Education programming should be broadly available to all residents, in accordance with their risk/needs, their motivation, and their risk reduction case plan. Programs and services should include these attributes: - Robust and evidence-based, with emphasis on improving program quality through integration of industry-recognized credentials, integrating multiple credentials in the same program to boost employability, and incorporating modern technology - Include support services, including readiness, tutoring, and social support - Include elements of soft skills and cognitive skills building, including the use of core correctional practices in the classroom and interaction between education staff and the residents - Be delivered in accordance with a specific education and employment plan, which is developed after a thorough education and employment assessment at admission, including skills and competency assessments (which will be ongoing as needed during incarceration and before placement in programming) - Be delivered in an environment that is conducive to learning, with as much normalcy as possible - Include quality assurance and fidelity, including specific outcomes, data tracking, reporting, and impact assessment - Include regular periodic planning meetings - Include ongoing review of programming for quality assurance and market relevance - Include ongoing independent evaluation to ensure impact related to gaining sustained livable wage employment in demand occupations, and impact on recidivism is recorded. - Set specific goals for the program, and a method to measure outcomes on an ongoing basis - Be funded through an array of funding sources, which are blended and leveraged - Be supported by strong collaboration between all partners, with emphasis on partnering with employers, centralized employer outreach, staff dedicated to making connections between courses and employers, ensuring resumes of returning citizens are made available at release, and hosting productive employer events
