Students at detention centers are enrolled in a full-day education program that includes instruction in core subjects such as English, reading, math, science, social studies, physical education, and health. All of the course work is developed from the standard course of study adopted by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Students return to their home schools with a record of the courses in which they were enrolled and receive credit for the work they did while in detention.

Each YDC provides instruction in the courses necessary to earn a high school diploma. Most centers also have a comprehensive online courseware system that delivers individualized, interactive instruction. State adopted textbooks are utilized in classes, and teachers write lesson plans to address learning style characteristics and brain processing preferences.

All YDCs offer the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for elementary and middle school. All attending middle school students may also take business-related courses. At some YDCs, vocational courses such as automotive technology, landscaping, and carpentry are available.

Students participate in the annual testing program known as the ABCs of Public Education. They are required to meet the same standards as students in public schools with regard to these tests.

Students who are over the age of 16 may be considered for the GED program with the written permission of his or her parent or legal guardian. Students must exhibit mature behavior by following school rules and must have at least an eighth grade reading level.

Licensed educators teach students year-round. In addition to receiving pay based on a 12-month school year, teachers receive a five percent supplement each year. They also receive bonuses if the school meets expected growth in the ABCs program.

DJJDP Education Services believes that all teachers working in our centers should receive specialized training. We value education staff who are highly trained and we believe it is imperative that they continue to participate in training throughout their careers. We value a faculty that exhibits a positive attitude and routinely cooperates with others in order for the school atmosphere to be rewarding. Our vision is for students to be engaged in and excited about learning with teachers who are creative and excited about teaching.

Currently, all YDC teachers are licensed in the area they teach by the NC Department of Public Instruction. Teachers also receive additional specialized training throughout the year . In addition to receiving pay based on a 12-month school year, teachers receive a five percent supplement each year. They also receive bonuses if the school meets expected growth in the ABCs program.

All of our YDC schools have incentive programs that reward positive changes in behavior. If a student does not follow rules such as respecting others or participating in class, the student may be assigned to the In-School Suspension program. Students who are unsafe may be separated from the regular school program for short periods of time or may be assigned to a special Intensive Behavior Management program. In this program, students attend educational classes taught by one teacher and are involved in counseling activities to assist them in returning to the main school program.

At DJJDP, we believe it is our responsibility to work with our organization and the communities that surround us to maximize the resources for our school programs.

Teachers incorporate counseling with their academic programs. Upon entry, each student is assigned to a treatment team that includes a teacher. The treatment team helps each student make decisions, with family input, about the educational services a student will receive when released from the YDC. A transcript is prepared for each student leaving a YDC to assist public schools in the transition between schools. The student's court counselor is essential in helping students to re-enroll in public schools.

At DJJDP, we respect the fact that students learn differently, and we believe that our curriculum and the way we deliver education services should reflect the needs of diverse learners.

Each student is screened for disabilities that may affect his or her education when he enters a YDC. A team of educators reviews student test data, along with school records, to determine if additional services are needed. Parents and guardians are involved in the process, as well. Any student with a possible disability may be referred for further screening and evaluation at any time during his or her stay at a YDC.

Workforce Development Education courses are offered at each of the Youth Development Centers. The mission of the program is to help empower students for effective participation in an international economy as world-class workers and citizens. The secondary level Workforce Development Education Program fulfills this mission by:

1. Preparing students for further vocational and technical education and lifelong learning;
2. Preparing students for initial and continued employment;
3. Assisting students in making educational and career decisions;
4. Applying and reinforcing related learning from other disciplines;
5. Assisting students in developing decision-making, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and citizenship skills;
6. Preparing students to make informed consumer decisions and apply practical life skills; and
7. Making appropriate provisions for students with special needs to succeed in Workforce Development Education Programs.

The mission of the middle grades program is to provide exploratory vocational education experiences, which help to develop essential skills and knowledge of self and the world of work. The purposes of the middle grades program are to assist students in:

1. Making wiser decisions about choices related to themselves and to the world of work; and
2. Developing an individual career development plan.

Dillon
In addition to regular academic instruction, Dillon students may take classes in art, poetry, and a variety of vocational areas. In 2001 two Dillon vocational teachers received NC Bright Idea grants to support special projects. The carpentry class received seed money to fund a storage unit construction project, while the automotive technology class was able to build an instrument that simulated automotive electrical problems. Students at the school participate in the Accelerated Reader Program, which rewards students for reading and thinking about the books the read.

Dobbs
Dobbs offers students many unique learning opportunities. Students interested in broadcasting operate a radio station that can be heard across the Dobbs campus. Dobbs also has a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program that helps students learn job skills and gain work experience. The school also has a campus-wide literacy project. This initiative provides opportunities and incentives for students to read independently.

Samarkand
Samarkand Youth Development Center is an all-female facility that provides students with an opportunity to develop academic and vocational competencies while also focusing on social and emotional development. The Center employs a small cadre of licensed teachers, whose instruction is supplemented on a daily basis by clinical staff. Clinical services include teaching students anger management skills, relaxation techniques, and positive communication skills. Since 2002, the HEART program has provided a holistic, comprehensive, gender specific substance abuse treatment and educational program to a small group of students at the Center.

Stonewall Jackson
Through Project Connect, Stonewall Jackson is focused on helping students prepare for the transition back into their community. In addition to providing more transition-related books and materials on campus, this project encourages education and clinical staff to work together with students. A team of teachers at Stonewall also won a 2001 Bright Idea grant for a project that encourages students to develop their letter-writing skills and improve communication with their families.

Swannanoa
Swannanoa's school operates on a schedule that allows treatment programs to be integrated into the school day. The school offers a wide variety of electives, including pottery, welding, computer engineering, agriculture, and poetry. The school has a service-learning component that encourages students to give back to their community.

Project Connect is a collaborative initiative designed to bring renewed focus on transition services for all students. The goal of the project is to assist teachers and other education staff in preparing students for an effective transition back to their families, school and/or job, and the community. Components will include increased communication with family, a renewed focus on job-seeking skills, greater collaboration with campus and community resources, and a more integrated curriculum.

Educational Services will continue to focus on improving its literacy programming. Two programs are currently used to help with this focus: the Corrective Reading Program and the Accelerated Reader Program. The Corrective Reading is a structured reading program with tightly sequenced, scripted lessons, which is proven to help struggling readers. The Accelerated Reader program encourages and rewards reading among students.

As a part of this focus, all YDC libraries have automated library catalogue and check out systems.