By Christopher Zoukis
The New Mexico prison system takes a comprehensive view of prison education; their educational programs are governed by the New Mexico Corrections Department Education Bureau. The bureau works in conjunction with other agencies, organizations, and the community to ensure that prisoners have the opportunity to obtain vocational and academic skills. The aim of their programs is to reduce recidivism and help inmates become responsible and contributing members of society. Image courtesy corrections.state.nm.us
Range of Educational Services
New Mexico offers many types of educational programs to inmates. Parenting courses, English as a Second Language courses (ESL), vocational classes, employment related classes, and college-level coursework are some of the main features of their overall programming. Placement exams allow bureau staff to effectively steer inmates to the programs that would most benefit them. There are also programs to address special needs of incarcerated individuals. Taking coursework while imprisoned allows the inmates to earn certifications, certificates, and even college credits.
Assessments Offered to Inmates
The bureau offers a wide array of exams that allow it to place prisoners in appropriate programs suited to both their level of education and demonstrated skills. Some basic tests offered by the prison system include the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) that measures basic skills in reading, language, and math. The test is standard in the education field and is suited to the diverse range of adult learners. Once an inmate has taken the exam, staff members are better able to determine which types of programs would be most advantageous for individuals.
The Employability Competency System Full Battery (CASAS) assesses skills for the bureau’s vocational and post-secondary programming. The Act WorkKeys exam also helps determine placement by assessing employability skills. The Choices assessment takes inmates’ own preferences for future employment into consideration while also helping them determine careers that best meet their skill sets at the time of their assessment. The Keytrain assessment relates to state employability and allows inmates to determine their eligibility for a range of employment options in New Mexico. These are just a few of the assessments offered through the bureau. There are others that determine college level placement, intelligence tests, and language deficiencies, for example.