was offered at Foothills Correctional Institution. Courses began in August 2007 with classes continuing to be at full capacity. Courses will cover operations, terminology, operating systems, database, networking, security, and technical support. This program teaches students entry level computer skills in areas of hardware, software, and network operations.
December 1 headcount was 79, the most students that were provided individualized instruction assistance within program in the last five years at FCI. Foothills correctional Institution also provided homebound services to students in segregation, and security threat group unit. Due to newly formed control monitoring unit we offer education services in the separate and resource setting. ESP had 10 students to graduate with GED. ESP Teacher Ms. Airlie Green was named Foothills Employee of the Year.
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Our Youthful Offender Program established two mobile laptop workstations for students in the program. These rechargeable workstations stores ten laptops each. YOP students have the opportunity to use technology to develop employability skills such as resumes, letters, job applications, interviews questions, and career banks. Software such as Target for Success is also a part of the systems. These labs are used by JobStart classes, college correspondence, secondary education UNCA, library services, and academic education.
FORSYTH CORRECTIONAL CENTER at DOBSON EDUCATIONAL CENTER
In the Dobson Educational Center equipping the individual with Educational Classes that will be both useful now and long after their release from the state prison system is our most important purpose.
We now have the Tool Room completed at the Dobson Educational Center. The organization and management of our aids in education have been a long time project that is now complete. During the 2007 school year the Computer Lab Classroom was in need of repair. The Light Construction and Residential Framing class accepted this task as a class project. The materials were obtained through regional maintenance.
FOUNTAIN CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR WOMEN
In the spring of 2007 a total of thirteen (13) inmates received their GED. Inmate Dawn Fredricks scored 3340 points out of a total 3500 possible points. The fall graduation had a total of thirteen (13) graduates with Jessica Kiger scoring 3480 pints out of a possible 3500 points. Inmate Carolyn Faison age 60 obtained her GED. Ms. Faison is the oldest inmate at FCCW that has obtained her GED while at Fountain. The Workforce Development Class had fifty-eight (58) participants to graduate. The Home Companion Aide class graduated a total of three hundred forty (340) students for the year. Fountain had five hundred twenty-three (523) inmates to complete Transition courses to include pre-employment and Job Readiness.
In the fall of 2007 a second part time night school GED instructor was added to accommodate the demand for enrollment. A total of thirty-five (35) inmates are now attending GED classes, in addition to a full time assignment.
Sheila Shaw, instructor from Edgecombe Community College was promoted to Assistant Coordinator of Basic Skills and liaison between Edgecombe Community College Staff and FCCW. FRANKLIN CORRECTIONAL CENTER
In 2007, Franklin Correctional Center saw a 4% increase in the number of GED graduates over the previous year.
Staff has worked closely with instructors from Vance Granville Community College sharing information that has proved important to both.
Facility ABE/GED Instructors report a marked decreased in the number of inmates being removed from educational programs for disciplinary reasons.
GASTON CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Human Resource Development received a new instructor in 2007. James Duncan has brought new life to the program per the inmates. His experience has proven to make inmates want to excel. We celebrate each graduation with speakers in the HR field that put the inmate at ease when interviewing and trying to apply for a job. We have a special meal and give certificates to each graduate.
ABE/GED has also received new instructors in 2007. Catherine Cloninger and Charlotte Johnson have done exceptional jobs. The inmates test scores are proof of this. Gaston CC had 19 inmates to receive their GED’s in 2007. Most of these were inmates that needed a lot of extra instruction. We also have a computer lab under their instruction that allows inmates to learn basic computer skills. These computers were donated and are maintained by Gaston Community College. These computers are also used by HRD students.
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We have one Study Release inmate at Gaston Community College, Fredric Charlotte. He is working toward his Associate Degree in Science and Math. He maintains an A/B average.
GREENE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
During 2007, Greene Correctional Institution had 17 inmates to successfully obtain their GED. This school year Greene Correctional Institution also had 115 inmates to successfully obtain certificates in the following classes: Electrical Wiring, Heating & Air Conditioning, Microcomputers, Welding, and Human Resource Development.
For the year 2007, Greene Correctional Institution had 8 inmates to successfully complete the English as a Second Language Program.
HARNETT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
The Carpentry class completed several community service projects in 2007. Two (2) Eagle Scott Projects, several community church projects and 4-H projects to mention just a few. In June of 2007 Central Carolina Community College (CCC) held its Annual foundation Furniture Auction and raised approximately $8,400.00 for CCC’s Harnett County Scholarship Program.
On February 23, 2007, Central Carolina Community College held its commencement exercise at Harnett Correctional Institution. Nineteen (19) students received their GED certificates. Mr. Bill Tyson, CCC provost, Harnett County Campus, delivered the commencement address.
The Honorable H. Martin Lancaster, President of the North Carolina Community College system brought the commencement address to the 2007 Graduation held on May 11th. Eighteen graduates received A.A. S. degrees. Sixty-five received diplomas in vocational programming.
On June 5, 2007, Shaw University held its commencement exercise at Harnett Correctional Institution’s Chapel. Seven students received their Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management. Dr. Edward Fubrara, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Campbell University Laundy-Fetterman School of Business delivered the commencement address. Each student was allowed to have three family members to attend the commencement. Harnett Correctional Institution
HAYWOOD CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Haywood Correctional Center has a part-time ABE Program. Forty (40) inmates obtained their GED’s in 2007. This year at Haywood Correctional we complete two (2) cycles of the parenting program, Father Accountability and one (1) cycle of Character Education.
HOKE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
This year at Hoke Correctional Institution, a total of twenty-three (23) inmates achieved their GED certificates. Our annual recognition ceremony was conducted on November 26, 2007. Inmate
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participants included the day/evening academic classes, reading program, computer classes and GED achievers. Our keynote speaker was an author and GED graduate. Thirty (30) were in attendance. Nine (9) GED achievers were present for special recognition. Certificates were awarded.
During 2007 one session of the HRD program was conducted with a total of ten (10) graduates. Two sessions of Father R.E.A.D. were conducted with a total of fourteen (14) graduates. Two sessions of character Education with a total of twenty (20) graduates and four sessions of Napoleon Hill with a total of forty-two (42) graduates.
The Moore County Literacy Council periodically will donate Spanish magazines for our libraries. Our reading program volunteer donates paperback novels and westerns which were all placed in our library.
HYDE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
On August 30, 2007, Hyde Correctional Institution graduated a total of thirty-five (35) vocational students receiving college diplomas in the following classes: Horticulture, Electrical, Welding and Drafting. We also had twenty (20) GED students who received their diplomas. Our guest speaker for this occasion was Ms. Ruth Duncan who works with the Youthful Offenders Program (YOP) in Educational Services. She did an outstanding job.
Hyde Correctional Institution began a new GED program for the modular unit in October. Our instructor is Mrs. Vicki Armstrong. We had two (2) inmates that completed their GED’s by December 2007. We are very excited about this program.
JOHNSTON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
On August 15, 2007, JCI had a total of six (6) recipients to receive their GED.
On November 16, 2007, JCI had a total of thirteen (13) recipients to receive their GED. A graduation ceremony was held. Mr. Talbert Myers/Vice President of Continuing Education for Johnston Community College was the guest speaker. Students that were transferred or released were also recognized at this graduation.
Vocational graduations are held three (3) times per year. At the completion of each semester a vocational graduation is held for all students completing one of the vocational trade programs. Students are recognized for their outstanding achievement in class with a blue/red/white ribbon by their instructors. Speakers are recruited for each graduation. Johnston Correctional Institution
LANESBORO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Lanesboro Correctional Institution in partnership with South Piedmont Community College is very proud of their educational/vocational accomplishments The ABE/GED instructors helped seven (7) students receive their GED certificates. One class participated in the Race 4 Literacy United States Geography Expo 2007 held at Richmond Community College on March 22, 2007. The class selected the state of Maryland. One of the student’s responsibilities was to design a travel budget of $2,500.00. They also had to lay out a display board of the state and do thorough report of its past and present developments. Along with this, a baked dessert of apples was carried to represent one of the state’s many food products. The class won 1st place in the ABE division.
The Literacy Program began in January 2007. This program helps inmates with low reading skills improve their reading ability preparing them for placement into the ABE/GED program.
CE maintenance and CE computer repair are eight (8) week certificate programs that are offered year round. Inmates are always encouraged to participate in the programs that are offered and seventy-nine (79) certificates were issued to students for successfully completing these programs.
The Thinking for a Change class is offered and provides skills for problem solving, cognitive restructuring and social skills intervention. The class also helps inmates think before they react and to choose new thinking, which helps them to promote positive behavior. Thirteen (13) inmates successfully completed this self enrichment program. Other programs offered and completed were S.T.E.P. seven (7) inmates, F.A.T.H.E.R. seventeen (17) inmates, character Education twenty-nine (29) inmates, Napoleon Hill twenty (20) inmates and Anger Management eight (8) inmates
LINCOLN CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Twelve (12) inmates earned their GED certificates in 2007 in conjunction with Gaston Community College.
Inmate Construction Program (ICP) has sixty-four (64) inmates assigned. A chapel was completed at Catawba Correctional in 2007. They began working on a segregation unit at Caldwell Correctional which is scheduled to be completed in 2008.
Human Resource Development Class (HRD0 completed three (3) cycles and had twenty-five (25) inmates graduate with certificates awarded from Gaston Community College. Cognitive
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Behavior/Reasoning and Rehabilitation (CBI) completed three (3) cycles and had fifteen (15) inmates to complete the program. Character Education completed three (3) cycles and had twenty-three (23) inmates to complete the program. Certificates of completion were issued to inmates enrolled in CBI and Character Education.
LUMBERTON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
On May 24, 2007, Lumberton Correctional Institution in partnership with Roberson Community College held a graduation ceremony for GED and Vocational Candidates. Eighteen (18) inmates were awarded GED Certificates and an additional five (5) inmates were recognized for completing a combination of Vocational Courses. The speaker for the event was Reverend William Platt who serves as a Volunteer at the facility and a member of Community Resource Council. Inmates were dressed in full cap and gown and Roberson Community College provided a catered meal for the graduates.
During the past year, the Education area received several improvements. The Computer Lab, ABE Classroom and the English as a Second language (ESL) classrooms received new tables and chairs. The tables in the Computer Lab were designed by Enterprise to match the Computers. In addition to the tables, the instructors received new desk. Finally, the ESL Classroom received a Computer for the inmates to assist them in understanding the English Language.
During the past year approximately thirteen hundred (1300) inmates participated in the academic and vocational classes. Additionally during the year, twenty-one (21) inmates took the GED Test and all of twenty-one (21) passed the test. All of the instructors have participated in a refresher training course for all non-certified employees and have attended PREA Training.
Lumberton Correctional Institution
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MARION CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
2007 was an exceptional year for Marion Correctional Institution’s Minimum Security Unit. The New Leash on Life program graduated a total of fifteen (15) dogs for the year, and a total of sixty (60) dogs since the programs inception. These are dogs that otherwise may be euthanized. They are placed in an eight (8) week basic obedience course and are trained by inmates in hopes that they will be adopted into a loving home. This program provides marketable job skills as well as improves inmate behavior and self-esteem. The Wheels of Love program gave a total of two hundred twenty (220) bicycles to children within the community. That is a total of one thousand seven (1007) bicycles rebuilt since the program began. These are bikes that have been donated to the program, refurbished to like new condition, then given to the grateful children of families in need at Christmas time.
A new Horticulture Instructor was hired. Ms. Eva Munday has twenty-four (24) years of experience in various aspects of the Horticulture Industry. She brings real world experience as a Landscape Maintenance Manager, Greenway Manager, and Nursery Manager. She keeps vital statistics concerning the blooming patterns on wild Flowers for the State of North Carolina and specializes in plant identification.
MCI’s Education Department celebrated their tenth (10) annual graduation ceremony on August 3, 2007. Thirty-nine (39) graduates received certificates or diplomas in Cabinetmaking, Information Systems, Horticulture and General Education Development. Mr. Sid Harkleroad, Administrator and Mrs. Shirley Brown, Vice President of Learning and Student Services, served as a guest speaker providing inspiration to the graduates. Also in attendance were institution staff and inmate families. Inmates and their families were treated to a reception following the ceremony.
Marion Correctional Institution
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MAURY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
The best accomplishment was the first graduation event that was held on May 9, 2007; there were twenty- two (22) graduates including twenty-one (21) GED diplomas earned from Horticulture Technology program. The graduates enjoyed being able to share their accomplishment with their family members and also being recognized for their accomplishment.
The implementation of the part-time computer program was a huge success due to the inmate population. Inmates can participate in the computer program as well as work his incentive wage job. The ESL program was updated from a part-time program to a full-time program.
Maury has begun having certificate programs for inmates who successfully complete certificate programs both full and part-time.
Maury Correctional Institution
MCCAIN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
A total of nine (9) inmates earned their GED certificates in 2007. The ABE class had two (2) new volunteers that started in 2007.
Sandhills Community College administered the TABE test for inmates that earned their GED’s but who had low reading scores. Six inmates scored a 12.9 and one scored 11.1 all of them are now eligible to participate in the Outreach College Correspondence Course.
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MORRISON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Morrison CI Education Department continued to carry out its mission of providing inmates with educational opportunities. During 2007 one hundred thirty-four (134) inmates earned their GED at Morrison Correctional Institution. Morrison CI continues to provide inmates with vocational skills that will enhance the inmate’s marketability in the outside world. This resulted in 240 vocational completions during 2007.
For the second consecutive year the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching named Morrison CI School a “Golden Apple School”. Morrison CI continues to hold the distinction of being the only correctional school to participate in this program.
MOUNTAIN VIEW CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
This year, the education and vocation departments at Mountain View have seen many changes and accomplishments. Both the Program Supervisor and the Education Case Manager left to pursue other opportunities bringing new staff to this area. In August, a graduation was held to recognize the educational accomplishments of approximately 240 inmates. In fact, we had so many graduates for this year the graduation had to be broken into two separate ceremonies! In October, we added an ABE
Class. Adding this class will allow an opportunity for the lower scoring inmates to work toward their GED’s, thus reducing inmate idleness. We have offered some educational activities for GED/ABE students in the form of a jeopardy tournament in April, and in November, we had our first annual Spelling Bee.
Throughout the past year, the vocational department has helped with many projects that offered improvements to the facility. As part of their training, the commercial cleaning class has worked on many areas of the building in order to add to cleanliness, learn more about the trade, and how to operate the various pieces of equipment and tools involved in professional cleaning. The Masonry classes have added rock work to the building and constructed a fountain, while horticulture added landscaping to this project that added greatly to the appearance of the facility.
In May, the Horticulture class held a plant sale raising approximately $1,200.00 for replenishment of soil and seeds for the class, while carpentry held a similar sale, raising approximately $400.00 toward supplies for their class. As you can see, this has been a very productive year for the education and vocation departments at Mountain View.
Mountain View Correctional Institution
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NASH CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Nash Correctional Institution held commencement on Dec. 17, 2007 for 25 inmates enrolled in Nash Community College Curriculum for GED Equivalency, Heating Venting and Air Condition Program and Computer System Technology Program.
Nash Correctional Institution Vocational and Academic Calendar year 2007 continues to strive for excellence while in partnership with the Nash Community College in providing educational and training opportunities for inmates. There have been a total of 10 certificates, 15 Equivalency and 23 Associate Degrees awarded thus far during the year given at Nash Correction. The total number of inmate Certificates and Associate Degree were 50 Graduates. The GED department had one inmate to graduate with honors for the first time at Nash with a score of 2560. He was given a yellow honor cord for his recognition.
During this year 2 commencements had been scheduled. The first event was conducted on August 06, 2007 with Rev. Reginald Whitaker serving as the guest speaker. He is the minister from Truth Tabernacle Ministries. The second event was scheduled on December 17, 2007 with Dennis Gaddy serving as the guest speaker. He is the President of Success Enterprises. The Computer System Technology Program has been upgraded in equipment and classroom materials. The name was changed from Information System Program to Computer System Technology. The HVAC Program has also been upgraded in equipment to include more hands on. Upon completion of the program, the inmates are given the opportunity to take the CFC exam at the cost of $25.00 to obtain license. The HVAC program has added a new certification to the program for gas line certification.
There were six inmates that are currently participating in the UNC Outreach Correspondence Program. 66 Inmates have completed the “Crossroads” (Human Resource Development Program) which is taught by an Instructor from Nash Community College. Crossroads is a part time course that covers topics related to pre-employment skills training such as; self esteem motivation, communication and interpersonal skills, problems solving career and educational goals, job seeking and job keeping skills.
Other courses that had certificate completions were as follows; Ethics Fitness (Character Education) (24) completion, Cognitive Behavior Intervention with 11 completing.
Final Step Program is a Community Outreach Program intended to inform potential offenders of the realities of the adult prison system and the impact incarceration has on personal lives. There are seven inmates assigned to the volunteer panel and they make a presentation when the Institution has tour groups.
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NEUSE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
The year 2007 GED class at Neuse Correctional Institution participated in some educational projects. For a few weeks the class was broken into three different groups and each worked on a different project with educational undertones. One group worked on building a house, one group worked on opening a pawn shop and yet another grouped opened a used car lot. These activities gave the students an opportunity to us math skills along with critical thinking skills. The use of inventory, surplus, bank loans, and interest rated, geometry, and payroll were all intrical parts of the project.
The highlights of significance in the Office Practice and Employability Skills Class have been numerous, diverse, and flourishing. First, the curriculum includes critical thinking exercises that promote inmate rehabilitation and reintegration. These exercises include: writing a release plan to their case manager using Microsoft Word; drawing up a budget, using Microsoft Excel; Listing positive contacts and people on the outside that will assist them in their staying out of prison, using Microsoft Access, presenting a successful home plan for their release (that they will present to special guests i.e. Case Managers, Program staff, Assistant Superintendent, etc.), using Microsoft Power Point, and drawing up two different types of resumes and several Thank You letters, also using Word.
We have also incorporated the use of USB “thumb drives into the curriculum so that the students can be aware of some of the latest technology in the computer field. By doing this, we have successfully eliminated the need for the 3 ¼ floppy disks, previously used in the class, and therefore eliminated a noteworthy cost to the State. For example, one student used seven floppy disks on average per class. Some of these disks were faulty or failed to work consistently. By moving the USB drives, not only does the student learn new technology, but there is a consistent rate of successful usage on these drives. These thumb drives are reusable and all of the student’s work is easily saved on a DC at the end of the class and placed in their transitional file. This process goes to their successful reintegration into society as they have all of their class work available to them on a DC when they leave custody—this includes working copy of their resumes and several Community College contacts to assist in their education.
Students in the Employability Skills class cover basic typing skills and a basic introduction to computers. Students are also introduced to Microsoft’s Office 2003, to include Word, Power Point, and Excel. Each student works through the text at their own pace, while completing the exercises that are assigned. Once students have completed the exercises and gained some initial exposure too various software more specific tasks are assigned.
These tasks include a “One Year Plan” Power Point presentation that consists of a minimum of 13 slides. Each slide highlights one month of the year and should include at least three goals for that month. Students present their presentation in front of the class to develop effective communication skills. Other assignments include pairing students together and formulating interview questions and answers for specific jobs on a Word document. A packet of information was utilized from the Employment Security Commission that covers various topics included in job hunting. These topics range from how to fill out an application, proper attire for an interview, different resumes and cover letters, how to deal with a troubled past, and several other topics involved with a job search.
Ultimately the goal of the Employability Skills class is to equip each student with a basic understanding of computers, afford students experience using software for practical purposes, and cultivate the development of critical thinking skills. NEW HANOVER CORRECTIONAL CENTER
In the year 2007 New Hanover had eighteen (18) inmates to graduate with GED certificates. There was one (1) inmate to graduate from Cape Fear Community College and had four (4) to enroll in the UNCE Correspondence Courses.
The Horticulture class continued the year with a plant sale and the unit landscaping project. They also donate organic produce to charity. This class had fifty-eight (58) inmates to receive certificates in 2007 with three (3) being recognized for their accomplishments.
The Electrical Class had a total of twenty-five graduates in 2007, with three (3) being recognized for their accomplishments.
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NORTH CAROLINA CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN
The mission of the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women Academic School is to create an atmosphere where students are empowered, challenged, and motivated to become educated and responsible citizens. NCCIW’s school program is divided into two areas, Academic and Vocational. The Academic School consists of educational programs that range from Adult Basic Education to college degree programs, including a separate federally funded program for youthful offenders. DOC Teachers for 2007 are: Ms. Selena DeShazo, Ms. Gretchen Harvey, Ms. Natalie Mann and Mr. Clayton Gould.
There were 102 students served by the ABE Program for 2007; seven (7) of these students were promoted to GED. During 2007, we had 120 GED graduates. The GED teachers are Ms. M. Carter (Mental Health), Mr. Degan (former Dart instructor), Mr. J. Rose, Mrs. M. Thomas, Ms. A. Tolar (former instructor), and newly hire, Mr. A. Owens.
Through our Title I Program, the DOC teachers have served 191 youth and out of that number eight students received their GED. As Chair of the School Assistance Team, Ms. G. Harvey was responsible for the processing of thirty-eight (38) Diagnostic Center referrals to be considered for the Exceptional Students Program. The SAT Committee made ten (10) referrals to the ESP program.
The DOC Teachers worked closely with our English as a Second Language Program Students to ensure that they acquired language proficiency in the areas of reading fluency and comprehension, writing and conversational skills and Math. Ms. Nichols, Wake Technical Community College teacher, facilitates our evening ESL Program. On the average, there are nineteen (19) students that are evolved in this program.
Mr. Wall supervises the Library and inmates working in the library. During 2007, the library served 48,237 inmates.
Independent Study Correspondence College courses were offered through UNC-Chapel Hill. This program was supervised by Ms. G. Harvey for both Youthful Offenders and the 25 and older population. On-site summer courses were offered through the Youthful Offender’s Program spearheaded by Mr. Ken Phillips through a federal grant. Mr. Phillips and Ms. Ruth Duncan have done an outstanding job with this program and working with the staff of NCCIW. Five NCCIW staff members were able to attend the first Annual Youthful Offender Conference.
During the year we had several programs and activities to recognize the achievements of our students. Some of the activities included Multi-Cultural Awareness Month Activities; Shaw “CAPE” Graduation; a Wall of Fame which is a posting of all GED graduates in the hallway of the Academic School; an All School Graduation; Computer Information Technology graduation and issuance of Report Cards for ABE students every other month, Cosmetology Hair Show, and Cosmetology Appreciation Luncheon.
Vocational training and classes are provided in the following areas: Computer Information Technology, Food Service Technology, Cosmetology, Manicuring, Dental Lab Technology, Sewing, Small Business Development, Keyboarding, Horticulture, Job Readiness, Effective Communications and Human Relations for Travel & Tourism. The Cosmetology and Manicuring programs are offered through Johnston Community College. All other vocational courses are offered through Wake Technical Community College.
The Horticulture Class under the leadership of Mr. Dan Clower, a very talented artist and horticulturist, continues to endow NCCIW with an uplifting environment. He provides floral arrangements which 51
highlight all institutional activities. The experiences our students gain through Mr. Clower’s hands-on-activities are invaluable.
The Culinary Arts Program was re-instated the summer of 2007. The Culinary Arts Students and Instructor have provided the refreshments for the All School Graduation.
Ms. J. Hawkins showcases her students Computer Information Technology skills during the Annual Computer Information Technology Student Portfolio Presentations. Each year Wake Tech and NCCIW Administrators are completely amazed at the talent demonstrated by program competitors.
Ms. B. Lamm and Mr. A. Fuller continue to do an outstanding job teaching and supervising inmates who make dentures for state prisoners. Each semester the two instructors rotate teaching the dental course and supervising the dental lab. Due to the dedication of Ms. Lamm and Mr. Fuller the state saves approximately $200,000 yearly. This past year, we had three (3) inmates to complete the dental apprenticeship certification program through the North Carolina Department of Labor. They were awarded certificates of completion at the All School Graduation by the Department of Labor Assistant Bureau Chief and Apprenticeship Consultant.
The North Carolina Travel and Tourism Department continues to save the state over $750,000 yearly. The inmates answer calls to the state’s toll free tourism phone line. The inmates are trained and receive frequent briefings from tourism officials so they can continue to provide courteous service and answer a wide range of questions. Information packets are shipped out daily with helpful information about the state’s tourism destinations. During the All School Graduation Ceremony two T&T Apprenticeship graduates received their Certificates from the Department of Labor Assistant Bureau Chief and Apprenticeship Consultant.
Shaw University “CAPE” Program at NCCIW has a current enrollment of 50 students. In order to apply for admission into the program an inmate must have a GED or high school diploma, be eligible for parole or release within 10 years, and not have been convicted of certain felony classes. There were fifteen (15) “CAPE” Graduates for 2007; ten (10) Associate of Business Management and five (5) Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degrees were awarded. The speaker for the occasion was Judge Denise Hartsfield. Judge Hartsfield captured the hearts of all within the sound of her voice as she inspired the graduates
All School Graduation was held on November 20, 2007. A total of 251 degrees and/or certificates were awarded, while only 102 walked a crossed the stage. Our speaker was Rev. Lamont Cooper.
NCCIW is known worldwide for the many educational and programmatic offerings provided for her inmates. Yearly, we have groups from other states and countries visit our facility; this year was no exception.
We are proud of our program offerings and it is through the total commitment of our Warden, we are compelled to offer a large number of courses and programs in an environment that is conducive to learning. 52
NORTH PIEDMONT CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR WOMEN
North Piedmont Correctional Center Women, in partnership with Davidson Community College (DCC) assisted inmates in 2007 with several accomplishments through innovative programs. Seven (7) inmates were able to obtain their GED Certificates. The Computer Keyboarding Program had thirty-seven (37) inmates to complete the program. The Motheread Program had thirty-seven (37) inmates to complete the program. These classes play a very important role in preparing inmates for marketability upon release.
North Piedmont Correctional Center for Women, in partnership with Mount Zion Baptist church of Greensboro, now offers inmates the opportunity to receive a degree in Biblical Studies. One In Christ Bible College is held every Wednesday from 6:30p.m. Until 8:30p.m. Course objective is to demonstrate a clear understanding of essential terms and concepts employed in the texts and providing real world application as well scriptural implications. Giving a clear understanding of the Word of God as it relates and provides to the social, historical, cultural, political, legal and scriptural contexts, using both biblical and extra-biblical evidence to support one’s perspective. Techniques of instructors use for the class is lecture and class discussion of text, supplemental material, applications, maps, handouts, etc,; audio-visual materials; class presentations and leadership opportunities; papers and projects; and library. Four 94) inmates have completes two (2) semesters in 2007. For the spring semester five (5) inmates are participating in the program.
North Piedmont Correctional Center for Women, in partnership with Davidson County Job Link and Davidson Community College had one hundred (100) inmates to successfully completed Human Resources Development Program. In September 2006, DCCC’s Job Link service began the Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) program. Since the new program has been in effect there has been fifteen (15) inmates to complete the program and received gold certificates.
ODOM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Odom Correctional Institution held its 2007 Commencement Program on June 4, 2007 for inmates achieving a GED or Certificate from a curriculum program offered from Roanoke-Chowan Community College. The Programs consist of Daytime GED, Evening ABE/GED, Business Administration, Buildings Trade Construction, Heat & AC Refrigeration, and Plumbing Programs. A total of 36 inmates received certificates for academic and vocational programs. Inmate enrollment has increased each year as new programs continue to develop.
Roanoke-Chowan Community College provided new programs consisting of Buildings Trade Construction, Heat AC & Refrigeration, and the Plumbing Program. Each program consists of six weeks, with six contact hours per day five days per week. No inmate is eligible for transfer during enrollment. The Building Trade Construction Program provides students with an overview of the construction industry leading graduates to qualify for entry level jobs in any construction setting and opportunities to advance. The Heat AC & Refrigeration Program emphasizes power sources, interaction of electrical components, wiring of simple circuits, use of electrical test equipment, and the use of laptops are available for simulation purposes.
Odom was fortunate to have one inmate on the Presidents List, Gerrod Williams, enrolled with the Business Administration Program; inmate Christopher Reid was recognized for the Deans List. A total of 21 graduates were recognized with Golden Honor Cords. The year 2007 has been recognized as a very good year. Family members attended the Graduation and refreshments were served. Odom Correctional Institution
ORANGE CORRECTIONAL CENTER
We continue to work with two community colleges. Food Services Technology and Carpentry are taught by staff from Piedmont Community College. Computer courses—Employability Skills, HRD, and GED are taught by staff from Durham Community College.
In December 2007, an inmate on our Study Release Program graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in Business/Computers.
PAMLICO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Pamlico Correctional Institution held its annual inmate Academic/Vocational Graduation Ceremony on June 11, 2007. Senator Jean Preston was our keynote speaker. There were a total of 258 graduates, 19 for GED and 239 for curriculum/HRD.
During the Fall Semester Pamlico bega