FINAL_Program Participation Agreement_11.19.24~1.docx

Education Division Program Participation Agreement

Read and review this Agreement carefully. The education programs offered under this Agreement are governed by 103 DOC 441. The following provisions determine the expectations and rules that must be followed for the completion of all education programs. All of the following provisions must be met in order for you to be eligible to receive Earned Good Time for the program in which you are enrolled. If you do not understand any of the following terms or have questions about this Agreement, you should seek advice from your Teacher/Instructor or Head Teacher prior to signing this Agreement. Deductions from Sentence, including Earned Good Time, Boost Time, and Completion Credits, are determined by the Commissioner of the Department of Correction and the procedure for posting deductions may be found in 103 CMR 411. All of the following terms must be met by you in order to satisfy the requirements of 103 CMR 411.

General Terms

· “Synchronous learning” shall mean learning that is directed by a teacher and that happens in real time with other students, such as during live, whole class instruction, and small group work.

· “Remote learning” shall mean learning that happens outside of the traditional classroom because the student and teacher are separated by distance. Remote learning may include synchronous or asynchronous components, provided that students have opportunities to interact on each school day with teachers, such as through feedback, office hours, and other regularly scheduled individual student interactions. Remote learning may include but is not limited to online learning.

· “Asynchronous learning” shall mean learning that occurs on a student’s individual time and at their own pace.

Enrollment and Performance Expectations

· When enrolled in a synchronous learning class, whether such class includes in-person instruction, remote synchronous instruction via a tablet or other online learning tool or a combination of both, you must attend 80% of the total classes held for the month and not have any unexcused absences during the month in order to earn a satisfactory performance rating. If class is not held due to circumstances that may include, but are not limited to, holidays, teacher/instructor/professor absence, institution lockdown, or inclement weather, the class is considered ‘canceled’ and will not count against the 80% total attendance requirement.

· When enrolled in an asynchronous learning class, you must complete 100% of the assigned work for the month in which it is received. Teachers/Instructors will verify that all assigned instructional packets and/or tablet work has been completed in the month in which the assignments are received.

· When enrolled in a class that includes both synchronous learning and asynchronous learning (hybrid), the requirement to attend 80% of the total classes held for the month will apply to that number of classes offered synchronously. For asynchronous classes that are part of the hybrid class model, you must complete 100% of the assigned work for the month in which it is received.

· Once you have completed two weeks of a vocational program, you will be considered fully enrolled. If you choose to withdraw from a vocational program after that time you must consult with the Instructor or the Head Teacher before doing so.

· You will be considered fully enrolled in a college program upon the start of each (or your first) semester.

Attendance Expectations

· You must be on time and prepared for class.

· You must not have any unexcused absences: one unexcused absence will result in a performance rating of “incomplete” and you will not be eligible for Earned Good Time for the month. Examples of unexcused absences include, but are not limited to, gym/yard, work/job, canteen, or visits.

· You may have an excused absence; however, you cannot fall below 80% attendance overall or you will be ineligible for Earned Good Time for this program. Examples of excused absences include, but are not limited to, medical/mental health/dental appointments, court trips, or parole, immigration, or classification hearings.

· If, while enrolled in an exclusively synchronous class, you have more than two unexcused absences during one month, you may be terminated from the program.

· If enrolled in an exclusively asynchronous class and during a two-week period you fail to complete 100% of the assigned work you may be terminated from the program.

· If enrolled in a hybrid class, you may be terminated from the program if: (1) during one month of synchronous classes, you have more than two unexcused absences, or (2) during one month of asynchronous classes, you fail to complete 100% of the assigned work.

Performance Ratings

· You must maintain a Satisfactory Performance Rating as determined by your Teacher/Instructor throughout the month to be eligible for Earned Good Time.

· “Satisfactory Performance” includes but is not limited to: In-class participation, completion of all assigned work, timely class attendance and class preparation. It is understood that “work” may be in the form of in-class assignments, homework, instructional packets, and supplemental assignments, whether given in-class or via tablets or packets.

· Unsatisfactory Conduct or Performance will result in ineligibility for Earned Good Time.

· The Head Teacher will be notified immediately of any disciplinary action taken against you. Suspension and/or termination from the program may result from such disciplinary action.

General Rules

· Schoolbooks must be returned in good condition before leaving the program.

· Tablets must be maintained, used, and returned in accordance with the signed Massachusetts Department of Correction Tablet User Agreement and, if applicable, the APDS (now operating as Orijin) Mobile Applications End User License Agreement.

· Laptops, computers, related accessories and any other school issued item must be used in accordance with the prescribed directions when the item was issued to you and must be returned in the same condition as when it was issued. Any issues arising from the tampering, misuse or mistreatment of equipment or related items issued by the school will be handled in accordance with 103 CMR 430, Inmate Discipline.

· You understand that all virtual program groups and sessions on the tablet are recorded and subject to electronic monitoring by Department of Correction personnel. Your use of this video system constitutes your consent to this recording and monitoring.

· Headphones or earbuds may be used in the classroom for the designated purpose as determined by the Head Teacher.

· The Head Teacher and your Teacher/Instructor will determine when you are eligible to test at the conclusion of the program. If you are attempting an exam for the first time, you will not be responsible for testing fees and costs. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt and wish to retest, you may be responsible for fees and costs associated with any subsequent attempts.

· You must come to class appropriately dressed.

· No food or drink is permitted in school or vocational education areas.

· You are expected to behave respectfully toward staff, other students, and the school facilities. Program areas should be kept neat and clean at all times. Safety rules should be adhered to at all times.

· Educational programming is subject to change according to operational needs.

Educational Program: Start Date:

By signing this document, I state that I fully understand all of the above terms. I understand that failure to adhere to any of the above terms will result in my ineligibility for Earned Good Time for this program and/or may result in a negative termination from the program.

Name (printed) Inmate No. Unit:

Signature Date:

Head Teacher/Teacher/Instructor Signature Date:

November 2024