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Inmates earn high school degree

Posted at 3:36 PM, Jan 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-10 16:36:46-05
Pictured at left are inmates Coby Thomas, Kryan Mcneal, Chet Richard, Donisha Duruisseau, and HISET Instructor Deputy Lillian Rideaux.
Pictured at left are inmates Coby Thomas, Kryan Mcneal, Chet Richard, Donisha Duruisseau, and HISET Instructor Deputy Lillian Rideaux.

 

Four St. Landry Parish inmates earned their high school degree as part of the jail’s High School Equivalency Test (HISET) program.

The HISET is offered to inmates housed at the St. Landry Parish Jail who have not received a high school diploma. The program helps to improve the lives of inmates through high school equivalency credentials that prepare them for employment and promote changes,  said Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.

“Earning a high school diploma improves an inmate’s chances of not returning to prison and becoming a productive member in society,” stated Guidroz.

The new HISET test which replaced the original GED test last year is more in line with common core standards. Each student is required to participate 10 hours a week for at least three months, according to their level of education. These hours are mandatory to become eligible for achieving a HISET diploma.

“There are over 34 students who have graduated through the HISET program and currently 25 inmates enrolled in the taking courses,” said Lillian Rideaux, the HISET instructor of the sheriff’s office stated.

The graduation was held on December 18, 2018, and the 2019 classes are already in process.