2024 - 18 Holes on the LINCS

Welcome to a tough Par 4, Hole #2.

Institutions from across the country are facing challenges  securing educational staff for the classrooms both behind and beyond the walls of our prisons and jails. Many facilities face budget cuts, correctional officer shortages, or over crowding, all of which limit or restrict access to educational support services. Yet, we know that by taking one class behind the walls you are at 43% greater chance of not returning to incarceration. 

This Par 4 holes requires us to think outside the cell and consider ways that we can help both our students and staff in the correctional and reentry classrooms.  I will kick us off:

• Using Tutors to help students learn and provide an extra set of hands for the instructors. There are some agencies that provide tutoring support to help students obtain their high school equivalence, transition to post secondary classes, secure an occupational credential, or even provide digital and financial literacy support. One on one tutoring (either live or virtually) can be one of the most impactful tools in our educational toolbox.

Now it's your turn. On this hole you can either:

1- Take a short cut around some trees and comment on the use of tutors behind the walls; OR

2- Come up with a way to better support our students and staff in the correctional setting.

HI.

Welcome to a very easy PAR 5 hole to get the week started. There are 13 Communities in the LNCS platform and our Correctional and Reentry Education is just one of them. https://community.lincs.ed.gov/

LINCS has so very much to offer for anyone working with adult educators including monthly events, a incredible Resource Collection, numerous courses, state resources, and a ever growing community of educators and administrators sharing their knowledge and experience with the field. 

Each month the awesome team of LINCS Moderators create events on topics which directly impact our learners, and can help educators and administrators alike. For example, today the Career Pathways & Post Secondary Transition Community led by Chrissie Klinger is hosting "I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for IET". 

For this easy PAR 5 - name five (5) other Communities which can be found on the LINCS Platform.

For an Eagle, register for an upcoming event that is upcoming.

Enjoy the hole.

Your Caddie

JeffA

Hole #4  has been a work in progress from last year and one that educators, administrators, and students have been playing with passion and purpose. With the help of the IET in Corrections Design Camps sponsored by OCTAE, golfers from all over the country have been venturing into the IET fairways and using all of the clubs in their bag to create some incredible programs. 

I guess we should give this hole some context:

An Integrated Education and Training (IET) is an evidenced-based workforce development and career pathways strategy that offers workforce training, adult education and literacy, and workforce preparation skills at the same time. In an IET program, instructors teach adults the academic and workforce skills they need concurrently and contextually to accelerate learning and prepare them for employment after release. 

I think of an IET as a program where a math teacher teaches fractions, in or near a classroom where a carpentry teacher teaches the skill, and then add in a dosage of career preparedness on top.  What a great learning model!

For this hole we will be trying to avoid the rough, the trees, and the sand that are all over this hole. In order to do that we need to see the challenges that implementing an IET in the Correctional setting that would impact the successful implementation and student success that lies ahead. 

List 4 of these challenges as you make your way to the hole.

I can get us started:

1- The IET training should be something that students would want to do upon release and which also has some demand in the labor market. (Doing an IET project where occupational licensing poses an issue for justice impacted learners, or if there are no available jobs upon release just doesn't make good sense).

Now it's your turn...

Good luck 

This short Par 3 hole will be setting the stage for a much more challenging one later on the course that focuses on the Digital Equity Act. For now, let's try to make par by listing thee reasons why digital literacy skills are so important in the correctional and reentry education settings.

Digital literacy as defined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is defined as "skills associated with using technology to enable users to find, evaluate, organize, create, and communicate information." Recent studies have found that 92% of all jobs require at least some digital skills.

In the correctional and reentry settings digital literacy is super important to help learners navigate the educational challenges that stand in front of them. 

Now let's list at least three ways that digital literacy has an impact on students behind and beyond the walls of our prison and jails. 

Of course I can get us started, but remember this is not a golf scramble, you need to list your own three.

1- Students need some digital literacy skills for test taking (including taking the GED/HSE).

2- Students will need digital literacy skills to apply for technical certifications or post secondary opportunities.

3- Students need digital literacy skills to navigate on line math, reading, or career programming.

Now it's your turn...

This challenging Par 4 Hole will require you to think hard about where your are going, watch for the water hazards which are many, and make you face the extremely challenging green which slopes and undulates in every direction.  

As we consider how best to educate students behind and beyond the walls of our prisons and jails, we need to be mindful of the hole, and our ultimate goals. In the correctional and reentry settings the attainment of an educational benchmark or goal like a high school diploma or post-secondary degree is only one of the shots we need to make. Getting the ball in the hole however involves looking at the return post incarceration to a community, a family, a career, and more. 

For this hole let's take some time to think about the barriers that lie ahead and what we can do to help alleviate them. Here are a few that come to mind:

1- Securing a desired career with a pathway for sustainability and growth. Over 70% of those leaving our prisons and jails will be unemployed one year after release.

2- Finding a home post release.

3- Obtaining identification like a driver's license or social security card.

4- Navigating the restrictions of probation and parole.

5- Finding digital access and resources.

And the list goes on...There are well over 14,000 documented barriers after release. 

For this hole let's see if you can select four barriers and identify one solution that could help a student as they transition home.

I can get us started:

Identification - let's give everyone that is leaving a prison or jail a state or federally issued identification card along with the social security card. 

Now it's your turn...

Hi welcome to the brand new Par 8th hole. This hole was built several years ago, but only now is being launched. Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming the rage, and the field of adult education is taking center stage as innovators from around the globe are considering ways that teachers and instructors can use this technology to help learners. 

Here are the basics about AI:
 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that historically required human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and identifying patterns. AI is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP). 

Although the term is commonly used to describe a range of different technologies in use today, many disagree on whether these actually constitute artificial intelligence. Instead, some argue that much of the technology used in the real world today actually constitutes highly advanced machine learning that is simply a first step towards true artificial intelligence, or “general artificial intelligence” (GAI).

Yet, despite the many philosophical disagreements over whether “true” intelligent machines actually exist, when most people use the term AI today, they’re referring to a suite of machine learning-powered technologies, such as Chat GPT or computer vision, that enable machines to perform tasks that previously only humans can do like generating written content, steering a car, or analyzing data

In a recent book by Salman Khan (founder of Khan Academy), the benefits of artificial intelligence in the world of education in everything from incorporating AI in teaching math and reading to collaborative learning to  the future of the workplace.

For this super tough hole, come up with three ways that we could use AI in the area of correctional and reentry education.

I can get us started:

1- Using AI to help tutor students both behind and beyond t he walls of our prisons and jails. Providing this support can help students learn even with teaching staffing shortages, lockdowns, and other logistical barriers to learning.

Now it's your turn.

Have fun... 

You are so right when it comes to technology behind the walls. Fortunately, we are making incredible strides in bringing technology into the carceral and reentry settings. The Digital Equity could be helpful in this regard as there now is a funding vehicle that could help drive this change. In particular, the Digital Equity Act has a call out for our prisons and jails. You can learn more here: https://www.internetforall.gov/

I am pretty confident there will be a Digital Equity Act hole on the back nine, so hang in there.

Jeff A

This Par 4 Hole is pretty straight forward and will be easy to score well if you have done your homework. As summer is here we will be spending time with family and hopefully taking some vacation time away from work (except maybe for this fun game of golf). For this hole you need to list 4 books that adult educators would enjoy and learn from while on their summer vacation. 

I can get is started:

1- Brave New Words: How AI will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing) by Salman Khan.

2- Untapped Talent by Jeff Korzenik.

3- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek (or my favorite from Simon 0 Let's Start with Why?).

4- From Prison Cells to PHD by Stanley Adnrisse.

These are all books that I enjoyed and learned from along the way.

What are yours???

Jeff A

Thanks Jacki - These are some great suggestions and a few that I have not yet read.

Jeff A

This Par 5 Hole is one of the most challenging on the entire course. Here is some background you will need to play the hole successfully:

Racial disparities in prisons and jails are well-documented and remain a significant issue in the United States. Various studies, reports, and statistics have highlighted these disparities, showing that people of color, particularly Black and Latino individuals, are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system compared to their white counterparts. Here are some key points and data:

1. Incarceration Rates

• Black Americans: Black individuals are incarcerated at significantly higher rates than white individuals. As of the latest data, Black men are incarcerated at a rate nearly six times that of white men, and Black women are incarcerated at a rate nearly twice that of white women.
• Latino Americans: Latino men are incarcerated at a rate more than twice that of white men, and Latino women are also incarcerated at higher rates than white women, though the disparity is less pronounced compared to Black individuals.

2. Juvenile Justice

• Black and Latino youth are more likely to be arrested, charged, and detained than white youth. They are also more likely to be transferred to adult courts, which increases their chances of receiving harsher sentences.

3. Sentencing Disparities

• Studies have shown that people of color often receive harsher sentences than white individuals for similar offenses. This includes longer prison terms and a higher likelihood of receiving the death penalty.
• The War on Drugs has particularly impacted Black and Latino communities, with these groups being disproportionately targeted for drug-related offenses, leading to higher incarceration rates.

4. Pretrial Detention

• Black and Latino individuals are more likely to be held in pretrial detention because they are less likely to be able to afford bail. This contributes to higher rates of incarceration and longer periods in jail before trial.

5. Police Practices

• Racial profiling and over-policing in communities of color contribute to higher arrest rates for Black and Latino individuals. This overrepresentation in arrests feeds into the broader disparities seen in the prison population.

6. Systemic Factors

• The disparities in incarceration are also tied to broader systemic issues, such as socioeconomic inequality, education disparities, and neighborhood segregation, which disproportionately affect communities of color.

7. Recent Trends

• There has been a slight decrease in overall incarceration rates in the U.S., but racial disparities persist. Efforts like criminal justice reform and the movement to end mass incarceration have brought more attention to these issues, but significant challenges remain.

8. Impact of Disparities

• The impact of racial disparities in incarceration extends beyond the individual to their families and communities, leading to cycles of poverty, reduced access to education and employment, and ongoing marginalization.

These disparities are a critical aspect of the broader discussions around criminal justice reform and racial equity in the United States.

For this Par 5 Hole you will need to list five action steps that we can take to level the playing field and begin to fix some of the obvious inequalities in our correctional and reentry systems.

For additional Caddy help on this hole you might want to check out these sources:

• The Sentencing Project: This organization provides regular reports and analyses on racial disparities in the criminal justice system, showing the ongoing disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities.
• Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): The BJS offers detailed data on incarceration rates by race, showing how these disparities have changed over time.
• Pew Research Center: Provides insights into public perception and broader trends in incarceration, including racial disparities.

Here are a few of my shots:

• End Racial Profiling: Implement policies that prohibit racial profiling by law enforcement. Training officers on implicit bias and cultural competence can help reduce the disproportionate targeting of communities of color.
• Community Policing: Strengthen community policing efforts to build trust between law enforcement and communities of color. This can lead to more equitable enforcement of laws and a reduction in arrests for minor offenses.
• Decriminalization of Minor Offenses: Decriminalizing offenses like drug possession and minor traffic violations can reduce the number of people of color entering the criminal justice system.

2. Bail Reform

• Eliminate Cash Bail: Implementing alternatives to cash bail can reduce pretrial detention rates, which disproportionately affect Black and Latino individuals who are often unable to afford bail.
• Pretrial Services and Support: Increase the availability of pretrial services, such as court reminders and supervised release programs, to ensure people can return to court without the need for detention.

3. Sentencing Reform

• Eliminate Mandatory Minimum Sentences: These laws have contributed to racial disparities, particularly in drug-related offenses. Reforming or eliminating mandatory minimum sentences can allow for more equitable and individualized sentencing.
• Address Sentencing Disparities: Encourage the use of sentencing guidelines that take into account the potential for racial bias, and implement oversight to ensure that similar crimes receive similar sentences regardless of the defendant's race.

4. Reduce Mass Incarceration

• Alternative Sentencing: Promote the use of alternatives to incarceration, such as probation, community service, and restorative justice programs, especially for non-violent offenses.
• Reentry Programs: Invest in reentry programs that support formerly incarcerated individuals in transitioning back into society. These programs should include job training, education, and housing support, with a focus on reducing recidivism in communities of color.

5. Address Systemic Inequality

• Invest in Education and Economic Opportunities: Address the root causes of crime by investing in education, job training, and economic opportunities in communities of color. Reducing poverty and increasing access to education can help prevent criminal behavior and reduce incarceration rates.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: Expand access to mental health services and substance abuse treatment as alternatives to incarceration, particularly in communities that are disproportionately affected by these issues.
• Community Empowerment: Empower communities of color to engage in the political process and advocate for their interests. Grassroots movements can play a crucial role in pushing for reforms that address systemic racism in the criminal justice system.

6. Data Collection and Transparency

• Comprehensive Data Collection: Improve the collection and analysis of data on racial disparities in arrests, sentencing, and incarceration. Transparency in this data can help identify problem areas and track the progress of reforms.
• Public Reporting: Require law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities to publicly report data on racial disparities. This transparency can hold institutions accountable and inform policy changes.

7. Public Awareness and Education

• Raise Awareness: Increase public awareness about the existence and impact of racial disparities in the criminal justice system through education campaigns, media coverage, and community forums.
• Education in Schools: Incorporate education on racial justice and the criminal justice system into school curricula to raise awareness among young people about the importance of equity and fairness.
• Corporate and Philanthropic Support: Encourage businesses and philanthropic organizations to support initiatives aimed at reducing racial disparities in the criminal justice system, such as funding for community programs and advocacy efforts.

8. Restorative Justice Practices

• Implement Restorative Justice: Encourage the use of restorative justice practices that focus on healing and reconciliation rather than punishment. These practices can reduce recidivism and help repair harm in communities disproportionately affected by crime and incarceration.

9. Focus on Juvenile Justice

• Reform Juvenile Justice: Implement reforms specifically targeted at the juvenile justice system to reduce racial disparities. This can include diversion programs, rehabilitation over incarceration, and efforts to keep youth out of the adult criminal justice system.

Addressing racial disparities in prisons and jails is a complex challenge that requires sustained effort and collaboration across multiple sectors. 

As your caddy for this hole, which of these shots would you suggest that we use?

Jeff A

This a short Par 3 to get us off the ground running.  Students of every age often work better when there is an incentive to complete a project or course. This is especially true with our students behind the walls of our prisons and jails. There are numerous ways that we can incentivize students and this hole will explore a few of them.  

First, never underestimate the power of a certificate. There are not many times that a student behind the walls can receive something that shows their time away has been well spent. Certificates act as a means of validating their desire to use the time away to better themselves. 

There are other means for providing incentives to our students. For this hole you need to come us with at least three and we will see who is closest to the hole. 

(I will provide a full list of the best shots tomorrow).

Good luck.

The 13th hole requires us to assess the challenges of a dog leg right and then water and sand all around the green. 

Assessing student learning in prisons or jails requires a careful approach that accounts for the unique challenges of the correctional environment, such as limited access to technology, security concerns, and varied educational backgrounds of the students. Here are some of the best assessment tools educators can use in such settings:

1. Performance-Based Assessments

• Hands-On Projects: In vocational training programs like welding, hands-on projects are critical. Students can be assessed on their ability to complete tasks according to specific standards, such as creating a weld that meets certain safety and structural criteria.
• Simulations and Role-Playing: For theoretical subjects or skills that cannot be practiced directly (like certain engineering concepts), simulations or role-playing can be used. This allows students to demonstrate understanding in a controlled, safe environment.

2. Portfolios

• Work Portfolios: Students can compile a portfolio of their work throughout the course, including completed projects, written reflections, and any evaluations they receive. This provides a comprehensive view of their progress and skills development over time.
• Progress Journals: Students can keep a journal documenting their learning process, challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. This also helps educators assess the student’s growth in problem-solving and critical thinking.

3. Formative Assessments

• Quizzes and Short Tests: Frequent, low-stakes quizzes can help monitor ongoing understanding without putting undue pressure on students. These can be written or oral, depending on the subject and resources.
• Oral Presentations: Students can present their knowledge orally, which is useful in environments where access to written materials or computers may be limited. Oral exams also encourage articulation of ideas and critical thinking.

4. Peer Assessments

• Group Projects: While group work can be challenging in a corrections setting, it can be effective for collaborative learning. Peers can assess each other’s contributions, fostering teamwork and accountability.
• Peer Feedback: Structured peer feedback sessions can be valuable, where students review each other’s work and provide constructive criticism. This also helps build communication skills.

5. Self-Assessments

• Reflection Essays: Encourage students to write essays reflecting on what they’ve learned, how they’ve applied it, and how it relates to their future goals. This can also provide insight into their personal growth.
• Self-Checklists: Provide students with checklists to assess their progress against the course objectives. This promotes self-regulation and personal responsibility.

6. Instructor Observations

• Direct Observation: Instructors can assess students by directly observing their work habits, problem-solving processes, and interactions during practical tasks or discussions.
• Anecdotal Records: Instructors can keep detailed notes on student behaviors, attitudes, and improvements observed over time, which can be particularly useful for qualitative assessment.

7. Rubrics

• Task-Specific Rubrics: Use clear, detailed rubrics to assess specific tasks or projects. This helps ensure consistent and fair grading, and students understand the criteria on which they’re being evaluated.
• Holistic Rubrics: For broader assessments, a holistic rubric can be used to give a more general evaluation of a student's overall performance.

8. Written Exams

• Structured Written Tests: In subjects where content knowledge is critical, structured written exams can be effective. These should be designed to be accessible given the constraints of the correctional environment (e.g., limited access to resources, varying literacy levels).

9. Checklists and Rating Scales

• Behavioral Checklists: These can be used to track specific behaviors or competencies over time, especially in vocational training where repeated practice is essential.
• Skill Mastery Scales: Rating scales can assess the degree to which students have mastered specific skills, with levels indicating beginner to advanced proficiency.

10. Project-Based Learning

• Capstone Projects: Students can be tasked with a capstone project that integrates multiple skills and concepts learned during the course. This provides a comprehensive assessment of their abilities.

Special Considerations:

• Security Restrictions: Ensure that any tools or materials used in assessments do not violate the facility’s security protocols.
• Differentiated Assessments: Given the diverse educational backgrounds, assessments should be adaptable to different skill levels and learning styles.
• Confidentiality and Sensitivity: Be mindful of students' privacy and the sensitive nature of their environment. Assessments should not expose personal information or put students at risk.

These assessment tools, when thoughtfully applied, can provide a well-rounded view of student progress and achievement while respecting the unique constraints of correctional education.

For this hole, pick three of the above assessment tools that can help you get the ball in the hole.

Good luck. Jeff A

This Par 5 14th hole is one of the most challenging on the entire course. For this hole we will be exploring ways that we can connect adult learners behind the walls of our prisons and jails with the resources and supports needed to not only succeed, but to thrive in the correctional and reentry education environment. 

It is often stated that reentry begins the very first day an individual enters the walls of our prisons and jails. With this in mind, correctional and reentry education and training programs need to consider what success looks like upon release and guide students to the resources and support services that will allow them the opportunity to achieve their educational goals and be prepared for continuing onward upon release.

For this hole, we will be exploring ways that we can help learners succeed both behind and beyond the walls. I will get us started and will be adding to this hole throughout the next day.

1- Provide students with places that they can continue their education at on the outside, prior to their release, and making a direct connection before they walk out the doors of a facility. (For example, give the student a list of local adult literacy agencies near their returning communities.

2- Help students achieve an occupational credential in a career of their choosing. 

3- Provide digital literacy support to students prior to release.

4- Meet them at the gate supports. Provide reentry support services that will help students meet their basic needs upon reentry.

No it's your turn. List 5 ways we can help students as they weave through the challenges of  education both behind and beyond walls of our prisons and jails.

Jeff A 

The 15th Hole is all about using all of the clubs in your bag to get you to the pin and into the hole. 

In the world of correctional and reentry education the world is changing and new programming, as well as existing programs, continue to have an impact of our correctional systems, students, and communities. In order to continue to grow successful programs and learn how to improve programs that may be struggling with outcomes, it is crucial for educators to look at programming data.

There are many data points that can help educators and administrators build and grow programming. These data points include some obvious (and not so obvious) data points.

For example, educators may look to course completion, academic or skill gain, vocational certifications, attendance to name of few. However, there are other data points that could also be meaningful like: reduction in facility behavioral violations, transition into other programs (possibly for a stackable credential), transition to tutoring or mentoring by students. We could also look to student and staff surveys, focus groups, and observational evaluations that might help to tell the story of any program. Additionally, telling the stories of your students could be tremendously impactful in showing the successes and possibly the challenges of  the program. 

For this hole, can you identify 4 data points that could be used to help your program? 

Correctional education programs aim to reduce recidivism, improve employment outcomes, and support the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. Here are several data points and metrics indicate the success of correctional and reentry education programs:

1. Recidivism Rates

• Reduction in Recidivism: Studies consistently show that individuals who participate in correctional education programs are less likely to reoffend after release. For example, a meta-analysis by the RAND Corporation found that incarcerated individuals who participated in educational programs had 43% lower odds of recidivating than those who did not participate.

2. Employment Outcomes

• Post-Release Employment: Correctional education has been linked to higher employment rates post-release. Inmates who receive education while incarcerated are more likely to find employment upon release. Employment rates are often used to gauge the success of these programs.
• Wage Levels: The ability to secure jobs with better wages post-release can also be an indicator of the effectiveness of correctional education.

3. Educational Attainment

• GED and High School Diploma Completion: The number of inmates earning their GED or high school diploma while incarcerated is a key metric of success.
• Vocational Certifications: Participation in and completion of vocational training programs that provide inmates with skills relevant to specific trades or industries.
• Post-Secondary Education Enrollment: Enrollment in college-level courses and the attainment of college credits or degrees can indicate the effectiveness of correctional education programs.

4. Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Cost Savings: The reduction in recidivism and improved employment outcomes often result in significant cost savings for the state. Studies show that for every dollar spent on correctional education, there is a return of multiple dollars in cost savings due to reduced reincarceration.

5. Behavioral Improvements

• In-Prison Behavior: Participation in educational programs is often associated with better behavior in prison, which can lead to fewer disciplinary infractions and a safer environment for both inmates and staff.

6. Long-Term Social Impact

• Community Reintegration: Successful reintegration into society is another key measure. This includes stable housing, reuniting with family, and contributing to the community.
• Social and Psychological Benefits: Improved self-esteem, critical thinking, and social skills acquired through education can have long-lasting benefits that extend beyond mere employment or recidivism rates.

7. Program Accessibility and Participation Rates

• Enrollment Numbers: The number of inmates enrolled in educational programs, including literacy, GED, vocational, and post-secondary courses.
• Completion Rates: The percentage of enrolled inmates who successfully complete educational programs.

Now its's your turn. What are four data points that might be helpful for your programs success?

Jeff A

Hi. This innovative Par 3 hole will look at effective teaching methods and strategies. 

There are many limitations that face teachers behind the walls of our prisons and jails, as well as those working with returning citizens who are navigating the challenges of being justice impacted. On this hole we will consider some of the creative ways to engage our students in the carceral and reentry settings.

 Here are some strategies to effectively engage students in this context:

1. Build Trust and Respect:

• Establish Rapport: Create a classroom atmosphere based on mutual respect. Show genuine interest in their thoughts, experiences, and goals.
• Consistency: Be consistent in your behavior and expectations. Consistency builds trust, which is crucial in a prison setting.

2. Understand Their Backgrounds:

• Trauma-Informed Teaching: Recognize that many incarcerated individuals have experienced significant trauma. Incorporate trauma-informed practices into your teaching to create a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences and experiences. Incorporate diverse perspectives and materials that reflect their backgrounds.

3. Personalize Learning:

• Individualized Instruction: Tailor your teaching methods to meet the varied needs of your students. Some may need more basic instruction, while others might be ready for more advanced material.
• Relevant Content: Make the learning material relevant to their lives, both in prison and for life after release. This could include vocational training, life skills, or subjects they are passionate about.

4. Use Interactive and Participatory Methods:

• Active Learning: Incorporate activities that require students to participate actively, such as group discussions, problem-solving tasks, and hands-on projects.
• Peer Learning: Encourage peer teaching and learning. This not only builds community but also reinforces learning through teaching.

5. Incorporate Technology and Resources:

• Limited Tech Use: Where possible, integrate technology like tablets or computers for educational purposes. Even with limited access, these tools can provide valuable resources and engagement.
• Resource Accessibility: Provide access to educational resources like books, articles, and study guides that they can use outside of class hours.

6. Encourage Self-Expression:

• Creative Outlets: Offer opportunities for self-expression through writing, art, or music. This can be therapeutic and deeply engaging for many students.
• Discussion and Debate: Encourage discussions on topics that matter to them, fostering critical thinking and allowing them to voice their opinions.

7. Set Clear Goals and Celebrate Achievements:

• Goal Setting: Help students set short-term and long-term educational goals. This gives them a sense of purpose and direction.
• Recognition: Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. Recognition boosts self-esteem and motivates continued engagement.

8. Provide Support for Future Planning:

• Life Skills and Reentry Programs: Incorporate life skills training and reentry planning into the curriculum to help them prepare for life after release.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Offer mentoring and guidance to help them navigate both their current situation and their future aspirations.

9. Foster a Positive Learning Environment:

• Safe Space: Ensure that the classroom is a safe space where students feel comfortable sharing and learning without fear of judgment.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation and effort.

10. Adapt to the Prison Environment:

• Understand the Constraints: Be aware of the limitations within the prison system, such as time restrictions, security concerns, and limited resources. Adapt your teaching methods accordingly.
• Collaboration with Staff: Work closely with prison staff to ensure that your educational efforts align with institutional policies and that you have their support.

Now it's your turn. What are three practical ways you can engage students both behind and beyond the walls?

I can get us started:

1- Use storytelling and drawing to get students thinking about a particular topic.

2- Do a group "brain dump" on a particular subject.

3- Give everyone a magic wand to solve a problem and see what happens, talking through the results and reasoning. 

You have three shots to get into the hole. Let's see how you do. 

This is likely the most difficult hole on the course and one that will take some precision and strategic thinking. In a world where the letters "DEI" have come to reflect the racial disparities that are common in our society, inside our prisons and jails we can see the impact that race has had on our criminal legal systems, as well as our educational systems.

Racial inequality in prisons and jails is a significant issue in the United States, reflecting broader systemic disparities in the criminal justice system. Data highlights various aspects of racial inequality, including disproportionate incarceration rates, differences in sentencing, and the impacts on communities of color. Here's an overview:

1. Disproportionate Incarceration Rates

• Black Americans: Although Black Americans make up about 13% of the U.S. population, they represent a much larger proportion of the prison population. Black men are incarcerated at a rate of 2,272 per 100,000, compared to 397 per 100,000 for white men. This means that Black men are more than five times as likely to be incarcerated as white men.
• Latino Americans: Latino Americans also face disproportionate incarceration rates. Latino men are incarcerated at a rate of 1,016 per 100,000, which is more than twice the rate for white men.
• Indigenous Americans: Indigenous people also experience high rates of incarceration. Indigenous women, for instance, are incarcerated at six times the rate of white women.

2. Sentencing Disparities

• Longer Sentences: Studies have shown that Black and Latino individuals often receive longer sentences than their white counterparts for similar crimes. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws and the war on drugs have disproportionately affected people of color, particularly Black Americans.
• Drug Offenses: Despite similar rates of drug use across racial groups, Black and Latino individuals are more likely to be arrested, prosecuted, and incarcerated for drug offenses. This is a significant factor contributing to racial disparities in incarceration.

3. Pretrial Detention

• Bail and Detention: People of color, especially Black Americans, are more likely to be held in pretrial detention because they are less likely to be able to afford bail. This increases the likelihood of a guilty plea, often to avoid a longer pretrial detention, even if the person is innocent.

4. Impact on Communities

• Family Disruption: High incarceration rates among Black and Latino men have severe impacts on families and communities, leading to economic hardships, disruption of family structures, and long-term disadvantages for children.
• Economic Costs: Communities of color bear significant economic costs due to higher incarceration rates, including lost income, reduced employment opportunities, and long-term effects on economic mobility.

5. Reentry Challenges

• Post-Incarceration: Upon release, individuals of color often face significant challenges in reentering society, including finding employment, securing housing, and reintegrating into their communities. The stigma of a criminal record disproportionately affects people of color, compounding the difficulties they face.

6. Policy Implications

• Criminal Justice Reform: Efforts to address racial inequality in the criminal justice system include calls for reforming sentencing laws, reducing the use of cash bail, decriminalizing certain offenses, and increasing support for reentry programs.
• Racial Bias Training: Addressing implicit and explicit racial biases among law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges is crucial in reducing disparities in arrests, prosecutions, and sentencing.

For this challenging hole you need to consider four ways that we can address diversity, equity and inclusion in our correctional and reentry classrooms. 

Good luck.

Congratulations on making it to the 18th Hole on the LINCS. We have talked about so many issues over the past 17 holes and hoped to provide you with some data, research, and a host of tools for your golf bag to help you navigate correctional and reentry education. 

This hole is on of appreciation for all that you do in the correctional and reentry education setting. For the teachers, instructors, administrators, support staff, and students, thank you! You are all changing lives and there is nothing more noble than that.

For this last Par 4 Hole I am asking two things (as your caddie): 1) to share LINCS and the Correctional and Reentry Education Community with 4 people and 2) List 4 issues or topics you would like to see our community address in the coming year. Super easy hole!!

We will be adding to the above discussions and hope you will join us in the LINCS clubhouse for some of our wonderful events.