Adult Basic Skills program
PCC manages adult basic education programs in three locations; one at Columbia River Correctional Institution, and two within Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (one in the Medium security facility and another in the Minimum security facility. These programs use a blended learning model, consisting of all or parts of the following:
Adult Basic Education classes
Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes are designed to help students learn the basic skills they will need for everyday living. These classes focus on general math, reading, and writing skills while also educating students in other areas such as geography and social studies. Many students participating in ABE classes will soon begin preparation for their GED.
GED classes
GED level classes are similar in content to the ABE classes, but rather than focusing on the fundamentals, they provide a more advanced level of curriculum in preparation for GED testing.
Computer lab
Students enrolled in ABE/GED education classes are provided access to the computer lab for educational purposes. During their lab time, students may use the computers for typing essays or using the education learning system Aztec. The Aztec system contains materials for students at every level of education from foundational and basic to the most advanced levels required to pass the GED tests. The Coffee Creek Minimum computer lab also gives GED and non-GED students the opportunity to learn computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Peer tutoring
Everyone enrolled in education is provided a tutor. Tutors meet with their students twice per week and assist with the ABE/GED classes as well. The tutors are inmates who help the students with all of their schoolwork. They are required to be proficient in all areas of study (math, language arts, social studies, and science).
Fast Track classes
Fast Track classes are entirely inmate run and focus on math and science only. These classes are designed to help students with the most advanced levels of curriculum in preparation for GED testing.