Miami Correctional Facility held a graduation ceremony for offenders who recently completed the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion), formerly known as the General Education Degree (GED).
TASC is the new high school equivalency test that took the place of the GED in January 2014. Also celebrating were 16 additional offenders who completed their College Correspondence courses.
Currently Grace Community Education at Miami Correctional Facility teaches 434 students, which includes 283 ABE(Adult Basic Education)/TASC students, 86 Vocational students and 65 college correspondent students. The college also has a PEER Packet Program, where it tutors inmates who have very low TABE (Test Adult Basic Education) scores – with the objective of advancing these individuals into the regular ABE/TASC classes.
The Keynote speaker for the program was Dr. William Katip, President of Grace College. Since Grace has been teaming with MCF, it has had a total of 434 GED/TASC completers and 308 Vocational completers.
In his closing remarks, Dr. John Teevan, executive director of regional education for Grace College, spoke of “Opportunity, Dignity, and Hope” to the offenders. They have the opportunity by taking advantage of the education that is being provided. “Here is your chance to make a better person of yourself.” Teevan noted there is dignity in their choices. The Grace College staff refer to the men as “students, not offenders. We call and talk to them by their name and respect them as individuals.” And with this education comes hope. “Hope for a better life. We hope they will take the things they learn and use them as they move forward in their lives.”
MCF Superintendent Kathy Griffin said she was encouraged to see so many completing their education. “This is the first step in being successful upon release. I support and appreciate the efforts of the Grace College staff.”
Tim VanDuyne, site director for Grace, was very appreciative of the staff working with the offenders in these programs. Grace employs 15 people at MCF. “Collectively, you great instructors are often confronted with less than traditional teaching conditions. In the truest sense of grace, however, you’ve all remained receptive and understanding. I sincerely appreciate how you devote quality time and show respect to individuals who often don’t return the courtesy. Because of your effort, we are transforming our male population into men.”
- Press Release, Miami Correctional Facility
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