In the late summer, the Virginia Department of Education delivered good news to DCE. After the latest round of Standards of Learning (SOL) testing, all youth schools are now fully accredited. The assessment requirements include passing the SOL tests and maintaining a passing score in all alternate assessments.

“This is an accomplishment that many said could never be achieved because our students come to us, on average, four grade levels below their peers, have always been a failure, and have presented significant disciplinary problems in their public schools,” said Superintendent Walter A. McFarlane. “This accomplishment is a tribute not only to the potential of our students but also to the tremendous skill and hard work of our dedicated teachers,” he added.

DCE high school students take the SOL tests annually. To earn accreditation, at least 70 percent of students must pass the annual tests in all core subjects. Virginia has been giving the SOLs for 10 years. Fully accredited schools meet or exceed the pass rates in English/reading/writing, mathematics, science and social studies.

This good news follows other recent achievements: rising SOL scores and increasing General Educational Development passing rates. The average SOL scores for the agency for this past academic year were 86.6 percent. This was eye-opening considering that the agency started several years ago at 29 percent. Administrators attributed the SOL success to three fundamental changes: instructional coaches, comprehensive school improvement plans, and a new data compilation known as “The Golden Package,” The Golden Package measures individual student achievement and gives the teacher an outstanding tool for planning the next year’s instructional program.

DCE’s General Educational Development (GED) passing rate increased last year and remains well above the state average. The 2008 passing rate of 77.8 percent eclipses the previous year’s 76.2 percent. DCE also remained ahead of the state average, 72.3 percent.

Years of teaching had weathered Academic Instructor Charlie Maynard for just about any educational storm.

He had put in 36 years in the Mercer County, West Virginia, public school system. He had taught English, Health and Physical Education. He coached basketball at the middle, high school and college level. He only quit the coaching after the doctor told him it was too much of a strain on his heart.

When Mr. Maynard took the job with DCE and thought maybe he had seen everything, until the day a 62-year-old man stood up in his classroom at Bland Correctional Center and, for the first time, read a letter from home.

“I will tell you the truth, I had to drop my head because there was a little tear in my eye,” he said.

Just six months earlier, the man could not read. The student had relied on an inmate tutor to decipher his personal mail. “When that student stood up and read, there was not a man in the class who did not understand what had just happened,” Mr. Maynard recalled. That experience and others like it keep Charlie Maynard coming through the prison gates to work.

And his principal is always glad to see him. “He’s one of those guys you can’t do without,” said Principal Gary Collins. “He really works hard to do a good job, and his focus is always on the student.” When a fellow teacher transferred out of Bland Correctional Center, Mr. Maynard picked up the students inadvertently left in limbo. For approximately nine months, Mr. Maynard carried 82 students in two classes. “He fills in and keeps us going. That keeps our graduation rates up,” Principal Collins added. “He is willing to take on any extra responsibility that will get us through.

Mr. Maynard applied to join DCE in 2003 after talking with his old friend from Mercer County, former Bland Principal Ted Gillespie. Following an interview with Senior Assistant Superintendent for GED/ISAEP Patricia Blair and Senior Assistant Superintendent for Adult Programs Judy Philpott, he accepted a teaching position. “It was enticing,” he recalled. For about four months before Principal Collins took over in 2007, Mr. Maynard served as the administrator in charge.

But lately, he has had a relatively easier life. Veteran DCE Academic Instructor Jean Rudisill joined the staff and lightened his load. His inmate tutors are outstanding, which streamlines his job, and his grandson is very engaged in Little League football. So now Mr. Maynard is back to an old habit – coaching youth. His surrounding area allows him to indulge his hobbies of hunting and fishing, but teaching continues as his primary passion. He often recalls the day the student stood and read his letter. “That ranks. It was as gratifying as anything in my educational career.”

Charlie Maynard at Bland: (276) 688-3341

Used books got a new life and the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign got a boost as DCE employees sponsored a CVC Book Sale. The sale, held in the James Monroe Building in October, raised more than $200 for the CVC campaign. “These events are great ways to get people involved and help out the many good causes promoted by CVC,” said CVC Coordinator Anne Dinterman. For several years running, DCE has won accolades for its generous contributions to CVC. “DCE people are generous and believe in giving back to the community. This is just another way for them to contribute,” said CVC Coordinator Win Sisson. Next year, DCE plans to “start earlier and expand on the idea,” Sisson added. Besides used books, next year the sale might also include other used items such as DVDs, CDs and silent auctions on new items, such as a current bestseller.

A long-standing program that allows Virginia Commonwealth University undergraduates to tutor DCE youth school students is well-received by the students, appreciated by DCE teachers and enjoyed immensely by the VCU tutors. Last year, “Youth In Corrections,” a collaborative effort between VCU and DCE provided 49 Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) undergraduates who gave 1,270 hours of tutoring at four DCE youth schools and served an estimated 118 youth. Evaluations from all participants—VCU undergraduates, DCE teachers, and DCE students are strong.

In a recently completed annual report that focused on the previous academic year, the majority of respondents were positive about each aspect of the tutoring program. For example in the Fall of 2008, 94% of the DCE students, 94% of the DCE teachers, and 85% of VCU tutors agreed that the VCU tutors “helped the youth to make good progress on or even finish their assignments.” The VCU tutors received high marks for respect, and the majority of respondents agreed they liked having the VCU student tutors come out for visits.

DCE schools must meet the same academic standards and take the same Standards of Learning (SOL) tests as students in any other public school in Virginia. Many youth are far behind when they arrive in a DCE school. Tutoring provides special help. DCE Schools are mandated under the requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation to provide Supplemental Educational Services for certain students, yet this is challenging to do in a correctional setting. The youth served by the juvenile justice facilities need the one-on-one attention of a tutor who can tailor the instruction exactly to each student’s level. The VCU students, working one-on-one, provide this personalized attention.

The program is run by Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Barbara Myers of VCU, Volunteer Coordinator Win Sisson of DCE, and VCU graduate students who serve as teaching assistants. Last year Paula Ogston served as the assistant. This year the position is held by David Guion, who is assisted by VCU undergraduate and former Youth in Corrections tutor, Gabrielle McDonald. The class is taught by Deron Phipps, who also serves as the Department of Juvenile Justice Legislative Liaison. Two hours in the classroom each week with Mr. Phipps is complemented by approximately hours of tutoring at a youth school.

Besides their tutoring help, the VCU students also serve as role models. A DCE teacher commented, “VCU students were extraordinarily valuable to our students, especially to the marginal students who needed people closer to their age to convince them about the importance of education.”

VCU students have found the Youth in Corrections service-learning course to be an excellent learning experience for them. One tutor suggested it should be a required class for all VCU undergraduates. Another tutor said, “I loved the time spent with my students. I know the only reason I was able to get up at 6 a.m. each Monday morning was that once I arrived at Oak Ridge Juvenile Correctional Center, my day would be fun. My only hope is now that I am gone my students will be able to grow and learn from their mistakes.”

It seems that that tutor’s wish might be fulfilled. As a DCE student noted, “I think by (the tutor) helping me with math and telling me how I need it in life, I will try my best to study more.”

Eddie Weeks, Internal Control Manager, has become one of the select few government accounting professionals to hold three accounting certifications.

He recently passed all three exams to become a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). The CGFM exam is administered by the Association of Government Accountants and consists of testing governmental accounting, budgeting and financial reporting. Mr. Weeks also passed the exams relative to receiving the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designations.

Because the accounting and auditing professions have become so specialized, there are several accounting certifications that can be obtained through taking an exam. The oldest and most recognized certification is the Certified Public Accountant designation. Other accounting certifications include the Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Certified Internal Auditor, and the Certified Government Financial Manager.

A percentage of government accounting professionals hold one accounting certification and a small percentage hold two accounting certifications. A very few government accounting professionals such as Mr. Weeks, hold three or more accounting certifications.

Mr. Weeks has also been taking information technology courses at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and needs just one more course to complete the requirements for the Career Studies Certificate in Information Systems Technology.

A new and exciting College Concurrent Enrollment Program is taking shape all over the Department of Correctional Education (DCE)! This unique program offers College Concurrent Enrollment through DCE and the Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC). Friday, September 4, 2009 marked the first class graduation of the new program at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women (FCCW).

Students of Fred Geissler’s Business Software class at FCCW have enrolled and completed their first classes. Fred Geissler (along with being a DCE Teacher) is one of the adjunct professors from SVCC for this inspiring and innovative program.

A total of 19 college credit hours can be earned of which 10 credit hours is for the Career and Studies Certificate in Introduction to Computers Program, and 9 credit hours for the Career and Studies Certificate in Business Software Program.

This first graduation consisted of 10 graduates for the Keyboarding I class, 3 graduates for the Keyboarding II class, and 9 graduates for the Computers and Information Systems class. There were also 3 students who have completed the entire Career and Studies Certificate in Introduction to Computers Program. Fred Geissler says “This is a very exciting program and an excellent opportunity for offenders wishing to further their education.”

In early October, offenders at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women (FCCW) made 124 pairs of eyeglasses for needy Virginians. This project was funded by a grant from Buchanan County Youth, Inc., and was a part of the Remote Area Medical (RAM) free health care mission in Grundy on October 3 and 4.

Lab Manager/Instructor Randy Smith has served as a volunteer Optician on six RAM missions in Southwest Virginia, and has worked to make his program a part of the volunteer health care system. All the glasses that could not be made in the mobile lab at the site of the event were brought back to FCCW to be fabricated in the Virginia Correctional Enterprises Lab. All work was completed in one week and shipped back to the event organizers.

The DCE staff at Wallens Ridge State Prison with tremendous support from both the Department of Corrections (DOC) administrative and security folks recently held luncheons recently to raise money to assist retired Academic Instructor, Sam Traverse, with some of his medical expenses.

Many State employees, both DOC and DCE will remember Mr. Traverse who spent approximately 20 years in various positions with DOC including Operational Manager in several institutions, trainer, and Assistant Superintendent, before joining the DCE staff at Keen Mountain as a basic literacy teacher.

He later transferred to Wallens Ridge State Prison after his wife found employment at Red Onion State Prison.

While teaching at Wallens Ridge, Mr. Traverse discovered he was suffering with cancer which ultimately resulted in several long stays at the University of Virginia Hospital where he endured operations.

Although he attempted to return to DCE and teaching—his great love—he eventually was force to retire after expending all his accumulated leave.

Knowledge of his ever-mounting medical costs led the DCE staff at Wallens Ridge to explore avenues to assist him.

According to Principal, George Erps, “The real credit goes to the DCE staff at Wallens Ridge who put in many extra hours and lots of work to make the luncheons successful.” Noted particularly were staff members, Custodial Maintenance/Computer Literacy Instructor Greg Hamilton, who did much of the planning and all of the cooking, Program Support Technician Rhonda Bowen, who with Lead Teacher, Jimmy Garrison, were able to secure donations of food and drinks. DCE personnel Librarian John Tull, General Educational Development Instructor Paula Mullins and Special Education Instructor Marlene Baker assisted with the luncheon.

The money raised was delivered to Mr. Traverse’s home by Ms. Bowen and Mr. Garrison.

DCE and the Department of Corrections at Harrisonburg Men’s Diversion Center held its third annual Employability Fair on October 20. Presenters included: Massanutten Vocational Technical School, Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center, Blue Ridge Community College, the Department of Rehabilitative Services, the Virginia Employment Commission, and Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions. The event was well attended by the divertees. Who took advantage of the rich opportunity to explore community resources that are available to them in their transition back into society. Shown is Credit Counselor Kay Gentry with Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions as chats with some divertees.

Submitted by Lynn Abraham, Buyer Specialist

During DCE Staff Development Week, academic and support staff were encouraged to join the circus-the Procurement Circus.

Central Office Purchasing staff led By Ringmaster Buyer Specialist Antonio Kornegay kicked off the Golden Age of the Procurement Circus. Purchasing Manager Barbara Lee, Master of Ceremonies, led the festivities with her staff Buyer Specialists Anna Ferrell and Lynn Abraham.

Attendees learned about the importance of hiring licensed contractors and verifying and confirming insurance from Eric Olsen, Executive Director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Business Development Specialist Courtney Mustin, from the Department of Minority Business Enterprises also provided information on the Governor’s minority and small business initiative. Ms. Lee spoke about procurement authority and responsibility. Using the new agency Procurement Guide, Ms. Ferrell emphasized the importance of mandatory sources of supply and using small, women and minority vendors (SWAM).

Several fun activities helped to reinforce the importance of good communication and specifications. Participants put together a puzzle using pieces supplied by the purchasing staff. The groups were unable to complete the puzzle due to missing pieces. The goal was to emphasize having all the requirements in place in order to complete the task.

Mr. Kornegay provided brown bags for each group to identify the contents. The groups realized the importance of providing detailed descriptions for needed items. Ms. Abraham divided the class into two groups. One group built and wrote specifications for an item with Lego. The second group had to use the Lego and specifications to build the same item. The teams learned that detailed specifications were critical and communication between the builder and designer is very important.

Even though Purchasing often appears like a circus with many things happening at once and out of control, it is a carefully organized balancing act between the Purchasing staff, end users and vendor community to keep everything moving smoothly.

The ink cartridge recycling program at Paul S. Blandford High School has kept over 400 cartridges out of Virginia landfills and collected $116 for use in Youth Organization Programs. The monies will help buy starter tool packages for Electricity Program completers. This was a long-term goal set by the Transformers when it was formed by Blandford High School Electricity Instructor Jeff Autry and his students in August 2007. Also, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 666 Labor Management Committee has made a $500.00 donation toward this endeavor of the Transformers Electricity Club. Assistant State Supervisor for Career and Technical Education Carol Brown has received a check for this donation. All donations received are contributed to the student youth organization fund. The IBEW Local 666 has always been strong supporters of DCE.