I think it's a good thing that inmates can get their GED in prison and learn some kind of working skills. this might be an opportunity that they would not have gotten or would not have taken, when they wouldn't been sent to prison

I know a couple of really smart and/or wealthy people who have done time for really stupid things. On top of getting the guys any opportunity for self-improvement before and after release I would like to see education of a spiritual nature for whomever chose to partake.

I agree, my BF just took his GED in jail and is very close to getting his high school diploma also. Hopefully within the next few weeks. It's important to move in a posative direction any way possible, not just sit there and waste time being bitter. Unfortunately there isnt much spiritual guidance available. Programs and help while in jail seem to be getting less and less all the time. Annie

Billy is taking his GED and an art class. He's doing very well and when he passes-they'll give him a higher paying job and teach him a new skill.

i agree ant is in a vocational training class now.. he is going to get certified... it is great...

Actually, in addition to GED classes, it is my understanding that college courses are available as well. My fiancee is very close to his bachelors, then will move on to obtaining his masters. He is actually obtaining scholarship money. He recommended a book for my daughter's education, "How to Go To College for Almost Free" that he has used as well.
Just an add on...
Kelli

my friend here in nc is close to finishing 2 bachelor's degrees. he already had one year of college when he entered prison, and now he is just a semester away from having his degrees. unfortunately, the prison he's at now is a work camp, so they do not have college courses available, but as soon as they finish building the new visitation area, he'll prob be transferred and able to finish up!

I think every prison should give some sort of classes, it should be a big part of the rehabilitation, because it's truly important

I think it is mandatory in some states that the inmates take classes towards a GED? I know I have read it somewhere!
Anyone know for sure?

David is taking Industrial maint. classes. He'll be certified when he finishes. The only thing he can't do is the welding, cause the flashing triggers his epilepsy, but his teacher said no prob. He's so much happier when he stays busy.

Ant is the same way, in fact I just got a letter today and he mentioned the trade was going good.. I am so proud of him.

One of my friends got an education in prison, he'll be out in a couple of days and plans to start a business here in Holland, so that would be nice :)

vnvdc--Yes, it is mandatory here in Michigan to complete your GED before even being considered for parole. And there can be long waiting lists to even get in classes (sometimes can wait a year or two).

I was told it is also mandatory in Texas for inmates to complete the GED course. My son is in the angry mode right now. He said if he get a long sentence, he isn't going to do anything, because he doesn't have nothing to lose. I don't like it when he talks like that, but I hope he does further his education and take other courses to get experience in some kind of special skills. PEACE

Cyndie,

Billy used to talk like that too. He would get into those moods and say that he'll be right back in because he'll never change.

Now, it's been two years and he's taking his GED class and an art class. He now knows that he needs to do all that he can to better himself so he can take care of his children.

Billy was in an angrier stage before he got sentenced. Now since he got his time and he's settled into the prison his attitude has changed a lot.

Maybe your son is just angry at everything that's going on. He may change his mind after he gets his sentence, because there's nothing else he can do but settle down.

Waiting for a sentence is the hardest part of the whole thing.

Thanks Denise!

I thought it was just my child. He is always angry. And yes, waiting for the sentencing makes it harder, even for me. I am trying to cope. Sometimes I don't know what to say to my son. When my son was younger, and things weren't going as planned for him, I would say some encouraging words and tell him it would be okay. I can't say that now.

I hope and pray he does settle down after sentencing so he can get started on his education. Or at least sign up for the GED course. Thanks for responding! PEACE!

HEY!! Just got the mail and my BF got his GED certificate in the mail! He really worked his tail off to take that test. He did really well. Now he is only 5 credits short of a regular high school diploma. Its nice to see something good happening!!! Annie

Annie,

That's great for your man!!! I hope Billy can get his soon!! It's great to hear some good news.

Cyndie,

The waiting for the sentence is the hardest part because no one knows what they'll get. We didn't expect Billy to get 65 months. We thought just maybe a year. It was horrible when we found out. We cried for days until reality set in and thought about it.

I am at a loss for words sometimes with Billy. All I can really say to him that I'm standing by him and I will continue to do so. No matter what happens I'm supporting him through everything.

Just tell him that you love him and no matter what, you'll still love him and stand by him. Those words mean more to someone who is in that situation than anything else.

Hugs, Denise

Denise,

As you mentioned, the waiting for sentencing is the hardest. We have been waiting for over 15 months now. We were told that could be to our advantage. I just don't know about that. In the meantime, my son started the GED course at his facility a couple months ago. He said he told another inmate the answer to one of the questions while the instructor was talking, and he was thrown out of the class. After that, he never returned. Now he refuses to go.

My son never thought education was important because of his learning disability. Without the proper help/treatment, I'm not sure he will ever think an education is important. We tell him all the time how much we love him, regardless and how continuing his education will give him a better chance to make it out in the "free.". We correspond by letters all the time (I'm writing most of the letters), he calls 3xs a week, and we visit him every weekend. Since he is still very young (just turned 17), hopefully he will change. I am praying that he does. Take care! PEACE!

Annie,

That is great news! PEACE!

ANNIE-WONDERFUL NEWS!!

WAITING IS HARD FOR US ALL... IF WE NEVER LEARN ANYTHING DURING THESE HARD TIMES, WE WILL LEARN PATIENCE.... BECAUSE REALLY WE HAVE NO CHOICE...

THE THING, THAT WE MUST DO, IS KEEP POSITIVE... REALIZE TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY AND WE WILL SURVIVE....

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP US ALL..

MY LOVE
DONNA

My guy is going to take his GED next month, and I am so so happy for him, he's 25 and dropped out in the 7th grade to run around on the streets of Chitown. I am so proud of him and am so happy that he is making this positive turn around. He too has changed immensley, calmed down a bit, it's been over a year since he's been in. He's turning into a the beautiful man that I know he is. He is having a rough time on the math, and I have been sending him some practice work, but he hates it, and I don't want to overwhelm him. I try telling him to study...but you know how boys can be! Any good ideas before his big day to make the math a little easier for him? Make it more fun?? Thanks!