Welcome to the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio
Education Program
Inmates are offered the opportunity to learn or improve basic academic skills through a free program called Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE). Reading, writing and math are taught at all levels through individualized instruction. ABLE instructors use both books and technology geared to adult interests. They work with the inmate to find out what skills he or she already has and helps to plan a course of study to meet the inmate's needs.
New students may start at any time and complete the program at their own pace. Each student is given an assessment in which reading, math and language is used to determine which level of materials is appropriate. Instructors work with students one-on-one by assigning lessons and checking the progress of students work. Classes are informal and unstructured.
In 1994, CCNO began contracting for educational services. There are two part-time teachers and one part-time teacher's aide. They instruct inmates classified by security risk. In order to meet the goal of offering classes to all inmates' daily, the instructors conduct classes for 45 minutes to one hour.
The education staff is employed by the Four County Career Center and are assigned to keep all inmates progress records on the computer called Able-Link. The part-time teacher's aide maintains the records on the progress of each student in his or her file plus daily attendance.
The ABLE — GED classes are held in a designated classroom at CCNO. The room can accommodate 20 people. The classroom is equipped with computers and two televisions with a VCR. The computers are equipped with Windows software safeguards on them to block all programs except educational programs.
CCNO was designated as a certified GED test site in January 1996. Before that time, minimum-security inmates without holders were transported to take the GED exam. This was time consuming and had limited inmate participation. CCNO staff and the instructors felt it would be in the best interest of all GED students to be tested in the facility. The fourth Tuesday of every month has been designated as GED exam day. The proctor, a retired school administrator, spends the whole day supervising the exam.
Many inmates are fearful of the classroom. The education team tries to create an informal classroom setting. One-on-one instruction is given, plus group instruction when the occasion demands it. The students progress at their own pace. We try not to place too much pressure on students, but we want them to put forth an effort. Due to the short sentences served at CCNO, any student can enroll as soon as they are incarcerated. The instructor or aide gives an orientation of what can be expected in the ABLE — GED program.
The following ten items are emphasized to inmates:
ABLE stands for Adult Basic and Literacy Education. Our goal is to assist you with your educational goals.
We can provide instruction in basic literacy, GED preparation and basic skill upgrading for those who have a high school diploma or GED.
Each student signs in and out daily.
Each student also completes an intake form, a goal sheet and a student contract.
ABLE is an individualized program that is geared to your needs.
Each student is assessed in reading, mathematics and language, and a student file is created based upon the results of this assessment.
After assessment, each student is given daily assignments based upon their scores on the "daily log".
Class instruction consists of individualized learning, one-on-one, small group and large group instruction. Class time may consist of one or more of these styles of learning.
Each student is expected to attend our program for at least 12 hours.
Each student is re-evaluated after three months or 100 hours of instruction to document student progress.
Each student is expected to be committed to his or her learning goals and dedicated to the program. When they leave the program, we can provide them with a list of programs and sites throughout the state.
Assigning homework seems to be an anchor for most students. The published GED study books have excellent plans of study, but a small written assignment by the instructor seems to give them direction for their GED.
We also use other knowledgeable students as tutors. The teacher-buddy system is used in the unit as well as in the classroom. If someone knows how to explain fractions, they are asked to spend time with another inmate in the classroom or in the unit to assist them. A certificate of tutoring, time and attendance is given.
There is always an interest taken in students whom want another opportunity to finish high school. That step of closure is important to them as well as family. It seems life went downhill once they quit school. We had a student that was a 65-year old migrant worker whom had a third grade education. His assessment indicated the ability to receive a GED if he had a desire to study. Within a one-month's time, he was ready to take the exam. All of us were cheering for him. Happy to say, he had an excellent pass.
The mission of the ABLE section is to develop, improve and expand educational opportunities for adults in their roles as learners, family members, community members and workers by empowering quality programs in the planning, implementation and evaluation of adult basic and literacy education programs, services and activities.
This site was updated on June 13, 2008