W. Va. Code R. § 126-7-4

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-7-4 - Educational Programming and Operations

4.1. The goals for development of correctional education programs include:

4.1.a. Opportunities. Incarcerated adults will have adequate and appropriate educational opportunities to the extent funds are provided by the Legislature. When a school-aged student is placed in an adult correctional center, the student shall be afforded the educational opportunities regarding graduation and special education as are afforded students in high school. The WVSDT shall:

4.1.a.1. provide a comprehensive assessment of each student's academic and CTE needs and aptitudes;

4.1.a.2. ¬develop individualized program plans for incarcerated students in accordance with their unique needs, abilities, plan of treatment, length of incarceration, and realistic career goals;

4.1.a.3. provide equal educational programs and services for male and female offenders;

4.1.a.4. provide modified educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals who are in segregated/special custody settings; and

4.1.a.5. develop programs which meet applicable WVBE policies and accreditation requirements (e.g., personnel qualifications, instructional time, textbooks).

4.1.b. Academic Performance. The WVSDT will provide educational programs designed to permit incarcerated students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a competitive, changing society and obtain gainful employment post-incarceration. The WVSDT shall:

4.1.b.1. provide academic instruction to incarcerated school-aged and adult students to facilitate reentry into an adult education program or lead to attainment of a HSE certificate;

4.1.b.2. provide special education and related services for incarcerated school aged students and adult exceptional students in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements;

4.1.b.3. provide social/functional living skills training to assist school-aged and adult students in making a successful transition into society;

4.1.b.4. provide remedial instruction to help incarcerated students overcome educational deficiencies;

4.1.b.5. provide instruction that will enable school-aged and adult students to obtain a HSE certificate or raise their functional literacy level to the highest level attainable;

4.1.b.6. provide instructional technology and alternative instructional strategies to address the unique learning needs of incarcerated school-aged and adult students;

4.1.b.7. provide career development and transitional services which facilitate the successful entry into the workplace, post-secondary programs, or other appropriate community or rehabilitative placements;

4.1.b.7.A. services shall include training in life skills, emotional intelligence, and soft skills;

4.1.b.8. provide curriculum and instruction based upon the WVBE's content standards and objectives, and appropriate to the characteristics and needs of incarcerated school-aged and adult students; and

4.1.b.9. provide regular evaluation of student progress to document/certify the attainment of grades, credits, competencies, and certificates as applicable.

4.1.c. Community Involvement. Educational programs in state correctional institutions will enlist community support to enrich the quality of services for students and to assist them in making a successful transition into society. The WVSDT shall:

4.1.c.1. heighten community awareness of educational programs in correctional institutions; and

4.1.c.2. involve members of the community in the educational process.

4.1.d. Facilities. Education facilities in correctional institutions will be safe and adequate to meet the needs of students in an efficient and economic manner. The WVSDT shall:

4.1.d.1. assist the WVDCR in meeting its obligations under the Interagency Agreement via developing a partnership for improving school facilities for incarcerated school-aged and adult students by accessing available state and federal funding for construction and renovation.

4.1.e. Economic Development. CTE programs for the offender population will provide opportunities for incarcerated individuals to make positive contributions to society and the state's economic development. The WVSDT shall:

4.1.e.1. provide career exploration/pre-vocational programs that introduce incarcerated school-aged and adult students to employment areas, the world of work and the work ethic;

4.1.e.2. provide CTE programs to incarcerated school-aged and adult students that lead to the acquisition of entry level job skills and attitudes; and

4.1.e.3. focus CTE and adult education programs on employability skills, technology literacy, and academic performance in basic skills.

4.1.f. Cooperation. The WVDE will maintain and foster a cooperative relationship with the WVDCR to facilitate the achievement of educational, treatment, and transitional (aftercare) goals for incarcerated school-aged and adult students.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-7-4