Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Program

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS), Adult Education office will provide corrections education services and services for other institutionalized population as described under section 225. AE will not use more than 20 percent of the overall 82.5% or greater that is described in section 231 to carry out the activities as described in section 225 for corrections education and other institutionalized populations. Funding will be allocated, competed, and distributed according to the process described in the Title II distribution of funds Common Elements section of this plan and will comply with subpart C in Title II of WIOA. A correctional institution includes any prison; jail; reformatory; work farm; detention center; or halfway house, community—based rehabilitation center, or any other similar institution designed for the confinement or rehabilitation of criminal offenders. A criminal offender is any individual who is charged with or convicted of any criminal offense. The funds shall be used for the cost of educational programs for criminal offenders in correctional institutions and for other institutionalized individuals, including academic programs for—adult education and literacy activities; special education, as determined by the eligible agency; secondary school credit; integrated education and training; career pathways; concurrent enrollment; peer tutoring; and transition to re—entry initiatives and other post—release services with the goal of reducing recidivism. Each eligible provider receiving funds under section 225 to carry out a program for criminal offenders within a correctional institution shall give priority to serving individuals who are likely to leave the correctional institution within five (5) years of participation in the program. The correctional and institutionalized population will be afforded opportunities to develop their skills and abilities for successful re—entry into society after release. An emphasis on skills contextualization for pathway programs will ensure that inmates are prepared for employment opportunities. There are several innovative initiatives currently occurring in corrections education in Alabama. One initiative incorporates the use of tablet devices with pre—loaded educational resources that are used back in the inmate’s dormitory. This allows for additional time on task that will lead to better knowledge and understanding of the material and the use of mobile devices. Other programs that adult education plays an integral part are the Correctional Life—Tech program and the Day Treatment Centers through Department of Pardons and Parole. These partnerships are designed to reduce prison overcrowding and recidivism by preparing deserving parolees for job success and life success. Life skills, adult education and technical skills are integrated into a structured program to assist parolees in the transition from prison to society.