1. Enhancing Services to Inmates with Learning Disabilities: Systemic Reform of Prison Literacy Programs.
- Author
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Taymans, Juliana M. and Corley, Mary Ann
- Subjects
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LEARNING disabilities , *CORRECTIONS (Criminal justice administration) , *EDUCATION of prisoners , *LITERACY programs , *ADULT education , *PRISON reformers - Abstract
Systemic reform has gained ground in education policy over the past decade but has been slow to catch on in adult literacy and correctional education programs, particularly as it relates to services to adults with learning disabilities (LD). The notion of systemic reform is rooted in the belief that, with appropriate changes, programs can improve outcomes for all learners. Fundamental to a successful change effort for improving services to inmates with LD are knowledge and awareness about the manifestations and consequences of LD-not just for correctional education staff but also for the correctional system in general. This article presents principles of systemic reform that can guide correctional education staff through a process designed to improve educational services for inmates with LD. Steps to systemic reform of literacy programs include the following: (1) bring all the stakeholders together to create a shared vision and develop an action plan; (2) enlist administrative support; (3) provide meaningful and ongoing professional development opportunities; (4) identify resources; and (5) continuously monitor and improve the change process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2001