Re: Ideas for JAIL work.

 

Based on some wildly positive experience in jail programs, I strongly
recommend that Jail programming should INCLUDE DISCUSSION relating to
WORKPLACE SOFT SKILLS.  This can dove-tail into ABE material. 

 

BACKGROUND:  

In Michigan, we have been piloting a program called Preparing Workers
for 21st Century Employment  that combines workforce soft skills (lots
of situational judgment) with ABE.  I used it at jails and was
overwhelmed by the positive reception and apparent effect. 

 

All the materials are intended to include a discussion component.  This
was magic in the jail setting.  My observation/hypothesis supposes that
the opportunity for inmates, among a group of peers, to tap into and
represent another side of themselves, (their productive citizen-worker
potential and/or experiences), even while still IN that jail setting,
had enormous positive effect on self esteem, MOTIVATION, and HOPE
relevant to doing well after release.   -and in jails, cutting
recidivism is paramount.  It was powerful stuff.

 

We know, from sociology research, that discussion among peers is a
potent delivery system for changing attitudes and behaviors.  This
curriculum facilitated positive, peer-group, situational judgment-based
discussions involving critical workplace soft skills. It gets an A+ in
the developing judgment and soft skills part.  As for the academic
content: if used skillfully, also lots of potential. 

 

The program has three ABE-related components:  Workplace WRITING - just
starting Pilot phase; fluency-based READING - out in official form;  and
MATH numeracy [practical problem solving with basic skills] - at mid
point in pilot process.  The materials and activities combine "3Rs"
development with excellent workplace scenarios designed to advance
situational judgment ability around desirable, work-readiness soft
skills. The skills fall into categories: Acquire and Use Information,
Use Systems, Work with Others, Use Technology Appropriately, Know How to
Learn, Take Responsibility, Allocate Resources, Solve Problems, and Self
Management.  These soft skills, BTW, match up quite a bit with those
included in the NCRC program (Nat'l Career Readiness Certificate).

 

MATERIALS

My ardent advice is to look for materials that allow you to deliver ABE
tied into DISCUSSION about workplace scenarios requiring situational
judgment calls related to workplace soft skills.  ...magic!

 

Our materials are NOT Copy protected, but I don't have the resources to
distribute them.  What I CAN do is take in requests for material
(andrearothney at nwm.cog.mi.us)  which I will compile and then, later,
respond to if I am able to provide material, or pass along to someone
who can provide  - but no promises.

 

 

--Andrea Rothney

NW Michigan Adult Education

 

 

 

 

 

From: workplace-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:workplace-bounces at nifl.gov] On
Behalf Of Phyllis Utley
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 6:53 PM
To: The Workplace Literacy Discussion List
Subject: [Workplace 1958] Workplace Literacy in Jail

 


Does anyone work in a jail or correctional setting ??? 

 

I am the new Vocational Transition Specialist for the Mecklenburg County
Sheriff's Department. I am looking for best practices tools and
resources in emotional quotient, social skills, in light of employment
readiness to determine what classes are most needed for our population
as they prepare to re-enter or enter the workplace with their present
charges or convictions. 

 

Phyllis Utley

828-242-5806

 

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