Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 27, 1990 TAG: 9004260356
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MARILEE WILLIAMS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Adult Basic Education program provides money for teachers to come to correctional facilities and help inmates earn a General Education Diploma, or just help them learn how to read.
"Adult Basic Education is student driven. We will teach the adult students what they want to learn," said Chris Simpkins, coordinator of the inmate program, part of her job with the Office of Adult and Community Education at New River Community College, Dublin.
"If they want to work toward their GED or just be able to read the company newspaper, we will teach them," Simpkins said.
The adult education program provides opportunities for adults, 18 and over, who did not graduate from high school and are not currently enrolled in high school.
Materials and instructional times are free. Money is provided through grants given to local school districts.
Simpkins said if local schools do not use state alloted money, the community colleges have an opportunity to apply for them.
The money first was granted to NRCC in the fall of 1988. The local program was created with the help of Linda Mullins, regional adult education specialist.
A newspaper advertisement for part-time instructors yielded 50 phone calls for teacher and teacher-aide positions.
"I didn't expect such a huge response," Simpkins said.
"Last year three inmates took part in the program. Two of them received their GED certificate," Simpkins said.
"One inmate was even transferred from Floyd to Radford so he could work on his GED certification. Floyd does not have the program at this time."
"This year I have applied for an additional $4,000 in funding which is also available for work with inmates."
The grant money pays a salary to the teachers and pays for any books and supplies needed by the students.
Maj. Thomas N. Lavelle, supervisor of the Radford City jails said he has wanted an educational program for his inmates for years.
"Everybody ought to have the chance to get an education," Lavelle said.
"My wife [Dianne B. Lavelle] and I have been trying to get something like this started for years. We have not gotten much cooperation until now - with Chris Simpkins and the New River Community College," Lavelle explained.
"Folks are ashamed to say they can't read sometimes, but I say there is nothing to be ashamed of," said Lavelle.
Simpkins said many inmates' problems come from an inability to read which further destroys their low self-esteem.
The program is adult oriented. "We do not have desks and chairs. We treat adult learners as adults," she said. "It is what the student wants, at the student's pace. There are no grades." Simpkins said.
Inmates at the Radford city jail have been supportive of those working with the program.
The TV was turned down and quiet hours were kept so inmates could study for their classes.
Lavelle said: "The program has boosted the morale of the inmates 100 percent."
Simpkins said that some states now have a "read and release" program. Inmates receive time off their sentence for attending classes or receiving their GED certificate.
The GED program takes from six to eight weeks to complete, but the average stay at the Radford city jail is 30 days or four weeks.
"If the student is determined enough, he can complete the program while he is here," Lavelle said. The test for the GED can be taken at the Radford jail or inmates can be bused to the Montgomery County jail and be tested, he said.
by CNB