Gina,
I, too, work with unmotivated ABE students.  I believe that the key is showing how any amount of education is going to improve their lot in life; i.e., better job, family stability, etc.  Too often we cannot demonstrate that what we are asking is going to make a difference in life outside the institution.  Until we can integrate those skills with the hope and suitability of employment, think we are spinning our wheels.
Have you tried the Workkeys Assessments?  At least that steers you and the inmate in the direction of learning what's appropriate and needed for a job.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Lobaccaro Gina (DOC) 
  To: specialtopics at nifl.gov 
  Sent: Monday, September 18, 2006 8:39 PM
  Subject: [SpecialTopics 206] Re: Posting your questions


  Hello All,
  I am Gina Lobaccaro the Media & Technology Specialist at Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown Delaware.  I work for the Delaware Department of Education Prison Education program.. I have corresponded with David and Bill, and I have met Steve at a couple of conferences.
  I am asking if there is any research or a need for research in the area of motivation for low level ABE learners in correctional settings.  We have so many inmate/students who come to class but make little or no progress over and extended time.  They appear to be coming to get off the tiers or to receive "good time".  In truth, they do not receive much "good time" for education.  Our education program is a classified program.  If a student does not have  GED or HS diploma they must attend school.  We have a long waiting list for the low level ABE students, but we also have students sitting in classes who appear to me totally unmotivated to improve their academic skills.
  Do you or the other list serve members have suggestions for motivating ABE low level learners in CE settings?
  Gina

  ________________________________

  From: specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov on behalf of David Rosen
  Sent: Mon 9/18/2006 7:38 PM
  To: specialtopics at nifl.gov
  Subject: [SpecialTopics 204] Posting your questions



  Colleagues,

  Please post your questions and comments for our guests as soon as you 
  are ready.  (Now would be good.) You can ask general questions like 
  "What do we know about the transition from a prison or jail education 
  program to a community education program?" or "What does family 
  literacy mean in a prison setting?" Or you can ask specific questions 
  like "How does a prison family literacy program affect children's 
  reading skills?"  Some people have joined the discussion to be 
  introduced to the topic; others are experts in this area.  All 
  questions are welcome.

  Send your questions to:

  specialtopics at nifl.gov

  David J. Rosen
  Special Topics Discussion Moderator
  djrosen at comcast.net



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