The importance of educating those in prison cannot be overemphasized. I found the following “infographic” from onlineclasses.org (via the Prison Culture blog) and while this outfit clearly has an economic incentive to promote off-site learning, the message is absolutely legitimate.
I wish you would change this to: Why Providing ENABLING Educations to Inmates is Essential. Odds are pretty good they got there via the school-to-jail pipeline and may/probably have hidden LDs that will not be supported through the system. GEDs, an alternative to a diploma, is a test that measures knowledge and skills. In our case, knowledge/IQ is high…………..skills have not been taught. Where are those with dyslexia, disgraphia, discalculia, lang. processing disorders, ADHD (as an LD)? If schools can get rid of these pupils their stats don’t fall…if the justice system mandates the GED, it’s not a blemish on the school district. Think about it; they are being allowed to save the money needed to provide LD students with the tools to navigate everyday life (be on time, TELL time, pay a bill, read to their children.) Intelligence is not a factor. Henry Winkler cannot read: he was third from the bottom of his class. He’s an actor, producer, writer, spokesperson for Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities” He was identified (although late) and able to obtain the needed support to move forward. There’s no way around it. DON’T ASSUME THE INMATES DON’T WANT AN EDUCATION, DON’T PRESUME TO KNOW WHAT’S BEST. Get independent evaluations and provide what should have been provided via public education. Maybe “curriculum casualties” is something to use, besides “inmates.” They were “inmates” while in school too.
Please check the site:
http://www.viplearning.org
This is the solution to many problems.