Adult Probation >Adult Probation Information >Education Education Centers The Supreme Court and the Administrative Offices of the Court recognize that illiteracy impacts the court system and is one of the contributing factors to recidivism in the probation and prison populations. In 1987, the Arizona Supreme Court established education centers for the Adult Probation Department to combat illiteracy in these populations. The Probation Department became the lead agency in establishing LEARN (Literacy, Education, and Resource Network) education centers. LEARN enhances the Probation Departments Education Programs.

The Education Programs are equipped with personal computers at each site. Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED preparation, ESOL (English for Speakers of other Languages), and Job-skills classes are taught. By providing an education continuum, the defendant's educational needs can be effectively met. Learning to speak English, to read, and receiving a GED diploma are essential to gaining permanent employment. Other, bleak economic factors lead a person to crime. Being literate can break the cycle of poverty, enhance self-esteem, and turn around a negative life-style associated with the majority of the probation and prison population.

The Adult Probation Department has Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) classes at:

Western Regional Center (WRC) 6655 West Glendale Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301 [view map] (602) 372-5769

Garfield Probation Service Center 1022 East Garfield Phoenix, AZ 85006 [view map] (602) 254-7030 ext. 240

Probation Service Center (PSC) 245 North Centennial Way, Suite 106 Mesa, AZ 85201 [view map] (602) 372-5509

Maricopa County Adult Probation Department's Education Program is a community-based education program open to probations and members of the community. Of the over 30,000 adult probations in Maricopa County, more than 11,000 do not have a GED or high school diploma. Approximately 2,000 students a year obtain their GED at our sites.

Quick Reference: Education Classes
Typical Probationer Characteristics	Program Characteristics
For Basic Education Classes and GED preparation: lack of high school diploma or equivalent read below the sixth grade level low functioning, poor employment history	Classes in Adult Education (ABE) and GED preparation, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
For English Lack of English skills in speaking, reading, and writing	Computers, teachers, and tutors are used to teach education skills to offenders
	Touch typing and word processing
	Education Centers located in Glendale, Phoenix and Mesa
	Evening classes are available at all locations
	Education assessments are given to each student