Master Academic Plan Adult Facilities Minnesota Department of Corrections

2006-2007
Master Academic Plan
Adult Facilities
Minnesota Department of Corrections
Our Mission
To hold offenders accountable and offer opportunities for change while
restoring justice for victims and contributing to a safer Minnesota.
Our dedicated staff will accomplish this by
Our Vision
FOCUS on reducing risk.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
Master Academic Plan
The Department of Corrections Master Academic Plan is the centerpiece of educational planning
efforts. It supports and complements the agency’s strategic plan. Planning begins at the correctional
facilities and drives department-wide education initiatives.
DOC Education Mission
To provide eligible incarcerated offenders with educational opportunities that will prepare them for
successful reentry into society.
DOC Education Vision
Correctional education will provide the pathway to achieve an enhanced quality of life and improved
economic stability.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
DOC Education Values
Partnerships
We value collaborative relationships with organizations who partner with us in the delivery of quality
education.
Staff
We value the commitment, contributions and expertise of all staff.
Equity/Diversity
We value freedom from bias, and respect the individuality and dignity of all people.
Civility
We value educating for social and civic responsibility.
Workforce Development
We value education for employment and technical training to enhance and impact economic
development.
Accountability
We value educational effectiveness and fi scal responsibility while answering to students, staff,
academic partners, the legislature and the public.
Innovation
We value vision and creativity while recognizing the challenge of accessing new technology.
Integrity
We value integrity in all aspects of the delivery of educational services.
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Men 88%
Women 12%
Total 100%
0-18 3%
19-24 26%
25-44 57%
45-59 13%
60 and older 1%
Total 100%
ABE (Literacy, ESL,GED, and HS diploma 62%
Life Skills 5%
Vocational 20%
Other 13%
Total 100%
DOC Academic Plan FY2007
At A Glance
Enrollment: 2,003 Students (November, 2006)
Student Body Profi le
Distribution of enrollees by age
Distribution of enrollees by program
Awards
GED and high school diplomas, vocational/technical diplomas and certifi cates, Associate in Arts,
Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, Critical Thinking Skills certifi cates, Parenting/
Family Skills certifi cates, National Education Adult Honor Society
Unique Programs
Reading is Fundamental, Post-Secondary Enrollment Options, Transition and Pre-Release,
Motheread/Fatheread, Cosmetology, Thinking for a Change
Foundation
The Minnesota Correctional Education Foundation (MCEF) provides funding for – and coordination of
– college and vocational opportunities at state correctional facilities.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
Facility Locations
MCF-Faribault MCF-FRB
Medium (Level 3) Security Prison 1101 Linden Lane
Males Faribault, MN 55021
Capacity – 1,178 Phone: 507-334-0700
Student Population: 353
MCF-Lino Lakes MCF-LL
Medium (Level 3) Security Prison 7525 Fourth Avenue
Males Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Capacity – 1,307 Phone: 651-717-6100
Student Population: 210
MCF-Oak Park Heights MCF-OPH
Close (Level 5) Security Prison 5329 Osgood Ave. N
Males Stillwater, MN 55082
Capacity – 430 Phone: 651-779-1400
Student Population: 94
MCF-Rush City MCF-RC
Close (Level 4) Security Prison 7600 525th Street
Males Rush City, MN 55069
Capacity—982 Phone: 320-358-0400
Student Population: 228
MCF-Saint Cloud MCF-SCL
Close (Level 4) Security Prison 2305 Minnesota Blvd SE
Males St. Cloud, MN 55379
Capacity—1,050 Phone: 320-240-3000
Student Population: 303
MCF-Shakopee MCF-SHK
Multiple Levels Security Prison 1010 West 6th Avenue
Females Shakopee, MN 55379
Capacity—549 Phone: 952-496-4440
Student Population: 119
MCF-Stillwater MCF-STW
Close (Level 4) Security Prison 970 Pickett Street
Males Bayport, MN 55003
Capacity – 1,426 Phone: 651-779-2700
Student Population: 360
MCF-Willow River/Moose Lake MCF-WR/ML
Medium (Level 3) Security Prison 1000 Lake Shore Drive
Males Moose Lake, MN 55767
Capacity – 974 Phone: 218-485-5000
Student Population: 305
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
Programming
SHK STW LL SCL FRB WR/ML RC OPH RW T
Adult Basic Education X X X X X X X X X X
Art X X X X X X
CLN (Corrections Learning Network) X X X X X X X X
College Correspondence Classes X X X X X X X X
Computer Learning Center X X X X
Critical Thinking Skills/Thinking for a Change X X X X X X X X X X
ELL/ ESL (English Second Language) X X X X X X X X X
Fatheread/Motheread X X
GED Testing X X X X X X X X X X
Health X X X X
Music X X X
Parenting/Families Programs X X X X X X X X X
RIF (Reading is Fundamental) X X X X X X X X X X
Special Education X X X X X X
Title One Services X X
Victim Impact X X X X
MTTC Vocational/ Technical Programs
A+ Certifi cation Preparation X X X
Barbering License Preparation X X
Business Management X
Cabinetmaking X X
Carpentry X X
Computer Literacy X X X X X
Computer Network Cabling X
Cosmetology License Preparation X
Desktop Publishing X
Drywall Installation X
Floor Covering X
Help Desk X X X
Masonry X
Mechanical Design and Drafting X
Microsoft Offi ce Specialist X X X X
Net + Certifi cation Preparation X
Offi ce Support X
Painting & Decorating X X X
Print Production X X
Welding X
Transition/ Pre-release:
Housing Assistance X X X X X X X X X X
Birth Certifi cate X X X X X X X X X X
Employment Prep./Career Counseling X X X X X X X X X X
State of Minnesota Identifi cation X X X X X X X
Social Security Card X X X X X X X X X X
Personal Finance Education X X X X X X X X X
Transitions Resource Center X X X X X X X X X X
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
Facility Pathways
Construction Manufacturing
Information
Technology
Business and
Administrative
Services
Human
Services
Scientifi c/
Technical
Faribault
• Painting and
Decorating
• Carpentry
• Cabinetmaking
• Drywall
• Floor Covering
• Computer Literacy
• A+ Certifi cation
Preparation
• Microsoft Offi ce
Specialist
• Help Desk
• Business
Management
• Mechanical
Design and
Drafting
Lino
Lakes
• Computer Literacy
• Microsoft Offi ce
Specialist
• Computer
Network
Cabling
Moose
Lake
• Print Production • Computer Literacy
• A+ Certifi cation
Preparation
• Help Desk
• Barbering
Rush City
• Painting and
Decorating
• Computer Literacy
• Microsoft Offi ce
Specialist
Shakopee • Offi ce Support • Cosmetology
St. Cloud
• Painting and
Decorating
• Masonry
• Barbering
Stillwater
• Cabinetmaking • Welding • Computer Literacy
• Computer Literacy II
• A+ Certifi cation
Preparation
• Microsoft Offi ce
Specialist
• Desktop Publishing
• Help Desk
• Net + Certifi cation
Preparation
The Facility Pathways chart provides an “at a glance” view
of the Minnesota Technical Training Center’s (MTTC’s)
vocational opportunities. Current programs available at
each facility are listed under the career cluster headings.
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Career Clusters
DOC Academic Plan FY2007
DOC Education Program
Major Goals
School Improvement and Accountability
Goal 1: Create a learner-focused education system designed to close the achievement gap and
produce mastery learning for all DOC offenders.
Quality Program and Services
Goal 2: Develop and deliver all DOC programs at the highest quality level.
Transition Success
Goal 3: Prepare each student for a successful transition to school, the workplace and life in their
community.
Leveraging Technology
Goal 4: Integrate technology into the education program and improve operations, delivery of
programs and support services.
Correctional Education Presence
Goal 5: Advance correctional education’s presence through active collaboration, benefi cial
partnerships and enhanced public awareness.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
School Improvement and Accountability
Goal 1: Create a learner-focused education system designed to close the achievement gap
and produce mastery learning for all DOC offenders.
Objectives
a. Every offender has the opportunity to receive personalized instruction designed to improve
their literacy skills and increase their employability upon release.
b. Classroom instruction is implemented using high quality, current, research-based teaching and
learning methodology.
c. Instruction is designed to meet or exceed relevant standards and measures, including those
accepted and endorsed by the Minnesota Department of Education.
d. A model is in place for department, consortium and individual facility educational improvement.
Strategies:
1. Implement a DOC-wide process to ensure that all offenders who do not have a GED or high
school diploma are directed into literacy classes.
2. Provide every offender, upon incarceration, with a literacy and vocational assessment, and
create a personal education plan for offenders who enter education programming.
3. Ensure that the adult basic education data reporting system is in compliance with current
National Reporting System (NRS) rules and regulations.
4. Research assessment instruments.
5. Provide, train and monitor implementation of policies and procedures for special education on
regulations from Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA).
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
Quality Programs & Services
Goal 2: Develop and deliver all DOC programs at the highest quality level.
Objectives:
a. Programs are developed and resources are deployed based on student needs and
populations.
b. Accountability and accreditation processes that meet state, federal and correctional regulations
are in place and maintained.
c. Instruction is designed – and continually reviewed – to ensure organization-wide adoption and
use of current, research-based “best practices” in teaching and learning.
d. DOC instructors maintain appropriate licensure and/or credentials, and receive relevant, high
quality training and staff development opportunities.
Strategies:
1. Offenders eligible for special education services receive programming that enables them to
make progress toward their annual educational goals, to participate in the general curriculum
as much as possible, and to prepare for a successful transition to adulthood.
2. Expand direct special education services to MCF-Faribault.
3. Align programs to the needs of specifi c populations (e.g., academic, career and technical
programs, life skills).
4. Deliver the curriculum in a seamless and uniform manner, including providing continuity in
curriculum across the DOC (where appropriate).
5. Base vocational training on industry standards, workplace requirements and employment
opportunities.
6. Provide regular and systematic training and staff development based on current and future
best practices in teaching and learning, as well as on the educational implications of the
current and future labor market.
7. Identify and provide support to programs in areas of emerging student needs (e.g., ESL, low
functioning students).
8. Develop program evaluation models for each program level (e.g. technical training, Literacy/
GED).
9. Continually seek opportunities for recognition and awards connected to delivery of educational
programs and services.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
Transition Success
Goal 3: Prepare each student for a successful transition to school, the workplace and life in
their community.
Objectives:
a. Every releasing offender will complete a standardized pre-release class.
b. Every offender has access to transition resource information and assistance in developing a
continuum of services upon release.
c. All offenders will have appropriate identifi cation upon release from the facility.
d. Transitioning offenders who are able to work will be skilled in seeking and maintaining a job.
e. Transitioning offenders interested in pursuing ongoing education upon release are assisted
with educational plans.
f. Promote successful reentry by restructuring the orientation process to include occupational
goal setting activities.
Strategies:
1. Six months prior to release, all offenders are assigned to a mandatory pre-release class.
2. Offenders enrolled in a pre-release class and those who make requests via facility mail are
given information pertaining to available transition resources in their county of release.
3. Transition resource centers are available at each facility, posting up to date information on
education, employment, housing opportunities and community resources in every Minnesota
County.
4. Transition resource centers are standardized in their materials, equipment and program
offerings. They will provide information on vocational trades, post-secondary education,
occupational preparation, etc., to enhance offenders’ post-release education planning.
5. Transition fairs, providing information on community resources for exiting offenders, are offered
yearly (or more frequently) at “release” facilities.
6. All offenders receive information on how to secure social security cards, birth certifi cates and
state identifi cation.
7. All offenders receive identifi cation documents prior to release.
8. Job seminars are offered to enhance transitioning offenders’ job-seeking and job-keeping
abilities. The seminars will include mock interviews and assistance with job leads. Community
employers will present personal insights on work expectations.
9. Transition resource centers will offer standardized employment programming: additional
curriculum on Employability Skills, assistance in resume writing, vocational assessments and
interest inventories.
10. Administer a vocational/occupational interest and aptitude assessment class to be delivered
during an offender’s initial DOC orientation.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
Leveraging Technology
Goal 4: Integrate technology into the education program and improve operations, delivery of
programs and support services.
Objectives:
a. Current and research-supported technology is used to enhance DOC educational programs,
services and internal processes.
b. Computer software curriculum is selected using a consistent process that considers quality of
product, ease of student and instructor use, compatibility with DOC and facility hardware, cost,
and the collective needs of the DOC as well as unique needs of individual facilities.
c. All DOC facility education departments have adequate support from their respective
information technology departments.
d. Offender computers and electronic media are managed in a secure manner.
e. Computer related technical programs feature curriculum and skill development that is relevant
and current. The programs are continually reviewed to insure consideration of current and
future industry and job market trends.
Strategies:
1. Ensure that offender networks are established at each facility, separate from the staff networks,
and that all computers used by offenders are hooked up to the network. The offender
network will be administered by the IT Department, and managed by an education network
administrator.
2. Establish a committee and a process for selecting, purchasing and implementing educational
software curriculum. When possible, designate curriculum as “adopted” DOC-wide. Allow for
individual facilities to select software based on their unique curriculum needs.
3. Create consistent and, where necessary, improved technical staff coverage, response time and
on-going support for the technology used in facility education departments.
4. Develop facility instructions for DOC Policy 303.040, Use of Electronic Equipment by
Offenders, which will insure security through inventory, inspection, and safeguards.
5. Improve DOC-wide Education staff access to student data through database upgrades and
establishment of clear and user-friendly data entry procedures.
6. Maintain an active Computer Careers Advisory Committee.
7. Add additional Computer Careers programs to the Minnesota Technical Training Center’s
catalog.
8. Maintain a comprehensive technology maintenance, repair and replacement process.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
Correctional Education Presence
Goal 5: Advance correctional education’s presence through active collaboration, benefi cial
partnerships and enhanced public awareness.
Objectives:
a. Students are afforded more vocational work experiences, on-the-job training and postincarceration
employment opportunities, as well as other transitional assistance.
b. Vocational programs remain relevant and vital to their respective fi elds, and the work of the
Minnesota Technical Training Center (MTTC) is shared with potential employers of program
graduates.
c. Offenders housed at all public and private facilities are assessed using appropriate
measurements, and have equitable programming opportunities.
d. Enhance current – and develop new and improved – life skills programming for offenders
through partnerships with community agencies and service providers.
e. Continue to develop more opportunities for offenders to participate in higher education.
Strategies:
1. Maintain and enhance our partnership with MINNCOR to include collaborative program/
curriculum development for new and existing programs, including EMPLOY and ONTRACK.
2. Develop a schedule of bi-annual vocational program advisory committee meetings. Maintain
committees of active and vibrant members who bring a variety of background and experiences
to their respective vocational disciplines. Utilize committee expertise to assure applicability
and appropriateness, based on the current and future needs of business and industry, of the
curriculum and skill development objectives in new and existing MTTC programs.
3. Use the $7,800 Perkins Grant award to develop career assessment opportunities for offenders
at intake. Provide students with a framework for continued career, educational and vocational
evaluation during their incarceration. Develop a framework for future educational counseling.
4. Develop a cooperative relationship with Prairie Correctional Facility that includes data sharing,
collaborative program development, program aptitude evaluations, and, when possible,
mutually benefi cial transfer of offenders for educational purposes.
5. Implement the initial offering of the Life Skills for Prisoners (grant funded) programming.
Program goals will include skill-building in the areas of self-development and personal
empowerment, communication, healthy relationships, fi nances, confl ict management, job
seeking and job maintenance.
6. Support the work of MCEF (Minnesota Correctional Education Foundation) in developing
educational partnerships, fundraising and community education.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
Year in Review
FY2006
a. The Minnesota Technical Training Center (MTTC) is the umbrella organization of DOC technical/
vocational programs. A catalog was designed which includes diploma and certifi cate program
offerings, program descriptions and requirements, and specifi c descriptions of classes offered.
This is an excellent marketing piece for prospective employers, as they can preview the quality
and level of training offenders gain in our programs.
b. NIC’s “Thinking for a Change” was selected and implemented as the standardized critical
thinking (cognitive) skills curriculum that will be delivered to DOC offenders at all adult male
facilities.
c. Minnesota and Region IV CEA Teacher of the Year (TOY) Lillian Engblom was honored at
the July 2006 Correctional Education Association International Conference in Iowa. Lillian’s
accomplishment marked the second year in a row that a Minnesota teacher was selected as the
Region IV TOY.
d. As of July 1, 2005 all MCF-FRB education staff are DOC employees. Eleven instructors,
previously under contract with South Central Technical College, applied for and accepted
positions with the DOC. MCF-FRB is now in line with other correctional facilities, working under
the same labor contract, which makes for a more equitable and cooperative work environment.
e. The MCF-RC education director accepted a mobility assignment at Central Offi ce as the Director
of Academic Affairs. One of the primary responsibilities of this position is that of Adult Basic
Education (ABE) manager. (The DOC is the third largest ABE consortium in the state.) All
correspondence between the DOC and the State Department of Education’s ABE director will be
handled by the Director of Academic affairs. Reaction to the creation of this position, from facility
education directors and associate wardens of operation, has been very positive.
f. Computer Learning Centers were opened at MCF-FRB, MCF-SCL, MCF-LL and MCF-ML.
These computer labs feature a variety of self-paced learning programs, including programs
designed to improve keyboarding skills, improve math and reading comprehension, and teach
resume building and other skills that will assist offenders in gaining successful employment upon
release.
g. MCF-SCL opened an adult diploma program for students who meet DOC criteria for completing
their high school diplomas. Curriculum and diploma award partnerships have been established
with MCF-Red Wing’s Walter Maginnis High School along with a number of independent school
districts.
h. A pilot program in Basic Machinist training was launched on August 29, 2005 featuring a
partnership between the Minnesota Correctional Education Foundation, MINNCOR, Dunwoody
College, and the Education Department at MCF-STW. The program was successful and well
received. Upon release, Dunwoody is available to assist trained offenders with job placement.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
i. 432 offenders completed pre-release classes delivered by transition staff department wide.
j. The Correctional Higher Education Consortium reached agreements with Inver Hills Community
College, Augsburg College and St. Cloud State University to offer general education courses
at the Stillwater, Shakopee and Saint Cloud correctional facilities, with funding provided by the
Minnesota Correctional Education Foundation. Classes began March 1, 2006.
k. The labor agreement between the State of Minnesota and the State Residential Schools
Education Association (SRSEA) for FY06/07 was settled. The negotiations went well and were
very productive.
l. Over 1,000 offenders participated in Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), with over 2,400 children
receiving at least 3 books between November 2005 and March 2006. These numbers represent
approximately a 40% increase in participation from the previous year. Two children’s authors,
John Coy and Thomas Davison, were present at MCF-Stillwater’s book fair to read their books
and discuss the importance of reading to children. KARE 11 News was present to cover Mr.
Davison and his book, Daddy, Can You Hear Me? MCF-STW was chosen as Barnes and
Noble’s charity of the year, and will be receiving donated books for use in education programs
and for the visiting room.
m. DOC transitional services staffi ng was signifi cantly reorganized at the supervisory and
management level, creating two new transition services-related manager positions. The
Transition Program Director will now report indirectly to the DOC Director of Education.
n. The Cosmetology Program offi cially opened at MCF-SHK on Monday, November 28, 2005.
After almost two years of hard work by many people, the Cosmetology program began with 14
students and one tutor. It is expected that the fi rst set of graduates will complete the program
in February 2007. A process is in place that allows offenders to obtain licensure once they
successfully complete the program and pass the required tests.
o. Nine high school diploma students at MCF-SCL were deemed eligible for participation in the
Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) program. They enrolled in spring 2006 semester
classes at St. Cloud State University. This is the fi rst time that students at MCF-SCL have had
an opportunity to participate in the PSEO program.
p. The current phase of DOC-wide education software standardization was completed with the
purchase of Rosetta Stone (ESL), English Levels 1-3 software.
q. MCF-Red Wing has successfully created a partnership with Southeast Technical College, with
15 residents participating in a college level class though the PSEO program.
r. A team of education directors and transitional staff wrote a successful United States Department
of Education Life Skills for Prisoners grant. The award notifi cation was received in August 2006.
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DOC Academic Plan FY2007
s. Twelve women completed a Metal Forming program at MCF-Shakopee. The new and innovative
program represents a partnership between the DOC, Hennepin Technical College and HIRED.
The program guarantees metal industry jobs, upon release, to successful graduates of the
program. A recognition ceremony was held on April 19, 2006.
t. The Minnesota Department of Education granted FULL APPROVAL STATUS to MCF-Togo on
March 9, 2006 with no areas of systemic noncompliance remaining from the Special Education
audit conducted in November 2005.
u. Ruben Rosario, columnist from the Pioneer Press, visited MCF-Stillwater with his photographer
on May 16, 2006 and published a complimentary article about the Minnesota Correctional
Education Foundation (MCEF) and the Stillwater higher education program. The article
appeared on the front page of the May 22, 2006 edition of the Pioneer Press.
v. The MCF-Stillwater advanced Computer Careers curriculum was reviewed and approved by the
Central Offi ce Information Technology Director. Selected programming from the curriculum has
been reinstated.