SOP 108.02: Program Services_Education Services

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:1 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

I. Introduction and Summary:

In each state prison and private prison, instruction is provided in literacy and remedial
reading (L/RR), adult basic education (ABE), and in the skills necessary for attainment
of a High School Equivalency.

II. Authority:

A. Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA): 34 CFR Part 463 (1998), and

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): 20 U.S.C.A. Ch. 70 (2015);

B. O.C.G.A. §§42-5-64, and 42-5-57;

C. Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Board Rules: 125-4-2-.01; 125-4-2
.02; 125-4-2-.03; 125-4-2-.04; 125-4-2-.07, and 125-4-2-.10;

D. GDC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): 108.01 Education Programs

Administration, 108.04 High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing Centers, 220.03
Classification Committee and 220.05 Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and
Processing and

E. ACA Standards: 5-ACI-7B-01; 5-ACI-7B -02; 5-ACI-7B-04; 5-ACI-7B-05; 5
ACI-7B-06; 5-ACI-7B-07; 5-ACI-7B-09; 5-ACI-7B-10; 5-ACI-7B-11; 5-ACI7B-12; 5-ACI-7B-13; 5-ACI-7B-14; 5-ACI-7B-15, and 4-ALDF-5A-09.

III. Definitions:

As used in this SOP, these terms are defined as follows.

A. Classification Committee - A committee designated by the Warden designed to

provide an objective categorization of each offender based on their needs to assist
them in reaching their goals. See SOP 220.03, Classification Committee for
details.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:2 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

B. Completion - Achieving the prescribed level of mastery for each objective per the

prescribed level of proficiency and corresponding achievement as measured on
designated tests.

C. Curriculum - Subject matter as defined by the approved learning materials.

D. Education Program Specialist (EPS) - Regional Education Specialist who

performs designated academic duties and responsibilities and performs the
educational services assessments at each facility.

E. Educator - Paid full or part time academic instructor.

F. High School Diploma (HSD) - Completion of a High School Diploma through

an accredited program approved by the Georgia Department of Education (DOE).

G. High School Equivalency (HSE) - Completion of a High School Equivalency,

including GED (most common), charter school, HiSET (as appropriate), or other
test accepted by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) for High School
Equivalency.

H. Individualized or Small Group Instruction - Informal or formal instruction per

individualized written study plan, as determined by best practices.

I. Instructional Coach - Regional Instructional Coach who provides Instructional

support for all the teachers and educational staff with a focus on 17 – 21-year-old
students.

J. Placement - Determining a specific education program (L/RR, ABE, GED Prep,

GED Testing, or other High School Equivalency as appropriate) for a new student.

K. Promotion - Advancement to Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED Prep, GED

Testing, or High School Equivalency program.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:3 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

L. Student Support Specialist - Regional Student Support Specialist who manages

a caseload of students to ensure academic success with a focus on 17 – 21-yearold students.

M. The State Repository of Information System (SCRIBE) - GDC’s official

offender records management system.

N. Work Activity Performance Report (WAPR) - Documentation used to report to

counselors the progress/performance/attitude of offenders.

IV. Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:

A. Central Office provides academic and vocational education programs that are

recognized, certified, or licensed by the Georgia Department of Education (DOE)
[or other recognized agency having jurisdiction. Programs up to the Completion of](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(597612);)
High School and/or an approved High School Equivalency are available at no cost
to offenders.

B. Central Office provides and establishes uniform education standards throughout

GDC education sites to meet Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) compliance for
Educators that include:

1. Educator job descriptions.

2. Formal and informal observation formats that measure the job duties.

3. Screening of applicants and interview formats that emphasize security and

teaching requirements.

4. Education induction/orientation training of new Educators.

5. Education staff hiring procedures.

6. Annual/Quarterly Educator training.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:4 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

7. Offender post-secondary/continuing education options; and

8. Federal and State Funding Compliance, including:

a. Serving Neglected and Delinquent youth housed in adult correctional

facilities.

b. Providing training for Educators on best practices.

c. Overseeing expenditures of the facilities that serve special education

students.

d. Rule 10 of the State Interagency Services Grant: Providing Educators who

are certified in special education for qualified students.

C. Educator Duties:

1. Educators operate classes as specifically assigned by the facility, with regional

and Central Office oversight, unless school or class is canceled for institutional
reasons.

2. Part-time Educators operate classes according to the number of hours

employed up to, and not to exceed, twenty-nine (29) hours per week, and fulltime Instructors up to a minimum of forty (40) hours per week, to include
teaching on Friday.

3. Educators will be certified by the DOE or other comparable authority:

a. Educators must possess an appropriate degree or certificate and maintain

credentials after being hired.

b. Educators must attend all mandatory training.

4. Educators will:

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:5 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

a. Utilize class time to teach.

b. Implement the best teaching practices.

c. Maximize effective use of teaching assistants.

d. Develop small groups for learning.

e. Move among students.

f. Develop written, Individualized Study Plans; and

g. Coordinate with other institutional services to provide instruction in

functional social skills.

5. Educators are assigned:

a. To teach during the day or evening;

b. As needed for the purpose of providing instruction;

c. To conduct authorized testing;

d. Pre- and post-GED testing responsibilities; and

e. Planning.

D. GED Pre-Test Procedures:

1. After students are promoted to the GED Prep/GED Testing classes, the facility

designee will register the GED Prep students in GED Manager and add GED
Testing to the student’s list of programs in SCRIBE once qualified.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:6 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

2. Offenders qualify for GED Testing by scoring at a minimum performance level

on approved tests using designated criteria provided by regional and Central
Office Education Staff. Students must qualify in a specific subject area in order
to take the GED test in that subject area. Minimum approved criteria include,
but is not limited to:

a. GED Ready – a score of 145;

b. Kaplan – a score of 75 on a specific subject area test;

c. GED Academy – a score of 145 in a specific subject area test;

d. TABE – a score of 668 on the D level for math or reading;

e. IXL – a minimum score of 750 in a specific subject area test;

f. Aztec – a diagnostic Placement score at the GED Ready level of 50%;

g. Other diagnostic measures as added by Central Office and/or regional

academic education staff, and;

h. An Instructional Coach can offer discretionary approval, if appropriate.

Educators must submit a rationale for the requested approval if a student
does not qualify using approved minimum scores.

3. Educators must receive approval from regional academic education staff to

apply for accommodations if they are needed regarding the qualification scores
or other approved tests.

4. After students meet the qualifications for GED Testing, the GED Educator will

submit a final testing roster to the:

a. Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment (DWCT).

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:7 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

b. Business Manager; and

c. Education Program Specialist (EPS) in accordance with the GED Testing

Contract.

E. GED Post-Test Procedures:

1. The Educator is responsible for:

a. Securing testing equipment and setting up the testing site with computers

and the necessary materials needed for testing.

b. Reporting testing results to DWCT and EPS within three (3) days of

testing, and ensuring results are inputted in SCRIBE within five (5) days
after testing.

c. Submitting appropriate documentation to update the offender’s education

status in SCRIBE under education testing and closing the programs that
have been completed.

d. GED Testing is closed automatically by entering a passing score on each

of the four GED tests in SCRIBE.

e. The official GED post-test spreadsheet will be submitted to regional

Education Staff within three days of testing; and

f. Complete other duties that are assigned during non-instructional hours.

F. Other HSE Testing Procedures will be implemented as students who have earned

partial Completions as recognized by TCSG enter Georgia Department of
Corrections.

G. Other HSD enrollment and assessment procedures will be implemented as

necessary upon the implementation of a HSD option.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:8 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

H. Curriculum:

1. Educators will use approved Curricula.

2. Educators will use additional resources to supplement the Curricula with

approval from:

a. Central Office.

b. Instructional Coach.

3. Educators will provide adequate resources for student use in:

a. LRR.

b. ABE.

c. GED Prep. and/or Testing; and

d. Additional HSE or HSD programs as appropriate.

I. Instruction:

1. Offenders are enrolled in school through the Classification Committee, which

may occur anytime during the week, and HSE classes are designed for open
entry.

2. Teachers involve students in relevant and rigorous learning experiences

aligned to the course Curricula and instruct utilizing Individualized or Small
Group Instruction.

3. Using results of diagnostic tests, Educators provide feedback to students based

on the data analysis and utilize differentiated content and strategies to meet
individual student learning needs.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:9 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

4. The Educator employs a variety of teaching strategies and utilizes available

technology to enhance student learning and increase student
interest/motivation.

5. Educators maintain a safe and positive learning environment and ensure that

the students are on task.

6. Educators positively reinforce student growth and success through:

a. Incentives.

b. Certificates; and

c. Graduations, etc.

7. Educators effectively manage teacher assistants/aides to maximize student

engagement and learning as a supplement to the Educator’s instruction, such
as in Small Group Instruction:

a. Educators should have no more than two teacher assistants/aides per

classroom at one time unless approved by DWCT and Regional EPS.

8. Educators must monitor the progress of each student.

9. When an offender is not making the expected progress, an analysis is

conducted and documented with the Regional Student Support Specialist to
determine the root cause.

10. Based on the identified cause, interventions should be implemented and

monitored, with assistance from the Regional Student Support Specialist; and

11. Teachers who identify offenders who are not progressing with intervention

must document this on a Work Activity Performance Report (WAPR) and

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:10 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

forward it to the offender’s Regional Student Support Specialist and counselor
for action.

J. TABE Testing:

1. The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) Locator Test, or other approved

diagnostic achievement assessment, is administered by qualified Educators or
other TABE certified staff to determine academic deficiencies, and results are
shared with the Classification Committee in order to assign offenders to
appropriate HSE programs.

2. Using approved diagnostic achievement assessment data, Educators will

designate classes for students.

3. Educators provide counselors with approved diagnostic achievement

assessment results, i.e., TABE scores, for use in:

a. Case planning.

b. Making recommendations to the Classification Committee for Placement;

and

c. For use in completing parole review summaries or other paperwork.

4. Educator or facility designee will place scores in SCRIBE.

5. Initial diagnostic achievement assessment, i.e., TABE testing or other

approved diagnostic test, of eligible offenders, is completed on the following
occasions:

a. Upon arrival at the first permanent facility when education is requested;

and

b. Prior to classification assignments to education.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:11 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

6. Subsequent diagnostic achievement tests are given to determine individual

achievement and course Completion and, at a minimum, after the student has
completed forty (40)-sixty (60) hours of instruction.

7. Subsequent diagnostic achievement tests are also given to students as a

qualification for Completion of L/RR, ABE, GED preparation, and other HSE
programs as appropriate.

8. Prescribed time limits for the diagnostic achievement test, i.e., TABE test, are

observed.

9. Exceptions, if any, must be justified in writing; and

10. Testing requirements and manuals must be followed for assessment.

K. Placement, Promotion and Offender Progress:

1. The TABE 11 & 12 Locator Test or other approved diagnostic test, i.e., Kaplan

will be administered to:

a. Students who wish to enroll in school who do not have a TABE score

within a six (6) month window.

b. All scores are valid for Placement within a six (6) month window; and

2. If a student has not been enrolled in class before and the academic ability of

that student is unknown, the student shall be given TABE 11 & 12 Locator
Test, or other approved test, for Placement.

3. After the initial Diagnostic test, TABE 11 & 12 locator or other approved test

is administered, students will be placed in a class.

4. Placement is based on the scale score earned on the initial diagnostic test.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:12 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

5. Placement is no longer based on grade level.

6. At this time, initial Placement in academic courses shall align to the following

guidelines: (However, teacher discretion may be used to promote the student
into a higher bracket if academic performance in class proves ability to be
higher):

a. Reading:

i. L/RR: Level E. (300-470);

ii. ABE: Level M. (471-535);

iii. GED Prep: Level D or A. (Level D) (536-668);

iv. GED Testing: (Level D) (669-800); Students are placed in GED

Testing if they have already qualified for and taken at least one part of
the GED; and

v. Other HSE course as appropriate.

b. Mathematics:

i. L/RR: Level E. (300-470);

ii. ABE: Level M. (471-535);

iii. GED Prep: Level D or A. (Level D) (536-668);

iv. GED Testing: (Level D) (669-800); Students are placed in GED

Testing if they have already qualified for and taken at least one part of
the GED; and

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:13 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

v. Other HSE course as appropriate.

c. When a student qualifies for Placement in two levels, instructors shall

select the(lower) level for Placement; and

d. When a student qualifies for Placement in two levels, but the range between

qualifying scores is extensive (i.e., student qualifies at the top of range for
GED Prep in Reading, but in the low end of range for ABE in
mathematics), instructors shall recommend Placement in lower level, but
student can be scheduled to allow for both advanced study and remediation
in both levels.

7. After the first administration of TABE 11 & 12 Locator Test, a facility shall

use an approved assessment indicator to determine if a student is ready to be
promoted to the next level after forty (40) to sixty (60) hours of instruction.

8. Instructors who have seen evidence that students are ready for Promotion may

use discretion to assess for Promotion earlier than forty (40) to sixty (60) hours
of instruction.

9. Promotions will be placed on a WAPR and forwarded to the appropriate

facility personnel for program enrollment adjustments to be made.

10. All students shall be given an approved progress assessment after every sixty

(60) hours of instruction.

11. Students who are enrolled in GED Prep or GED Testing shall have progress

monitored by a list of assessments that may include, but are not limited to:

a. Scores obtained on GED Ready;

b. GED Academy;

c. IXL;

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:14 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

d. Kaplan; and

e. Other tests approved by regional education staff.

12. Students who are enrolled in L/RR or ABE shall have progress monitored by a

list of assessments that may include, but are not limited to:

a. TABE Academy; or

b. Other approved diagnostic assessment approved by Instructional Coach.

13. All progress assessment scores should be entered in SCRIBE and on the

Completion report.

14. All testing results must be documented in the student file as well as on a

WAPR; and

15. The WAPR is forwarded to the Chief Counselor who shall follow-up with

necessary recommendations to the Classification Committee.

L. Placement in a HSD program will be based on transcripts obtained from the school

system of previous enrollment.

M. Record Keeping and Tracking:

1. Educators are responsible for tracking and recording:

a. Daily/monthly academic achievements.

b. Attendance; and

c. Level Completions of their students in the formats as required by the

Deputy Warden and regional education staff and must provide all required
data for data entry.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|Policy Name:Program Services/Education Services|
|Policy Number:108.02|Effective Date:01/09/2025|Page Number:15 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Inmate Services Division
(Education)|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

V. Attachments:

None.

VI. Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:

None.