VII.

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATORS

A variety of staff development and technical assistance activities related to educational programming for incarcerated youth and adults occur annually. Several regional and statewide staff development workshops are held focusing on instructional strategies, transition project spotlights, and content about specific programs such as Action for Personal Choice (APC) and computer–assisted career information system demonstrations. Issues about students with special conditions or with disabilities are also addressed. Programs about technical issues related to funding are provided. Program practitioners, administrators, and corrections staff all benefit from these opportunities.

The conference of the New York State Association of Incarcerated Youth Programs is another staff development opportunity held annually. Typical workshop topics might include transition programming strategies, exit counseling, parenting skills, the substance abusing inmate, and the African–American experience. Again, all personnel involved with incarcerated youth and adults can attend the conference.

Special training sessions are held to facilitate the implementation of specific programs including computer–assisted career information systems, transition programming, and APC. These sessions provide highly interactive, hands–on experiences so personnel can fully utilize the programs. On–site technical assistance is also available.

Special topic symposia are held periodically to continue to develop ideal program models for incarcerated youth. For example, an Incarcerated Youth Symposium was held to define program areas which need to be developed and built into the Incarcerated Education Program model. Plenary and small working group discussions provide opportunities for creative thought and skill building for education and corrections personnel.

Program site monitoring also provides opportunities for staff development and technical assistance for educators and facility personnel. During these visits, the immediate issues, concerns, needs, and barriers to local program implementation are identified and addressed.

Finally, Technical Assistance Teams have been selected to provide expertise to the educational and transitional program services in all county correctional facilities. While a range of opportunities exist for current staff to enhance their knowledge and skills, a preservice component exists in only a few facilities. Mentoring the novice corrections educator is important because the environment is so different from traditional adult education.