Breaking The Cycle of inmate recidivism

1. Breaking The Cycle of inmate recidivism August 1, 2013

2. Why Are We Here Today?

3. Literacy Statistics • Over half of the inmates in America’s prisons cannot read above a fourth-grade level. • Inmates have a 35% less chance of returning to prison if they receive literacy instruction.

4. Your Needs • Individuals have past failures, which contribute to demotivation, embarrassment, and negative attitudes toward education • Different reading levels exist among inmates, which pose difficulties in identifying skill deficits • Getting instructors / tutors trained in methodology that is effective, efficient, and practical • Lack of time for one-on-one instruction, especially due to being short-staffed • Providing age-appropriate materials

5. Your Needs (cont.) • Turnover rates; individuals in and out • Lack of computers / technology; lack of internet access; security restraints • English Language Learners’ needs, including native Spanish-speakers • Loss of growth data / reporting when inmates are transferred to a new facility • Addressing the needs of students with learning disabilities and special needs

6. What Is Reading Horizons? • Explicit, systematic, sequential, multi-sensory literacy instruction • Proven methodology that is age-appropriate • Provides quick reading-level gains • Direct instruction materials and software provide individualized instruction • Average student sees gains of two to three grade levels after 60 hours of instruction (typically over a six-month time frame) • Teacher training, teacher manuals, and interactive software empowers teachers to effectively teach struggling readers, including students with learning disabilities, and English Language Learners.

7. History of Reading Horizons in Corrections • Used in over 20 state prison systems • California Inmate Literacy Project

8. California Inmate Literacy Project • Reading Horizons was selected by California State University from among 24 other bids for use in the California Inmate Literacy Project. • Inmates enrolled in Reading Horizons included native English speakers and ESL students testing at or below the fourth-grade reading level upon entry. • The data available shows inmates made noticeable progress in this program. • Tool: The WRAT (Wide Range Achievement Test) • Timeframe: Three-year longitudinal study

9. California Corrections California State University, Sacramento

10. Dr. Frances Tracy-Mumford • “At first we used Reading Horizons as a tack on to another program, but we all started getting such good results that it became a staple for all of our correctional programs. It really helps with a whole host of writing, spelling, and reading problems – for both lower level and higher level students.”

11. Q & A For additional questions, call 1-800-333-0054. Rob Openshaw Rob.openshaw@readinghorizons.com