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 iBGMSEU07222; Thu, 16 Dec 2004 17:28:14 -0500 (EST) Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 17:28:14 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <5.1.0.14.0.20041216161354.01f1f700@mail.drake.edu> 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: Anne Murr <anne.murr@DRAKE.EDU> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:1246] Re:Focus on Basics on Correctional Education X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 5.1 Status: O Content-Length: 2274 Lines: 48 Janet, You had asked about our process of initiating the inmate tutoring program in the women's correctional facility. Since Iowa prisons have lost all $$$ for basic literacy due to state budget cuts, the staff there welcomed our very needed service. We did not have to "make our case". And Bill, we have taken the time to give the inmate tutors adequate training AND systematic instructional materials. They will be also be mentored throughout their tutoring experience. The tutors will meet in a large open room to reduce security concerns. They will do one-to-one tutoring, not group instruction, which is more manageable for a novice tutor. Anne Murr Drake University Adult Literacy Center Des Moines, IA At 08:26 PM 12/15/2004 -0500, you wrote: >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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