Project SCALE (Scaffolded Chart-Based Approach for Literacy Enhancement) to Empower ALS Students in Correctional Facilities

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) program plays a crucial role in enhancing the literacy among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). This initiative not only addresses educational gaps but also fosters personal growth and social reintegration. There have been various studies that looked at the effectiveness of different approaches and methodologies in improving the literacy of ALS students. However, there is a dearth of studies investigating different effective approaches that are used for PDLs, especially those who are enrolled in ALS. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Project SCALE (Scaffolded Chart-Based Approach for Literacy Enhancement) in improving the literacy of incarcerated ALS students. Project SCALE is an innovative approach that incorporates interactive learning with focus on using scaffolded learning approach through structure table charts to equip the students with understanding of the components of English sentences and improve their writing skills. Project SCALE is innovative as it integrates different educational strategies to respond to the research problem. The integration of gradual scaffolding approach, structured chart usage, and interactive individual and group activities informs a comprehensive approach in teaching writing skills for the targeted students. This approach targeted both the desired specific learning outcomes and promoted collaboration among the students which is important in the students’ community life. The innovation was tested in three LS1 English competencies that were not mastered by the students after a quarter period. Using a quasi-experimental research design, data was gathered from the pre-test and post-test scores of the participants. Utilizing t-test, a significant difference is found comparing the means of the pre-test and post-test scores of the participants. The post-test scores are significantly higher than the pretest scores suggesting that the intervention was effective, so it is recommended that the project be widely adapted, and its concept be used for other ALS subjects.