Adult Correctional Education

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has collaborated with the Contra Costa County Office of Education to develop educational programs designed to reduce the number of parolees returning to prison.  Classes are conducted at parole offices and jail facilities throughout the state.

Computerized Literacy Learning Centers (CLLC)

A series of Computerized Literacy Learning Centers has been implemented in Parole Offices statewide offering adult basic education in reading, writing, math, G.E.D., and low-level literacy. By offering curriculum and instruction via computers, participants learn at their own pace and are offered lessons tailored to meet their individual learning needs.

A PEP report has shown a correlation between functional literacy and employment. Today's employers require basic literacy skills that many parolees do not have. More than half read below the sixth grade level and about 70% of them are unemployed. Lack of literacy and employability skills are primary barriers to parole success. Without gainful employment, today's parolees are at a high risk of returning to prison.

The Parolee Education Programs Computerized Literacy Learning Centers offer parolees reading, writing and math lessons via computer-assisted learning format. An evaluation of the program after two years of operation showed that parolees increased reading and math skills by an average of two grade levels.

Parolee Education Programs are located in parole offices throughout the state. Click here for CLLC site contact information.

Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery (STAR)

The STAR (Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery) program is a curriculum-based educational program designed to motivate parolee substance abusers to participate in post-release recovery activities. New skills are presented which help individuals understand the relapse process and prepare for smooth, drug free community transition.

The core components of the STAR Curriculum address the Process of Addiction, the Process of Recovery, Anger Management, and Community Transition as well as other essential elements that provide participants with information designed to facilitate substance abuse recovery.  The curriculum addresses denial and stimulates individual growth through active participation.

The five-step process model of instruction is used to help parolees develop a new understanding of their substance abuse problem.

The parolee is motivated to make lifestyle changes. This educational path facilitates disclosure and provides motivation. It also is designed to help parolees understand the thoughts, feelings and events that trigger relapse. Overall, the program helps them develop insight into core issues involved in changing values and behaviors.

Click here for STAR site contact information.

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The Contra Costa County Office of Education offers educational programs to incarcerated adults through the Contra Costa Adult School.

The Contra Costa Adult School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The educational program is a partnership between the Contra Costa County Office of Education and the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department. More than 4,000 students participate in educational opportunities each year at one of the three jail facilities:

• Marsh Creek Detention Facility - Clayton
• West County Detention Facility - Richmond
• Martinez Detention Facility - Martinez

Students demonstrate success by obtaining a high school diploma, passing the GED, increasing basic skills, completing a 90-day substance abuse education program, completing competency-based certificates in computer applications, completing steps to getting a job, landscaping facility grounds, and building toys for needy children.

The Contra Costa Adult School is a General Education Development (GED) Test Center. The GED exam is offered six times per year at each detention facility. In the 2000-2001 school year, five students received a national GED award for their high test scores.

Upon completion of the High School Diploma Program, students are awarded their diploma from the Contra Costa County Board of Education.

A transition specialist is on staff of the Contra Costa Adult School to assist inmate students in their successful transition upon release from custody. Strong partnerships exist between the Contra Costa Adult School and community, adult schools, community colleges and local One-Stop Centers.

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