Latest news with #HiSET
Boston Globe
10-05-2025
- Boston Globe
For Teacher Appreciation Week, Mass. DOC celebrates those who teach behind prison walls
To develop and refine the curriculum, the agency's Virtual Education Team—led by Sherri Travers and including Caren Harrington, Craig McCoskery, Michael Purdy, and Rehana Yusif—has created over 100 free modules focused on teaching 'transferable skills,' according to a statement from the corrections department. Advertisement These modules span a wide range of academic disciplines and vocational topics, and are shaped by direct feedback from the inmates themselves, the statement said. In turn, inmates have embraced the opportunity. In 2024, about 5,000 of the state's 6,000 incarcerated learners used the tablets regularly, logging more than 330,000 hours in total, according to the agency. More than 8,150 of those hours were spent preparing for the HiSET high school equivalency exam, the statement said. Inmates also used the tablets to build skills and earn certifications in trades such as HVAC, appliance repair, plumbing, and electrical work—training aimed at improving job prospects after release. More than 360 inmates earned OSHA-10 job safety certifications last year, the statement said. 'Our DOC teachers are committed to expanding their opportunities for employment and self-improvement while also preparing them to successfully contribute to their communities upon release,' said Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. 'Today, we celebrate their dedication to learning and growth.' Advertisement Beyond in-house programming, the tablets connect learners to online courses at local institutions such as MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Babson College, Emerson College, Tufts University, Massasoit Community College, and Mount Wachusett Community College. They also enable audio and video calls with family and outside contacts—connections shown to be vital for successful reentry and lower reincarceration, according to the statement. The DOC's latest Rita Chandler can be reached at
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Davenport man accused in burglaries, thefts, sentenced after guilty plea
A Davenport man facing Scott County burglary and theft charges was sentenced after he pleaded guilty in the case Dillan Silvers, 20, pleaded guilty on Jan. 17 to charges of first-degree theft, second-degree theft, third-degree theft and trafficking in stolen weapons, according to a Scott County Court sentencing order. The order says that a count of ongoing criminal conduct, five counts of third-degree burglary motor vehicle, two counts of conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, second-degree theft, two counts of third-degree theft and a count of fourth-degree theft were dismissed at sentencing. Silvers was sentenced to three years of supervised probation, with the condition that he enter and complete the RCF (Returning Citizen Fellows) Program. He will be held at the Scott County Jail until bed space is available at RCF, Scott County Court documents say. When a bed opens, he will be transported to the facility, according to the sentencing order. He must also obtain mental health and substance use evaluations and successfully complete any recommended treatments, avoid using controlled substances and alcohol, submit to random testing for drugs and alcohol, obtain a HiSET (high school equivalency diploma) and obtain and maintain employment, the sentencing order shows. A Scott County Court order dated April 17 states that Silvers has lost his right to a firearm because of his felony conviction. His information will be reported to the FBI National Criminal Instant Background Check System through the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Davenport man enters plea in 2024 robbery case
A man from Davenport who was arrested and charged with second-degree robbery after an assault at Sam's Food/Laundry last fall has entered a plea in the case. As part of a plea agreement, Reggion Anderson, 23, pleaded guilty to amended counts of first-degree theft and assault causing bodily injury or mental illness, a serious misdemeanor. A felony charge of second-degree robbery was dismissed at sentencing. The judge deferred the sentence and judgement, and Anderson was placed on probation for one year. He must also obtain a substance abuse evaluation and successfully complete any recommended treatment, avoid using controlled substances and alcohol, submit to random testing for drugs and alcohol, obtain a HiSET (high school equivalence credential) and maintain employment. The court imposed two deferred judgement civil penalties in the total amount of $1,800. Anderson was ordered to pay $40 in victim restitution. Anderson was arrested in October 2024 after Davenport Police responded to Sam's Food/Laundry on September 23. He was accused of striking the victim multiple times with his fists, pushing the victim to the ground and going through the victim's pockets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
