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HD 5456

A communication from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (see item 8900-0001 of Section 2 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023) submitting the Department of Correction School Year 2023-2024 Educational Programming report

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Transmits MADOC's 2023-24 educational report, detailing programs, electronic testing rollout, enrollments, and outcomes to inform policy and funding for inmate education.

Placed on file
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 5456

Bill Summary: HD 5456 — Communication from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (Section 2, Chapter 28 Acts of 2023)

Overview

  • Bill Number: HD 5456
  • Title: Communication from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security submitting the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) School Year 2023-2024 Educational Programming Report
  • Status: Placed on file
  • Introduced: December 24, 2025
  • Classification: Proposed bill
  • Context: The bill transmits MADOC’s annual report detailing educational programming for the 2023-2024 school year, as prepared by the Division of Inmate Education and Training within MADOC. The included report was issued in December 2024 under Gov. Maura T. Healey and Secretary Terrence M. Reidy.

Purpose and Intent

  • To provide a comprehensive account of MADOC’s educational offerings, enrollment, outcomes, and program delivery during the 2023-2024 school year.
  • To document progress, implementation of electronic testing, and the status of various education initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and successful reentry.

Key Provisions and Content Highlights

  • Mission and Structure: Reiterates MADOC’s mission to promote public safety by educational programming that supports behavioral change and reduces recidivism. Describes the Division of Inmate Education and Training’s scope, including:
    • Adult Basic Education (ABE) leading to High School Equivalency (HSE)
    • Special education services
    • Tablet-based educational programs (supplemental and self-directed learning)
    • Academic bridge courses for access to college, tech, and vocational programs
    • Vocational, technology, and post-secondary programs
    • Certification and credentialing aligned with DESE standards
  • Program Delivery and Staffing: All teachers hold DESE certifications; vocational staff hold relevant certifications. Emphasizes collaboration and professional development as communities of practice.
  • Program Grid by Facility: Facility-by-facility listing of available programs, including college partnerships, vocational training (e.g., automotive, barbering, welding, culinary), technology offerings (coding, IT essentials), and special housing education.
  • Tablet Programs: Summary of educational, vocational, and tech content accessible on issued Orijin tablets, including content focused on skills like advanced manufacturing, aerospace electrical assembly, and other career tracks.
  • TABE Testing: Transition to electronic TABE testing with 2,687 tests conducted in 2023-24 (split between electronic and paper-based modes). Reports on levels completed (TABE 11 and 12) and plans to expand electronic TABE testing.
  • Enrollment and Completion Data: Weekly average enrollment and waitlist figures by program area (ABE continuum, Vocational, Tech Programs, College Courses, etc.); overall totals provided.
  • Professional Development & Special Education: Overview of activities and programming to support educators and students with learning differences.
  • Selected Facility Highlights: Excerpts from individual facility end-of-year reports highlighting local achievements and program nuances.

Affected Audiences

  • Current and prospective MADOC students (inmates), educators and program staff, facility administrators, and stakeholders involved in juvenile/adult correctional education and reentry planning.
  • State and local policymakers evaluating the effectiveness and scope of correctional education programs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The report covers School Year 2023-2024 (Dec 2024 publication) and is submitted by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security as part of the legislative communications process.
  • The bill, as introduced, is a formal transmission/receipt of the MADOC report and does not appear to introduce new programmatic appropriations beyond what is described in the compiled report.

Potential Impact

  • Provides lawmakers with a detailed, data-driven snapshot of MADOC’s education offerings, completion and waitlist trends, and early outcomes from electronic TABE implementation.
  • Serves as a reference for evaluating rehabilitation-focused programming and informing future policy or funding decisions related to inmate education and reentry services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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