During FY2005, a total of 3,125 Arizona state inmates received general education diplomas (GED) while confined. This is 295 percent increase in the number of diplomas awarded in FY2003.

The AZDOC revamped its inmate education program, and improved its outcomes with no additional funds, no new instructors and no more classrooms.

It turned to its educators and COs who identified inmates in need of instructional services. More inmates completed the mandatory basic education component and were encouraged by staff to stay in school to complete their high school education. 

The AZDOC also adopted an individualized approach by tailoring its educational curriculum to fit each inmate's needs.

“It's critical that every able inmate earns a GED certification before he or she is released. It's a basic credential, prerequisite to finding and keeping a job in the community. It's important to all taxpayers that ex-offenders are able to find and keep jobs to take care of themselves and their families. Our staff has done a phenomenal job working with the inmate population to achieve remarkable results,” says Director Dora Schriro. 

The emphasis on basic education is a component of the department's re-entry initiative, which encourages offenders to be accountable to victims and assume responsibility for their release from prison as civil and productive citizens.