Education

Men’s Parenting Class

The Department offers a variety of social service and education programs to a diverse population of male and female offenders. Our professional staff hard to help inmates and detainees build academic and life skills that better prepare them to become productive members of society as they reenter their neighborhoods.

To help sustain its programs, the Department partners with agencies like Bunker Hill Community College, the Boston Public Schools, Boston Medical Center, the Boston Center for Families and Children, the Phillips Brooks House at Harvard, Boston and Youth Options Unlimited Boston, which focuses on post–release services for younger inmates.

The Department began uses Aztec software, an educational aptitude–based program that allows inmates to work independently as they develop employment skills.

Suffolk County Jail

Since the Suffolk County Jail is a pretrial holding facility, the length of stay is often brief and difficult to predict. Over 10,000 men are processed annually. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain a formal education progam at the facility. Men are offered educational assistance through small groups facilitated in the housing units.

Groups such as: Creative Writing, Resume Writing, Current Events and Poetry are very popular among the detainees. Private tutoring is offered through community volunteers and the institutional Librarian facilitates the Jail Book Club to promote literacy.

The Department also works collaboratively with local high schools to provide a continuum of education for those men who are currently enrolled in school. Arrangements are made for the completion of coursework and tutors are provided so that the student will meet both educational benchmarks and graduation requirements.

House of Correction

The majority of educational services offered by the Department take place at the Suffolk County House of Correction (HOC) for a population with varying educational, social and rehabilitative requirements. In general, the average reading level of an inmate or pre–trial detainee is slightly higher than 7th grade level. The average math ability is at a 5th grade level. A motivated inmate can take classes in many different areas of study and at several different education levels.

At the HOC, experienced educators teach enhanced educational, vocational and behavioral programs to male and female inmates and detainees. These classes include:

Literacy I

This course is for beginning readers and for students reading at or below the fourth (4th) grade level. Most LIT I students have had difficulty in the past learning how to read, spell, and write. This course is designed for them to successfully develop basic skills.

Literacy II

This course is for students who test at the 4–8th grade reading level. The teacher will work with students to strengthen their basic skills in math, reading and language. Generally, the class works toward preparation for a GED program. LIT II refreshes basic skills and helps develop good study habits.

Math Review

Teachers offer 1–hour math classes for those who feel they need extra help in math. Three different levels are offered.

General Education Diploma Program (GED)

This Adult Basic Education program prepares students assessed at an eighth grade or higher reading level to earn their high school equivalency diploma or GED. Working together as a class and as individuals, the instructor prepares the students for the five (5) subject areas of the GED test: writing skills, science, arts and literature, social studies, and mathematics. The GED test is given three (3) times a year at the House of Correction. This course has open enrollment and is offered on an on–going basis.

External Diploma Program (EDP)

The External Diploma Program awards students a diploma from the Boston Public Schools. This program is a competency–based assessment program that teaches students about their community, government, health and career options. The MCAS is a recent program requirement.

Title I

This program is provided to students who are younger than twenty–one (21) years of age and still need a diploma. Classes concentrate on reading and building other academic skills necessary to obtain a GED.

Special Education (SPED)

The Special Education Program helps inmates who are between the ages of seventeen (17) and twenty–two (22). Students must also have a history of Special Education and/or have a current and valid Special Education Plan from a public school.

English for Speakers of Other Language (ESL)

The ESOL program serves students whose native language is not English. Students acquire basic as well as more advanced knowledge and command of the English language. The ESOL program is offered in three (3) levels to students from various ethnic groups and backgrounds. By working in groups and in one–on–one tutoring, students acquire the basics of the English language. Classes range from non–speakers of English to fluent speakers who need to develop their writing skills.

Parenting

This program is intended to improve parenting skills. Fathers learn about developmental issues, communication skills and health topics in order to improve their children’s lives. Some students in this program also participate in the Fathers Read Aloud program, taping themselves reading a book to their child. The child then receives the book and the tape. “Children’s Book Club for Fathers” is a part of this class.

Nurturing Fathers

This program is offered by an outside agency of the same name. Fifteen fathers meet twice a week to learn about parenting and discuss their own experiences.

Freedom From Violence

This extraordinary program is an intensive course on the origins, causes and nature of violence and how to make the transition from violent thinking and behaviors to a non–violent lifestyle.

Inmate Tutorial Program

Volunteers from area colleges such as Boston College and Harvard University tutor inmates in a variety of subjects such as reading, math and computer skills. They help students achieve individual goals.

Debate Club

This program attempts to teach the basic concepts of debate, dealing with controversial and popular issues, listening to viewpoints while defending opposing positions.

Black Studies

This class is discussion–based. This class offers an opportunity for inmates to meet and learn about issues affecting people of color with an emphasis on history, culture, art and music.

Art

This volunteer–taught class focuses on color and design and is offered to women only.

Artists and Art Movements

Participants learn about the leading art movements of the 20th century and learn to express themselves through art using charcoal, pencil and pastels.

Psychology

This is an introductory course covering a wide range of topics. The content includes the following topics: Psychology as a Science; Physiological bases of Behavior; Learning and Consciousness; Development and Personality; Abnormal Behavior; and Social and Contextual influences. Students are expected to read chapters, participate in class discussion and prepare for quizzes and brief writing assignments.

Prison Empowerment Program (PEP)

PEP is a leadership and educational program that helps young people think about their decision–making, reflect on the role of the individual, community and government in regards to incarceration. Young people visit the class and listen to a panel of inmates discuss and explain their choices and the consequences of those choices. This class is facilitated by a staff member of The City School.

Poetry

Participants are introduced to many forms of poems and various poets. Students will also practice writing their own poems.

Film

Categories of films, e.g., documentaries, films of Shakespeare’s plays, etc., are viewed and discussed with a focus on contemporary relevance.

School/Job Counseling

Counselors meet with and assist inmates and detainees in making good career and school decisions.

Resume Writing

This class teaches participants how to present themselves to employers, in person and in writing. It also provides resources for help in finding a job.

Tutoring

Tutoring services are provided during the day and in the evening by students from Boston College and Harvard University. Tutoring is mostly one on one and focuses on the individual needs and interests of the student.