Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
GDC seeks accreditation to run in‑house high‑school program and pilots for reentry and peer-led instruction
Summary
The department proposed converting to an accredited high‑school program (to serve about 965 17–21 year-olds), piloting peer-led programming at Altry, and modest funding for Metro Re‑entry services; committee asked about costs, eligibility and whether GED and diploma track outcomes differ.
The subcommittee reviewed a suite of education and reentry proposals from the Georgia Department of Corrections aimed at improving post‑release outcomes.
GDC asked for $93,000 to pursue high‑school district accreditation so the department can operate an accredited high‑school program for eligible 17–21‑year‑old prisoners (the department estimates roughly 965 people would be eligible). Officials said operating its own accredited school would allow GDC to retain federal grant funding previously captured by a contracted charter operator and expand access beyond current contract locations.
Committee members questioned whether a high‑school diploma materially differs from a GED for employment and noted eligibility is prioritized by release date and assessment. Department staff said the program targets those most likely to complete a diploma and to re‑enter with credentials that permit college and training opportunities.
GDC also proposed a peer‑led programming pilot at Altry using blended video content to reach dorm-based populations, and modest funding for Metro Re‑entry programming (parenting, relationship and trust programs). The agency described these as targeted, lower‑cost initiatives intended to expand access to treatment and reentry skills without extensive movement of people among facilities.
Senators asked for data on enrollments, completion and longitudinal outcomes; the department said impact reports and enrollment figures are tracked and available on request.
