Education and Job Training

The Office of Education and Job Training is responsible for providing educational programs to offenders and managing the department's offender programs in the areas of special education, substance abuse library services, wellness education, and distance learning.

General Education Development. Provides a foundation of knowledge in writing skills, social studies, science, literature and mathematics. The objective is to instruct offenders in the five test areas necessary to pass the G.E.D. Students will demonstrate the ability to pass the G.E.D. exam to receive a Florida State Diploma or to gain a sufficient achievement of life skills to function properly in society.

Adult Basic Education. Provides an individualized self-paced and a traditional approach of study that encompasses reading, mathematics, and language skills. The objective is to develop students' reading skills in the content area of mathematics, English, social studies and science, as prescribed by the instructor. Further to increase oral and written participation to a grade point level of 7.5 or higher and to improve mathematics skills to a minimum of 7.5 or higher.

Mandatory Literacy. Florida Statutes mandates 150 hours of instruction for offenders who score below the ninth grade level. One intent is to foster interest and desire in scholastic self-improvement so that, if applicable, the students will volunteer to continue academic studies beyond their mandated 150 hours. Instruction is provided in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) or G.E.D. programs.

Educational Aids and Tutoring. Offenders are assigned to the Education Department to help instructors and serve as educational assistants to other offenders under the general supervision of staff. The main purpose is to help teach offenders to read. The service is provided in formal classrooms and also in a separate "literacy room" that is made available for offenders who are not formally enrolled in educational programs.

Business Administration Operations. Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program and include the use of keyboarding/typewriting systems, calculators, computers, and peripheral equipment. The program is designed to prepare students for employment as a File Clerk, General Office Clerk, Software Support Help Desk, PC Support Specialist and to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in any of these occupations.

Commercial Art. Shop or laboratory activities are an integral part of this program. Students are provided instruction in the use of tools, equipment, materials, and processes found in the industry. Instruction includes lettering signs, layout and design for advertising art, airbrush for illustrations, photo retouching and custom work. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for employment as artists and related workers, illustrators and commercial designers.

Apparel and Fashion Design. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands on experiences with tools and materials of the trade. Activities provide instruction in the use of power sewing machines, including hemming, straight stitch, serger, buttonhole/tacker, grading machines and hand tools. The program is designed to prepare students for the initial employment in the garment and textile industry as seamstresses or machine operators. This class also makes children's clothes and dolls for distribution to needy children and to children in hospitals. Materials for these special projects are donated by various community organizations.