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INTRODUCTION
The Ketchikan Correctional Center, located in Southeast Alaska, is a 53-bed pre-trial
facility. The Education Department comprises a classroom/library and a hallway converted
into a computer lab which houses six IBM-compatible computers and printers. The
Education Office is large enough for testing and allows for private conferences with
students. In addition, a small conference room and the dining hall/gym provides additional
space for programming. The yard contains a basketball hoop and a half-court for
recreation purposes. The library and computer lab are available for programming from
8-11 am, 1-4pm, and 6-9pm seven days a week. The gym/dining hall is available Monday
through Friday 7:45-10am, 1-2:15pm, and 6-9pm.
PROGRAM SERVICES
Educational programs are designed to provide easy diagnosis and assessment. Organized
classes are usually of short duration. Open-entry, open-exit, independent study courses
are available. All classes are designed to provide opportunities for mental stimulation and
social interaction.
Orientation to educational programs occurs Monday through Friday. Academic assessment
is required of all new inmates, and, unless the inmate refuses to comply, assessment is
completed on all inmates. Diagnostic testing, adult basic education, GED studies and testing,
career and interest testing, career counseling, and life skills classes are provided.
Postsecondary computer courses are available in the computer lab, and students may also
enroll in Distance Education Courses through the University of Alaska. The Education
Coordinator provides assistance with college applications, financial aid applications,
tutoring, and test monitoring, plus acts as liaison with postsecondary institutions.
In addition, the computer lab provides general education programs in Keyboarding, WordPerfect,
Desktop Publishing, Alaska Career Information, and a variety of enrichment software programs
on CD.
The approximately 1,500 volume library includes an outreach library service by the Ketchikan
City Library, a permanent prison library including video and tape cassettes, and a wide
variety of curriculum and resource materials.
Community service projects provide opportunities for inmates to make restitution to the
community. They also sometimes provide real work experience and limited vocational training.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education includes reading, math, and language arts instruction for students
functioning below 8th grade level. Diagnostic testing is provided for all entering students.
Small classes, tutoring, and computer-based, self-paced pre-GED instruction are scheduled
weekly.
General Educational Development (GED)
The GED program provides academic instruction above the 8th grade level and below the college
level for adults sixteen years and older. This instruction is designed to prepare individuals
to take and pass the General Education Development Diploma (GED). Instruction includes tutoring
and computer-based, self-paced GED instruction. The GED program also includes administration of
the GED examinations.
Life Skills Education
Life Skills Education is designed to help students develop coping skills necessary to adapt to
institutional constraints and prepare for successful reintegration into the community. Classes
in three main subject areas are offered: health and safety, cross-cultural, and pre-release
planning.
The Education Coordinator provides classes and recruits local experts to offer a variety of
classes indifferent topics. These topics are described on
the Education Programs web page.
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