Return-Path: <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id iBG1Q7U12711; Wed, 15 Dec 2004 20:26:07 -0500 (EST) Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 20:26:07 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <44A0C771.630E4E3E.00057FA7@aol.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Wrmuth@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:1245] Re:Focus on Basics on Correctional Education X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 X-Mailer: Atlas Mailer 2.0 Status: O Content-Length: 1466 Lines: 14 Janet - In the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP), the role of inmate tutors has had its share of controversies. Although I am a strong advocate of inmate tutor programs, they do come with potential risks. For example, inmates with lower-literacy abilities may resist taking risks in front of other inmates and tutors may be placed in untenable positions of authority when staff are not around. In other cases, inmate tutors may need extensive mentoring to develop patience, non-directive coaching style, confidence. (I am sure you are well aware of these issues.) Here are a couple strategies that might help you communicate the value of the program, and the controls you have in place, to prison management: (1) Use a tutor development program that has outside certification. In the FBOP, at least one of our prisons has a Dept of Labor approved apprenticeship program for inmate tutors. Well trained tutors are better able to manage classes and may be able to use the certificate to get a job in adult education after release. (2) Is it possible to have some staff coverage during the time the inmate tutors are teaching (e.g., a floating staff supervisor)? In FBOP, we run hundreds of (voluntary) inmate-taught adult continuing education (ACE) programs. Typically the classes run in the evening with one staff member overseeing 5 or more ACE classes. Let me know if you want discuss further. Good luck! Bill Muth Education Administrator, FBOP bmuth@bop.gov
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