Education programs

In Canada, teaching certification and standards are regulated by the provincial and territorial ministries of education. As a result, CSC's education programs vary by region. However, CSC maintains a standard level of service and consistency. This standard allows inmates to access the same or similar programs in institutions across Canada.

Because CSC's education programs fall under provincial legislation, only provincially certified teachers deliver them.

CSC determines education needs once an inmate enters custody by reviewing their initial education-related assessments.

CSC’s education priority is to ensure that inmates who have an education level below grade 12 are provided with opportunities to upgrade their education towards the achievement of a high school diploma.

All inmates with a grade level below grade 12 or its equivalent will:

• have education identified as a need in their correctional plans and
• their education programs will be prioritized pursuant to CD 705-6 Correctional Planning and Criminal Profile

CSC offers education programs on a continuous-intake basis. This means inmates may begin a program any time there is space available. There are no set end dates for program assignments in education. The length of time that an offender will take part in these programs will depend on their needs and progress.

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) programming is CSC's priority for education. It covers grades 1 to 12. When an inmate completes Grade 12, they receive a secondary school diploma. Provincial ministries of education regulate the ABE curriculum. Within ABE, there are 4 program levels that correspond to an inmate's education level. While there are some provincial differences, program levels are generally grouped as:

• ABE I = Grades 1 to 5 (Grade 6 and under in Quebec)
• ABE II = Grades 6 to 8 (Secondary I and II in Quebec)
• ABE III = Grades 9 and 10 (Secondary III and IV in Quebec)
• ABE IV = Grades 11 and 12 (Secondary V in Quebec)

The Adult Basic Education – Adapted Programs are education programs that have been adapted for inmates with specific education needs that cannot be accommodated in the traditional Adult Basic Education curriculum or mode of delivery. They correspond to each of the 4 adult basic education levels.

The Programs provides inmates with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain and maintain employment and live lawfully in the community upon release.

It may not be possible for all inmates to obtain a high school diploma, particularly for those in Adult Basic Education - Adapted Programs. Thus, the Adapted \ Programs focus on:

• basic literacy
• social cognition
• employability skills
• problem solving skills

CD 720 Education Programs and Services for Inmates outlines the criteria for exceptions.

CSC refers inmates who are unable to read, write or speak in either official language (English or French) to the appropriate additional language program.

Inmates in the Atlantic Region* can obtain the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).The CAEC program allows inmates to show that they have skills equal to a basic secondary education. It consists of 5 different assessments:

• reading
• mathematics
• writing
• social studies
• science

*At this time, this is the only region where this is offered by the Provincial education body. 

The Post-Secondary Prerequisite Program allows inmates to earn additional secondary credits required to participate in post-secondary studies, vocational programs or employment. The program is for inmates who already have a high school diploma (or equivalent).

Inmates may pursue post-secondary education while incarcerated. The Post-Secondary Education Program allows inmates to learn a trade or profession or update trade qualifications. Inmates who want to take post-secondary courses must meet the university or college's academic requirements. Courses are usually completed through correspondence with community colleges or universities.

Generally, the inmate must pay the cost of their own post-secondary education, unless such participation is included as part of a larger federal/provincial arrangement to provide these programs within the institution. You can find more information in CD 720 Education Programs and Services for Inmates

The Offender Digital Education (ODE) initiative allows inmates to learn and practice fundamental computer skills, while upgrading their education and increasing their literacy.

Through a secure and restricted Internet-based digital learning management system, inmates have access to education courses. The ODE uses a blended teaching environment, combining the traditional classroom approach with modern technology and independent learning.

The initiative offers access to various education programs where inmates can obtain high school credits.  It has also expanded access and availability of post-secondary opportunities through partnerships with colleges and community organizations. For example, post-secondary micro-credential courses are available, which are short and competency-based training opportunities. These courses:

• teach workplace skills
• provide real-world learning experiences
• lead to industry recognized certifications

Expanded access to education and learning credentials for inmates is a significant development for CSC.