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| Educators criticize CDC prison program |
| By The Porterville Recorder |
| Published: 03/22/2004 |
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At a public hearing last Wednesday in Sacramento, educators blasted a controversial program that force-feeds the ABCs to prison inmates. Dubbed the "Bridging" Program, the California Department of Corrections (CDC) initiative - which began last fall - requires teachers to stand outside cell doors and shout basic instruction in history, science and English. Inmates receive one-half hour per week of bridging instruction - the equivalent of going to school about four days a year - and those enrolled in the program get reduced sentences. Prison officers support the program because it alleviates the need to physically transport inmates from cells to classrooms, and monitor their behavior once in class. But teachers' union representatives claim the officers "cut a deal" with prison officials and are dictating the tenor of the new program. Teachers contracted by California prisons sued the state this past December, railing against restrictions they say, in some cases, force them to work in noisy cellblocks, hollering their lessons through meal-tray slots in solid steel doors. Some teachers wear face shields to protect themselves against inmates spitting at them. CDC spokeswoman Terry Thornton: "The Bridging Program was designed to have inmates begin receiving education earlier in their incarceration. That way, they can earn credit that would reduce their sentence and the overall time they spend in prison - saving the state money and better preparing inmates for their return to the community." About 2,500 prison teachers - represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 1000 - work in the state's prisons and youth facilities, earning between $40,000 to $65,000 per year for 240 days of work. DOC officials have been meeting with teachers' union reps for six months trying to hammer out changes in the program. Following last Wednesday's hearing, CDC officials promised to respond to the union's concerns within six to eight weeks. |
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