Many people who work in correctional education report a high incidence of
learning disabilities, a previous experience in special education
classrooms, and a lack of appropriate instruction for those who require
teaching techniques that are appropriate for the learner. My own research in
corrections indicated a high, high percentage of the inmates in the
correctional education programs either had been diagnosed in earlier schools
or exhibited many characteristics of those with learning disabilities...and
not just dyslexia.   
 
May I ask what screening or diagnosis is being done in the correctional
system in which Gina works?  What accommodations are provided for those with
a history of LD?  Is there a process to follow in the system for those who
exhibit the characteristics of learning disabilities?  Are the teachers in
the system trained in teaching techniques that benefit students with LD?
Sometimes it is not a matter of motivation, but a matter of being in an
appropriate system, and the assessment of student needs for learning must go
beyond a TABE or CASAS score and include the diagnosis of other things that
may be interfering.
 
I'd be interested in hearing about procedures that are followed in these
situations.
June Crawford

-----Original Message-----
From: specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov]On Behalf Of Ann Burruss
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 4:24 AM
To: specialtopics at nifl.gov
Subject: [SpecialTopics 232] Re: Posting your questions


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) <mailto:Gina.Lobaccaro at state.de.us>  
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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