All Vermonters should have access to a quality basic education that has equivalent educational expectations for all students. "Vermont's Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities," including the "School Quality Standards" and the school reform processes, built on those "Standards," is the basis for assisting all students to acquire high academic and workplace skills.

Because these students are presently under the custody of the Vermont Department of Corrections; the design, operation and continuous improvement of this School provides a strong emphasis on protecting the public, staff and students with programs, balance with appropriate security. This Educational Mission is best served when the educational programs for students is established, as separate and distinct educational entity, within the operational functions of the Department of Corrections and regulatory responsibility of the Vermont Department of Education.

The guiding belief of CHSVT, is that all academic and vocational educational services shall adhere to high standards of purpose, empowerment, self-directed decision-making, excellence, recognition, reward, integrity and diversity.

The vision for CHSVT has emerged from the collaborative efforts of Corrections Officials, Vermont Educators, Department of Employment and Training personnel, Vermont Department of Education Staff, retired educators, business leaders and many other concerned Vermonters.

Upon that foundation, CHSVT sees the Vermont Correctional Facility as an Educational Institution. It is a place where people learn to be literate, to acquire life and vocational skills, and to have a genuine opportunity to complete High School. It is a place where structured and disciplined study is the norm; where each individual masters essential skills necessary to be a productive citizen, including daily habits of attendance, learning and responsibility. Finally, it is an Institution that is integrated with community-based educational services, job opportunities and job training.

For incarcerated offenders, returning to the Community from the Correctional Facilities and for other Community Supervised offenders, educational services will be coordinated, within the Vermont CCSC's operated by the Department of Corrections. To the greatest extent possible, Community Supervised students will be encouraged to participate in quality instruction opportunities at the Regional Vocational Centers, Adult Basic Education Centers and businesses.

CHSVT classrooms and instructional services are available at the CCSC's for students that are unable and/or unwilling to attend other community-based educational services.

CHSVT includes professional educators, volunteers, community and business leaders working together, inside and outside the Institutions and CCSC's as a coordinated team. This is a Team dedicated to:

• Assuring effective and efficient continuity and consistency of educational services to students enrolled in programs within the institutions and CCSC's.
• Quality educational service delivery and professional development committed to enhancing the educational, vocational and employment status of all students in need of such services.

These individuals reside in Vermont's Correctional Facilities or participate in Community-based Correctional Programs under the alternative to incarceration programs. Any other adult in need of remedial education in the Community will be served on a space available basis.

CHSVT envisions an integrated, collaborative, educational system for all "dropouts" to help them reach high standards. It calls upon the Correctional Facilities, the Public School System, various agencies, Department of State Government and many others to coordinate activities into a statewide system of schooling and job training that is held together across Vermont by the professional commitment of all.