BOP Program Statement 5356.01 § 2

The following Bureau components are responsible for establishing, maintaining, and resourcing

literacy programs to ensure inmates have the opportunity to achieve a GED credential or high

school diploma:

a. Education Services Branch (ESB). The ESB is the agency’s primary resource for literacy

programs and services to include guidance on instructional practices and management of

programs. Additionally, the ESB will develop education policies and procedures, provide

professional development, and determine literacy program reporting processes (e.g., for

reporting program enrollments, waitlists, participation status, program completions).

b. Regional Education Administrator (REA). The REA supports the ESB by providing

guidance, updates, resources, and professional development to Education staff within their

regions. Additionally, REAs monitor institutions in their region’s adherence to education

policies and procedures and provide program reports and updates to the ESB.

5356.01 6/22/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 2

c. Institution. The Warden ensures the Education Department is appropriately staffed to

provide literacy programs and ensure inmates have access to programs and services.

The Supervisor of Education (SOE) has overall responsibility for the literacy program. The SOE

provides support, guidance, updates, resources, and professional development training for

Education staff. The SOE will serve as the Chief Examiner and will designate at least one

Education department staff member as an Examiner. The Chief Examiner is authorized by the

ESB Test Administrator(s) to administer educational tests. Chief Examiner responsibilities

include managing the administration of various educational tests, managing testing sessions,

ensuring compliance with testing standards and procedures, training examiner(s), reviewing test

results, and resolving any issues related to test administration. They are also responsible for

developing a plan outlining the test procedures and security measures as required by the test

publisher. Overall, the Chief Examiner maintains the integrity and effectiveness of the

educational testing program. Refer to the Program Statement Minimum Standards for

Administration, Interpretation, and Use of Education Tests for additional guidance.

The classroom teacher serves as a general education teacher who monitors and evaluates inmate

performance and progress in preparation for a GED credential.

The Special Education Teacher serves as the teacher with specialized training who plans,

develops, instructs, and facilitates individual services for inmates with learning support needs,

working collaboratively with classroom teachers to ensure delivery of Accommodations,

Interventions, and Modifications (AIM) strategies and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports

(MTSS) process.