The Division of Operational Support has direct oversight of
compliance and operational reviews, attendance policies, appropriate campus
planning development, the development and coordination of ITP guidelines, district
and student accountability reporting, program evaluation and records retention.
The Division of Operational Support monitors school programs for compliance
with TDCJ and WSD policies, generates and monitors WSD performance data, and
compiles and distributes accountability data. The division coordinates internal
and external research, provides ITP training and support for all schools,
provides attendance policy training and responds to attendance issues, and
serves as liaison to private prisons, parole and the American Correctional
Association (ACA). The division also has oversight of all contracted Post-Secondary educational programs, Recreation programs and the Radio and Television
Department.
Operational Support staff prepares the WSD Annual Performance
Report, WSD District Improvement Plan, WSD Strategic Plan and District/Campus
Profiles. Division staff also provides monthly, annual and special request
reports to WSD regional offices, the TDCJ, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and
various other governmental agencies. These reports depict the campus, regional
and district performance of the WSD.
The Operational Support Compliance Specialists are
responsible for all education and recreation program audits of TDCJ
Correctional Institutions Division facilities and privately contracted
facilities in the state in accordance with a three-year scheduled Operational
Review cycle established by the TDCJ. The compliance specialists perform desk
audits for all facilities not visited during the current year.
Continuing
Education Department
The Continuing Education Department, overseen by the
Division of Operational Support, is responsible for supervising Post-Secondary
and Recreation programs and the Radio and Television Department. Continuing
Education programs are designed to meet the post-secondary needs of an eligible
offender population and address performance measures and riders that are
legislatively mandated.
Recreation
The Recreation program, overseen by the Continuing Education
Department, promotes offender wellness through physical activity as well as
serving as a viable management tool for facility administrators. Offenders at
each TDCJ and privately contracted facility are afforded the opportunity for
prescribed amounts of daily out-of-cell recreation time commensurate with their
custody level. Approved exercise equipment and supplies are provided and
maintained in gymnasiums, on outdoor recreation yards and in a variety of
special recreation areas designed for offenders who are administratively
segregated from other offenders. Television viewing and table games are
provided in housing area dayrooms. Offenders are also allowed to engage in
basic arts and crafts activities, read books and magazines that are provided
for sedentary purposes, or listen to FM radio programming. Structured programs
are also provided through intramurals, free world interaction through
recreational activities and craft shop participation where crafts are sold for
profit. Separate recreation plans are available to offenders at facilities for
treatment or youthful offender programs.
Counseling, Testing and Records
WSD
employs certified counselors to provide a comprehensive guidance program. The
counselors provide program information to potential students and enroll
eligible students in appropriate educational programs. Counselors maintain
career information centers, provide career guidance activities, and assist
offenders with the development of career path plans to enable them to make
informed educational and occupational choices. In addition, counselors
coordinate the administration of standardized educational achievement tests,
coordinate and administer the GED tests, and administer the vocational interest
and aptitude tests. They also assist
students in developing problem solving skills, communication skills,
self-awareness, and stress coping abilities.
Tests
of Adult Basic Education (TABE) are administered to all incoming TDCJ offenders
to determine each offender’s educational level. In addition, offenders enrolled
in WSD academic programs are tested periodically throughout the school year to
monitor student progress. Offenders also participate in an assessment of
vocational aptitude and interest prior to enrollment in Career and Technical
Education programs.
Windham
serves as a testing center for the General Educational Development (GED)
program.