Educational Program

Background

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) operates year-round educational programs for incarcerated youth ages 10 to 19 within each of its institutional schools. Principals and teachers at the schools are TJJD employees.

At TJJD halfway houses and some contract facilities, TJJD executes memorandums of understanding with local school districts to provide formal education.

The TJJD Board provides policy to guide those areas of the instructional program that require board leadership.

Education accountability criteria appropriately measure academic results for youth at TJJD facilities. The accountability system addresses improvement gains in reading and math and completion of a Certificate of High School Equivalency (CHSE) or a diploma of graduation under the requirements of the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education (see Graduation Resources below). In addition, TJJD-operated schools are held accountable for average daily attendance (ADA).

Youth committed to TJJD function, on average, four to five years below expected grade level for their ages. Nonetheless, they participate in all required state assessments as well as the nationally standardized Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).

A youth's educational progress is a consideration in determining the youth's overall achievement in completing his or her personal rehabilitation plan. A youth has the opportunity to explore career options, earn industry certifications, earn course credits toward high school graduation, and or obtain a CHSE.

Youth who have graduated or completed a CHSE may also pursue college credit and or industry certifications, depending on available resources and meeting program entry requirements. Dual credit courses are an option for high school students.

Goal

The primary goal of the TJJD educational program is to provide each youth quality academic and vocational experiences in order to better equip them for a successful reentry into community life, whether that reentry includes additional formal education or immediate employment. Research also indicates that students who have completed a CHSE or diploma are less likely to commit new crimes.

Assessment

Upon admission to the TJJD Orientation and Assessment Unit, each youth receives individualized achievement testing and completes a vocational aptitude and interest inventory. As appropriate, youth also receive psychological and language proficiency evaluations. In addition, each student completes standardized testing in reading and math that determines the instructional needs of the student.

Upon placement in a TJJD educational program, high school students participate in developing a four-year graduation plan. The student is then placed into appropriate courses and progresses in an accelerated program. Elementary and middle school students are placed in grade appropriate courses. Additional diagnostic assessment continues as students demonstrate their proficiency in the classroom, and students who are eligible for special services are appropriately identified and served. Education goals are incorporated in each student’s Individual Case Plan (ICP).

Conclusion

TJJD schools provide supplemental reading support for all students exhibiting a deficiency in reading and utilize Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as a behavioral framework. All educators are state certified and work toward the shared mission of influencing the lives of their students to ensure their success.

TEA District Name: Texas Juvenile Justice Department
TEA County-District Number: 227-622
002 Lone Star High School East Central McLennan Co Residential Treatment Center, Mart TX
004 Lone Star High School South Evins Regional Juvenile Center, Edinburg TX
005 Lone Star High School North Gainesville State School, Gainesville TX
006 Lone Star High School Southeast Giddings State School, Giddings TX
008 Lone Star High School Central McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility, Mart TX
009 Lone Star High School West Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex, Brownwood TX

High School Graduation Resources

Special Education Resources

Education Notices

Calendar

Education Contact
Luther Taliaferro, Superintendent of Schools
PO Box 12757, Austin, Texas 78711-2757
(512) 490-7726
luther.taliaferro@tjjd.texas.gov

Education Records
Teacher Service Records
Jeanye Anderson
PO Box 12757, Austin, Texas 78711-2757
(512) 490-7067
jeanye.anderson@tjjd.texas.gov