One of the twelve exemplary programs summarized in the Introduction to Right to Read's "Effective Reading Programs: Summaries of 222 Selected Programs" (CS001934), this program attempts to raise the reading skills of inmates of the Sierra Conservation Center to the level needed for training in conservation work while in prison, or for outside jobs after parole or release. The seven-week training session uses a reading-with-symbols method, giving the beginning reader visual cues to help identify the sound of a letter or a group of letters. Students first master consonant and vowel sounds from phonetic spelling lists, and as they proceed through the course to special reading books, the cuing with symbols is gradually reduced. The symbols enable the students to progress rapidly enough that they experience feelings of confidence and success in their reading. Students enter the program at the level at which they need work. The content of the program is designed to be of high interest to prisoners. (TO/AIR)