It's been a productive and exciting year for the students and staff of SCI Waymart's Education Department.
Our academic students used AZTEC software to prepare for the GED Ready and GED Exams. Weekly usage not only increased their knowledge in reading, math, social studies and science, but it allowed the students to gain computer skills such as keyboarding, navigating a mouse and advancing screens. Students received immediate feedback and, as a result, teachers were able to provide targeted remediation. Using computers to prepare for a test administered on a computer is a win-win for everyone!
This year, Waymart had its first licensed cosmetologists. Thus far, three students have passed the State Licensing Exam in Cosmetology for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. After completing the required 1,250 hours of class and clinical, students regularly met study groups in the library. Students that had already passed the exam gave study tips to those preparing to take it.
Waymart's Pathway to Success (PTS) students had the opportunity to hear from many speakers from outside agencies such as CareerLink, The Wayne-Pike Workforce Alliance and the Scranton CCC Director Jeffrey James. Waymart staff from reentry, parole and the CEVC also spoke to the PTS students.
Vocational teachers Tami McCollum and James Mitchell serve on Occupational Advisory Committees at Lackawanna Career Technology Center. As teachers, they are able to network with other career and technical educators and devote needed time to current events.
Entrepreneurship students developed business plans that used current workforce data provided by the Commonwealth of PA. Students analyzed demographics, industry needs and start-up expenses. These business plans are the students' "intellectual property" and remain with the students when they leave SCI Waymart. Developing business plans increased the students' literacy, data analysis and public speaking skills. Students presented their plans to their classmates and presenters were questioned on the feasibility and other aspects of their plan. They were as good as the contestants on "Shark Tank!"
Susan Shaffer, director for The Stourbridge Project, presented multiple times to the business classes. She discussed entrepreneurial opportunities in northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as integrating a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. The class read and discussed Clifton Taulbert's "Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lesson From An Unlikely Entrepreneur."
Becky MacDicken, an outreach specialist for the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, presented to our business, PTS and vocational students. Students learned how to request a credit report, how to be financially responsible as an incarcerated offender and as a reentrant. MacDicken is returning to Waymart to speak with both staff and students.
After a few years in hiatus, The Inside-Out Program began again in the fall of 2019. Criminal justice majors from Keystone College meet weekly with offenders, receive first-hand accounts of the logistics of the criminal justice system and understand the mission of the DOC.
Students in both academic and vocational classes that earned above 90 percent in classes 3rd semester were invited to an Achievement Ceremony. Certificates were presented to the students and some students were recognized for excelling in multiple subjects. The culinary students made a delicious treat and all enjoyed the celebration. Some students commented that they never made honors in high school or even graduated high school. Achievement Ceremonies will be held each quarter.