NCJ Number
189044
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 63-67
Date Published
June 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes literacy services in Wheatfield Prison in Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract
In Wheatfield Prison, literacy is an integral part of a broad education program designed to foster personal development and prepare inmates for post-release. The program's distinctiveness is in its ability to provide individualized learning programs within a broad repertoire of choices that link students into the formal education sector. Participatory approaches that build programs around students' own experiences and motivations are favored. Literacy students are not stigmatized or separated and may participate in certain courses along with other inmates working at high school diploma or higher education levels. A holistic approach to education is used, and literacy teaching is integrated wherever possible into the broader curriculum, including Instructional Technology and Creative Arts courses. New literacy applicants are interviewed weekly throughout the year. Every effort is made to respond immediately to an inmate's request for help with literacy. After the initial interview, the applicant is given an individualized learning plan. Whenever possible and appropriate, students are encouraged to proceed toward national certification, using either standard high school examinations accepted in Ireland or a relatively new form of certification for adults who have dropped out of the formal education system. Of the prison population enrolled in education, 40 percent are involved in literacy and Basic English classes. Forty percent of these students obtain certification of some form. Three case studies show how the literacy program works in practice under particular circumstances. 13 references