Division of Instruction
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Windham School District programs are designed to meet the unique needs of adult students and address the legislatively-mandated goals of reducing recidivism, reducing the cost of confinement, promoting positive behavior during confinement, and increasing offenders’ success in obtaining and maintaining employment.
Students are selected for enrollment in WSD programs based on the Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) process. The ITP is a plan of treatment for an individual resident. The plan outlines programmatic activities and services for a resident, and prioritizes his/her participation in recommended programs based on the resident's needs, program availability, and projected release date. Residents who are less than 35 years of age have the highest priority for enrollment in academic classes. Residents who are less than 35 years of age and within five years of projected release have the highest priority for placement in academic programs and career and technical education.
Windham Programs
WSD educators teach students by combining real-world contexts and workplace skills. Teachers create lessons that address each different learning style within the student population. All programs emphasize workplace skills such as tolerance, teamwork, and problem solving.
1. Basic Academic Program emphasizes literacy training and GED preparation. The curricular framework includes the development of skills necessary for obtaining and maintaining employment.
2. Special Education Program provides individualized instruction for students with disabilities so they can learn and be successful.
3. Title I Program provides a supplemental academic program for eligible offenders who are less than 21 years of age.
4. English as a Second Language Program (ESL) provides English language instruction for residents with limited English proficiency.
5. The CHANGES II Program (Pre-Release) prepares residents for return to their communities. The program addresses personal development, healthy relationships, living responsibly, drug education, health, emotional development and employment.
6. The Cognitive Intervention Program is designed to improve behavior during incarceration and after release by addressing thinking patterns which lead to criminal behavior. The program includes instruction and exercises in problem solving, anger management, impulse control, overcoming criminal thinking, creating positive attitudes and beliefs, goal setting and relapse prevention.
7. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program integrates career path planning and technical training to prepare residents for today's workforce. Career and technical training is offered in more than 30 occupations. The competency-based curriculum is designed to meet entry-level industry standards, including certification and licensure requirements. The CTE program also supports apprenticeship and On-the-Job-Training programs.
Assessment, Advising and Records
The Assessment, Advising and Records (AAR) Department is responsible for the district’s testing program, including one of the largest GED testing programs in the nation. The department is also responsible for the management of educational assessments as offenders enter the correctional system and for maintaining educational records. Staff respond to legal and student requests for educational records and process high school diploma, GED and college claim verifications.
AAR provides administrative support and supervision to unit education staff. WSD employs certified student advisors to provide a comprehensive guidance program at the unit level. The student advisors provide program information to potential students and enroll eligible students in appropriate educational programs. Student advisors maintain career information centers, provide career guidance activities, and assist offenders with the development of career path plans to enable them to make informed educational and occupational choices. In addition, counselors coordinate the administration of standardized educational achievement tests, coordinate and administer the GED tests. They also assist students in developing problem solving skills, communication skills, self-awareness, and stress coping abilities.
WSD student advisors are an integral part of the district’s testing program. Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) are administered to all incoming TDCJ residents to determine each resident's educational level. In addition, students enrolled in WSD academic programs are tested periodically throughout the school year to monitor student progress. Students also participate in an assessment of career aptitude and interest prior to enrollment in Career and Technical Education programs.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions and more information on how to Request Educational Records (GED, Transcripts, NCCER Industry certificates).
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