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A new Sheriff = new opportunities…Wallace State Adult Education Program expanded their partnership with the Cullman County Sheriff’s office in the form of GED Preparation and Testing for inmates. For many years, this type of service was offered to those in work release only. As of January 2011, the inmates now have the opportunity to earn a seat in the GED Preparation class. The class schedule was expanded to provide a time slot for men’s lockdown and women’s lockdown areas, as well as continued classes in the work release section.

These classes are only available to those who meet certain qualification standards. Once enrolled in the class, the student inmate must maintain his or her right to keep the seat. In other words attendance is earned. The classes are structured to encourage student progression in the academic areas of reading, math, language, science, social studies, and writing. The curriculum meets state GED standard objectives and provides a rather rigorous format for achievement.

In addition, once the student inmate has reached a level of progression equivalent to the GED exam, the exam is given on site by the Wallace State GED Examiner. Special permission was required from the State and National level to offer such a program and was granted. Other jails have heard about this program and are making a request for the same to be offered within their lockdown areas.

These opportunities present second chances; however, the second chance in this case must be earned. At this time, just six months into the program we have 100% pass rate for those who have completed the GED exam. There are also several that will be ready to test in the next few months.

The GED program allows these individuals to take their life in a different direction. Today with the current economic situation in our area, jobs are hard to find. This opens doors for a chance to obtain better jobs and to get a college education as well. Now these individuals can get government jobs, join the military, and a host of different kind of jobs due to their hard work to achieve their personal goals.

While we have had the GED program for years for the work release inmates, Sheriff Rainey is delighted to expand this program to other inmates within the Cullman County Detention Center. “Education can make a difference in a person’s life with a since of pride in oneself to meet these goals that they often thought was unobtainable.” Sheriff Rainey encourages people of all ages to further their education. “We here at the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office will continue to serve and protect our community. We will also continue to build relationships with such partners as Wallace State College to make positive changes in our community as well.”

This partnership is a win-win situation for our local inmate population and community. The funding for this program is provided by the Adult Education Program which is an extension of state and federal Adult Education Department that has been in place since the 1960’s. The expansion is welcomed by all involved.

One of the instructors shared, “Most of my students truly want to bring change to their lives and most who received their GEDs went on to good jobs and/or started their own businesses. I take time out of our instruction time to listen. I feel that they need someone to listen to what they have to say without judging them. Many have made commitments to churches. The GED is a way out. I had one that was so excited when he got his passing results he could not contain himself. He said ‘You have no idea how this little slip of paper can change my life.’ I assured him that I did and that he was the one who did all the hard work and studied, I only guided him. Since I've been at CCDC with GED instruction, I have learned a great deal about life changes. Most of my students are determined not to come back. They all show me the utmost respect and kindness. It is a joy to teach someone who truly wants to learn.”

Another instructor with the Wallace State Adult Education Program stated, “Working at CCDC has been a wonderful experience.  The women in my class are eager to learn and very willing to put in the hard work to receive their GED.  The staff has also been very supportive and helpful with anything I may need for the class to be successful.  Every workday it seems that I'm the one learning and receiving ALOT more than I am actually teaching or giving”.

Anyone interested in working toward their GED may do so at any of the other class sites available in Cullman County. All the classes and materials are free to the general public. Just call the Wallace State Adult Education Program at 256-352-8078 to get started.