Department Operations Manual

101010.1 Policy (a) The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) provides quality academic and Career and Technical Education (CTE) training courses that have a research-base which demonstrates and predicts positive learning outcomes for adults, that meet the needs and interests of the inmate population consistent with the operational and security priorities of individual adult institutions. (b) Each adult institution shall provide academic education, CTE training courses, library services, recreation, physical education, Student Support Services (SSS), and a Transitions course. The goal is to provide inmates with needed education and career training as part of a broader CDCR effort to increase public safety and reduce recidivism. These programs shall be standardized and coordinated statewide through the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) and Office of Correctional Education (OCE). They shall also be made accessible to inmates, be consistent in quality and content, and be in compliance with the California Code of Regulations (CCR) and state and federal laws. 101010.2

101010.2 Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide standards and directives for education services. 101010.3

101010.3 Programs (a) Education programs includes academic, Career and Technical Education (CTE) training courses, SSS, and Transition courses to prepare inmates for release. (1) Enrollment in courses shall be open-entry and open-exit, unless specifically approved by the Superintendent of Education so that students may be assigned and unassigned at any time throughout the year. (2) Education programs are aligned with an OCE-adopted competency-based curriculum and the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS). Educational programs shall implement the department's adopted instructional materials, curriculum, and assessments. (3) Programs provide rigorous and engaging education courses that maximize instructional minutes, incorporate research-based instructional practices, and prepare inmates for a career path. (4) Schools utilize the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) process, in a culture of collaboration, to improve instruction, increase student outcomes, and focus on meeting OCE and school goals. (5) Education staff shall administer state-adopted assessments to inmates, in accordance with OCE Test Materials Security and Reporting. (6) Students may use state-purchased hardbound (hardback) textbooks in the classrooms and in the housing units during lockdowns/modified programs utilizing the trust account withdrawal system. (7) Interactive whiteboards connected to a workstation on the Inmate Ward Secured Network or to staff computers, are authorized under the direct supervision of a classroom teacher or education administrator for specific and valid educational purposes. (b) Lockdowns and Modified Education Programs. (1) During lockdowns and modified programs which impact students’ ability to attend courses physically, or as noted on the Program Status Report (PSR), individualized student learning shall be provided via independent study, online learning, blended learning, distance learning, etc. as approved by the Warden. Students are expected to complete assignments as instructed by the teacher. Teachers shall provide regular feedback to students on their progress and participation. (2) Reasonable accommodations shall continue to be provided to students, in accordance with the Individually Tailored Education Plan (ITEP). (3) Formative and summative assessments shall determine student learning goals, objectives, and proficiency. Standardized assessments shall be provided in a secured classroom setting to ensure the integrity of the test environment with Warden approval as indicated in the PSR. (4) In addition to independent study packets, CTE training courses shall be provided via a traditional shop environment with Warden approval as indicated in the PSR, so as to ensure that students are able to complete performance based assignments and activities to demonstrate proficiency. 101010.3.1

101010.3.1 Responsibility (a) Headquarters. (1) The Superintendent of Education shall provide faculty and administrator training, professional development, funding, education staffing, policies and procedures, and consultative services to the adult institutions for education programs. These services shall include an Assistant Chief of Education over curriculum and instruction who shall provide the needed expertise in implementing and maintaining research-based instructional practices utilizing the California Department of Education (CDE), CCRS, English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards for adult learners and the competency-based curriculum for CTE training and other approved courses. (2) The Superintendent of Education shall audit, evaluate, and report to the Director of DRP on the education programs at each adult institution. (3) The Superintendent of Education shall be a member of the Secretary and DRP’s executive staff. (4) The Superintendent of Education, through the adult institution’s Supervisors of Correctional Education Programs (Principals), shall coordinate efforts in obtaining accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for each adult institutio n’s school. (b) Adult Institution Schools. (1) As the hiring authority, the Warden is administratively responsible for the education programs at their adult institution. (2) The Warden shall regularly consult with the Regional Associate Superintendent, to ensure instructional quality and program integrity to meet the program completion and recidivism reduction goals of CDCR. (3) The priority of the Warden is to ensure that the adult institution’s educational programs are preparing inmates for college or a career. (4) The Principal shall be a member of each Warden's executive staff. (5) As an instructional leader, the Principal is directly responsible for the education programs at the adult institution, and shall develop, implement, operate, and evaluate inmate educational programs with integrity. (6) The Principal or their designee shall conduct weekly classroom walkthroughs and provide feedback to teachers on the use and effectiveness of research based instructional practices, classroom management, and test administration. (7) Student learning shall be demonstrated with 70% or above proficiency in the standards and competencies. (8) For the purpose of earning Milestone Completion Credits (MCC), students shall attend class, complete coursework, and pass assessments at 70% or above. (9) Movies and television media clips may be used to augment curriculum in the classroom as approved by the Principal. (c) Educational Advisory Committee. (1) Each Principal shall establish an educational advisory committee, known as Student Council, for education programs comprised of students. The Supervisor of Academic Instruction (Assistant Principals) shall schedule meetings with the committee on a regular basis (at least once monthly). (2) The objective of Student Council is to provide a means to establish and maintain positive relationships and two-way communication with the students. Through effective use of Student Council it shall be possible to maximize students’ contributions to the s chool programs and enhance the quality and participation in the classes. 101010.3.2

101010.3.2 Credentialed Personnel (a) Personnel who teach or administer inmate education programs shall possess an appropriate California teaching or service credential, and maintain current status while employed. Any lapse in credentials is cause for immediate removal from assignment, and non-punitive termination shall be initiated. (b) Academic teachers, shall maintain a single or multiple subject credential; CTE teachers shall maintain a designated subject credential, in accordance with the CalHR minimum qualification of the position for which they are hired. At designated Developmental Disabled Program (DDP) schools, at least one teacher shall have an Education Specialist credential or equivalent. School administrators shall possess and maintain the appropriate administrative services credential in accordance with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and CalHR Minimum Qualifications. 101010.3.3

101010.3.3 Contracts OCE may negotiate contracts with local school districts, county boards of education, and consultants.

101010.3.4 Classification of Inmates (a) Education staff shall review inmate education records upon inmate arrival. If inmates do not have a reading grade level established in the Strategic Offender Management System (SOMS), education staff shall administer a reading assessment prior to Classification Committee to assist in determining effective communication and appropriate education course(s) placement. (1) Prior to classification, education staff (registrar) shall provide inmates a release form that authorizes the registrar to request education transcripts and special education records from the prior school(s) the inmate attended. Inmates shall authorize the school to obtain educational records to determine education needs. (2) Education staff shall update an inmate’s educational history in the SOMS to ensure records are available to Classification Committees for proper placement on appropriate waiting lists, based on their educational needs. (3) Classification Committees shall place inmates on waiting lists for education programs. An education administrator shall provide input and training to the Correctional Counselors to assist in determining inmate education needs. (4) Recommendations for assignments to education programs shall be made on the basis of reading grade levels, the department’s needs assessment instrument, educational history, assessment records, inmate career goals, the inmate’s rehabilitation case plan, and medical and mental health factors and recommendations. (5) Inmates who do not have a High School Diploma (HSD), a High School Equivalency (HSE), or inmates with developmental disabilities who do not have a Certificate of Completion (Certificate of Attendance and Participation), shall be placed on a waiting list for Adult Basic Education (ABE) or Adult Secondary Education (ASE), based on their most current reading grade level. (6) Inmates who are within two years of release shall be placed on a waiting list for the Transitions course. (7) Inmates with a medium to high need for employment based on the department’s needs assessment tool shall be placed on a waiting list of their choice for a CTE training course, and one alternate CTE training course based on the Education Administrator recommendation. An inmate shall not be screened out for participation in CTE training courses based on the inmate’s reading grade level. Inmates must meet the safety and eligibility criteria to perform the requirements of the CTE training course, based upon the course description and the ability to read the coursework, with accommodations. (8) Institutional safety and security needs shall also be considered when making education assignments within established policy guidelines. 101010.3.5

101010.3.5 Enrollment of Inmates (a) The Inmate Assignment Office (IAO) staff shall assign inmates to the appropriate education courses based on CDCR policy, and Classification Committee action. (1) Inmates shall be assigned to education programs in the order in which they appear on the waiting list. (2) Inmates under the age of 22 shall receive priority enrollment in education programs. (3) Priority assignments for ABE and ASE courses are for inmates who are within 3-48 months of release or of a parole consideration hearing. (4) Priority assignments for Transition courses are for inmates who are within two years of release. (5) Inmates who are within 6-48 months of release, or of a parole consideration hearing, shall receive priority placement into a CTE training course. Inmates who have a low need for employment and inmates who are not within 6-48 months of release shall receive secondary priority for assignment to a CTE training course. Up to 10% of each CTE training course may consist of inmates serving life sentences with the possibility of release. (6) Inmates who are enrolled in a Computer and Related Technologies (CRT) Digital Literacy training course and who are determined by the instructor to be digitally literate may request to be unassigned from CRT Digital Literacy training courses with approval from the Principal. (7) After inmates are enrolled in a course, attendance shall be considered contractual on their part until completion of the course, or removal by the IAO or by a Classification Committee. (8) In the event that a student has difficulties being successful in a course, the student may be referred to an ABE, ASE, or after school tutoring for additional support with contextualized learning. (9) The Principal may initiate students to be reassigned to alternate education courses or a work assignment based on institutional need, course completion, assessments, course prerequisites, or medical and mental health professional recommendations via a CDC 128-B General Chrono. (10) English Learners (EL) and students with disabilities shall be mainstreamed with their peers in education courses, and shall be provided equal access to the curriculum. (11) Students with disabilities shall be provided reasonable accommodations based on their individual learning needs. Tutoring is available for students who have learning disabilities or difficulties. 101010.3.6

101010.3.6 Occupational Licensing The department may provide an opportunity for students to obtain licenses in occupations that require licensure. 101010.3.7

101010.3.7 Termination of Assignments A student may be unassigned from a course with the recommendation of the teacher and the approval of the Principal, on a case-by-case basis via a CDC 128-B General Chrono, based on course matriculation and assessments, completion of the course, diploma or degree, and continual failure or refusal to attend class. Students may also be unassigned from class due to safety and security, transfer, and release. 101010.4

101010.4 Career and Technical Education (a) CTE training courses shall provide students with technical and occupational knowledge of a career pathway that results in national certification for jobs in high demand industries where inmates are able to make a livable wage upon release from prison. (1) CTE training courses relate to the following industry sectors: building and construction; business and finance; energy, environment and utilities; fashion and interior design; information and communication technology; manufacturing and product development; public services; and, transportation. (2) CTE teachers shall teach the following: collaboration with people from different cultures and life experiences, patience, positive communication strategies, critical thinking, problem solving, digital literacy, flexibility and adaptability, initiative, punctuality, productivity, and accountability. (3) The IAO shall assign inmates to CTE training courses in the order they appear on the waiting list, per Classification Committee action, in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, title 15, section 3040.3, Education Assignments. 101010.4.1

101010.4.1 Standards for Career and Technical Education Training Courses (a) CTE training courses shall maintain the following minimum standards: (1) CTE training courses shall be conducted within OCE standards and policies. (2) CTE training courses shall be aligned with industry certification, state license, or apprenticeship programs. (3) Unless otherwise approved by the Superintendent of Education, each CTE teacher shall conduct and document six hours of approved training each day. (4) Each CTE teacher shall present a minimum of one hour of safety instruction per month. (A) This instruction shall be appropriately documented and available for inspection. (B) A safety committee comprised of students shall conduct weekly safety inspections of equipment and facilities. (C) Records of the safety inspections shall be maintained for one year. (5) CTE training courses shall be designed to be completed by students within 18 months. 101010.4.2

101010.4.2 Career and Technical Education Procedures for Continuing Existing Training Courses (a) CTE training courses shall be continued at an adult institution on the basis of identifiable space, number of inmates who have an unmet need for employment, predictable employment availability based on trade information and labor statistics, Trade Advisory Committee (TAC) recommendations, and student access to and attendance in the CTE training courses. (b) The Superintendent of Education shall review and approve all CTE training courses to be continued at the adult institution schools. 101010.4.3

101010.4.3 Procedures for Addition/Change of Career and Technical Education Training Courses (a) An adult institution requesting to add or change a CTE training course shall submit a program change request to the Superintendent of Education. (1) The request will include the current and requested course(s), yard(s), teacher to student ratio, potential fiscal impact, and needs related to: structural or classroom modifications, custody coverage, and procurement or movement of consumables, tools, and equipment.

101010.4.4 Career and Technical Education Procedures for Conducting a Job Market Analysis (a) Every five years, the administrator over CTE training courses at OCE, shall conduct a job market analysis for existing courses. (1) The job market analysis shall contain each of the following: (A) A summary of the latest projections of employment for the State of California referencing resources such as the State Employment Development Department (EDD) in coordination with the Department of Industrial Relations, the California Workforce Development Board and Occupational Information Network (O*NET). (B) A summary of current and projected employment availability by region, salary range, number of workers employed, and licenses or certifications required for each trade. (C) Recommendations for continuing or discontinuing CTE training courses shall be based on workforce employment needs, institutional safety and security concerns, unmet employment needs of inmates in the institutions, available space, funding considerations, and job market analysis. (D) General information about each CTE training course shall include a brief description of the training course, existing locations, major equipment necessary, length of training necessary to complete the course, and training space required. 101010.4.5

101010.4.5 Career and Technical Education Trade Advisory Committee (a) OCE shall establish a Trade Advisory Committee (TAC) to include industry stakeholders from regions where the majority of CTE students are released. The membership shall be evaluated annually by OCE-CTE administration to discuss industry employment trends, skill gaps and industry standard methods to include tools and equipment. Consultation with industry leaders and employers may be accomplished through surveys, web-based or conference calls, as well as membership to industry associations and organized labor organizations. OCE shall consider institutional TAC outcome reports and OCE-TAC consultation as part of the California EDD labor market data and as a part of the continuous improvement model for CTE training courses. (b) The Superintendent of Education shall ensure the Principal establishes a TAC for each CTE training course at the institution. The TAC membership shall be composed of industry business owner(s) and journey level craft or trade people. (c) Each CTE teacher shall submit to the Principal a list with a minimum of three TAC members to include the name of the business, address of business, website of business, phone number of member and contact name. This list shall be updated quarterly. The Principal shall ensure the TAC membership business or journey level experience is in alignment with the CTE training course employment pathway. (d) TAC members will be encouraged to meet with instructors, students, and institutional administration to provide insight into employment trends and skill gaps seen in the industry. When possible the TAC should be invited to Inmate Education Advisory Committee meetings to share employment needs and concerns. (e) Principals shall review requests from teachers to participate in a TAC. CTE teacher participation may be in person or virtual through technology options, and shall occur during non-student contact time, when possible. (f) Requests for TAC participation must include: (1) The name of the business, address of business, website of business, phone number of member, and contact name. (2) TAC meeting location and time. (3) Meeting agenda or justification for participation. (A) The Principal shall ensure that the meeting agenda outcome or report is completed, reviewed, and submitted to OCE. (g) The objectives of the TAC shall be to provide advice and consultation on: (1) Establishing standards for inmate training relevant to current methods and industry standards. (2) Vocational guidance. (3) Evaluation of students. (4) Employment opportunities for students upon release. (h) The Assistant Principal shall ensure that each CTE teacher organizes and maintains an active TAC for their CTE training course. (i) CTE teachers shall work closely with representatives of the TAC to ensure CTE training courses meet the changing employment needs and training trends in the industry. (j) The TAC shall meet quarterly on staff development, training days, or both. Exemptions to the quarterly meetings shall be requested from the Associate Superintendent, due to the feasibility of conducting meetings in certain geographic locations. 101010.4.6

101010.4.6 Review of Career and Technical Education Training Courses (a) The Superintendent of Education shall annually review each adult institution CTE training course. (b) CTE training courses shall be reviewed according to the following criteria: (1) Student length of time in assignment, and progress toward completion of the training course. (2) Program integrity, including the utilization of instructional best practices, appropriate use and maintenance of all equipment prescribed for training, and implementation of evaluation protocols as established by OCE. (3) Documented evidence at the prison that students are engaged in small group learning activities. Eighty percent of the small group instruction shall include projects using tools of the trade identified by the approved OCE curriculum. Twenty percent of the small group learning activities shall be direct instruction and cooperative learning activities relating to concepts and theories related to the trade, literacy, and numeracy. (4) Current record keeping in SOMS and related training certification websites of training partners or licensing agencies. (5) Test integrity. (6) Education records, including completions, number of student certifications, student attendance, percentages of students passing tests on the first attempt, and timelines. (7) Student satisfaction surveys. (8) Use of CTE training course students for special projects within the institution, including those requested by the Warden. (9) Adequacy of facilities. (10) TAC participation. 101010.4.7

101010.4.7 Career and Technical Education Employee Services for Automobile Repair (a) The minimum standards for Employee Services related to automobile repair are detailed below, and shall be incorporated into the institution's Operational Procedures (OP). The institution may add additional restrictions or limitations, but the institution may not lessen the standards. The minimum standards are as follows, and shall not be circumvented: (1) Funds generated by employee services will be used to supplement, purchase, repair, or upgrade equipment needs of the vocational programs. (2) Restoration, customization, and conversion projects are not approved as employee service projects. All restoration and conversion projects are limited to institution or community service projects. (3) No vehicle over 15 years of age will be repaired. NO EXCEPTIONS. (4) Employee services available are limited to the standard type of repairs offered in the average auto repair shop. (5) Employees must have a current operating Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registration, indicating proof of ownership. (6) Charges for repairs are based on the time required for the job as listed in the flat rate manual for warranty repairs for specific makes and models. The employee will be charged a per hour labor rate as prescribed in the OP for CTE training courses, but no less than $60.00 per hour. OCE will review the labor rate annually. (7) A Safety Data Sheet must accompany all liquids, chemicals, paints, etc., that are brought into the institution. (8) A vehicle cannot be transferred from course to course. One request, per vehicle. When a request is completed, the vehicle will be removed from the course. The employee can initiate another request for the same vehicle. (9) Employees have a maximum of five days to bring in the vehicle when notified. If an employee cannot bring in the vehicle within the required time frame, their name will be placed at the bottom of the list, and the next person will be contacted. (10) Once the vehicle is delivered to the course, the instructor will provide the employee with an estimated cost for repairs, and a material and parts list. The employee will have a maximum of five days to pay the estimated project cost, as well as provide all parts and materials. If an employee cannot provide all the parts, materials, or pay the estimated project cost, the employee will then have three days to remove the vehicle from the course. (11) Upon notification of project completion, the employee has three working days to remove the vehicle from the course. (12) Failure to remove a vehicle from a course within the specified time frame will result in the vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. (13) Employees will be charged for the disposal of any hazardous materials such as coolant, oil, and transmission fluid. 101010.5

101010.5 Academic Education Programs (a) Academic education programs include English Language Development (ELD), ABE, ASE, and Post-Secondary and Continuing Education (PSCE). ELD, ABE, and ASE shall include the teaching of the CDE, CCRS and ELP standards. (b) Utilizing textbooks adopted by OCE, research-based instructional practices, and maximizing instructional time, instruction shall enable the student to: (1) Increase literacy and numeracy skills. (2)Demonstrate proficiency in the adopted academic standards. (3) Complete prerequisites for academic success in PSCE, CTE training courses, and continuing education. (c) The Warden shall make every effort to ensure that inmates who do not have a United States-recognized accredited high school diploma or its equivalency or a certificate of completion (for inmates with developmental disabilities) are enrolled in ABE or ASE courses, in accordance with the most current reading grade level as follows: Adult Basic Education Adult Secondary Education Adult Basic Education I 0 - 3.9 Adult Basic Education III 7 - 8.9 Adult Basic Education II 4 - 6.9 High School Diploma 9+ GED 9+ (d) Academic education may be provided via alternative education to inmates housed in Secured Housing Units (SHU), Administrative Segregation, Condemned Row, on orientation status, at Conservation (Fire) Camps, and for inmates with medical and mental health preclusions. 101010.5.1

101010.5.1 Scope of Academic Education (a) Academic education includes: (1) ELD. (2) ABE. (3) ASE. (4) Literacy Tutoring (LT). (5) PSCE. 101010.5.2