Frequently Asked Questions About Donald E. Long

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Home > MESD Schools & Programs > Juvenile Detention Education Program (JDEP) > Donald E. Long School Program > FAQ

How long is the school year at the Donald E. Long School (DEL)?

Schools in juvenile detention facilities operate year round. Oregon OAR 581-015-2590 requires that juvenile detention schools operate for a minimum of 220 student-contact days, with no more than 14 calendar days of break at any time.  

What is the duration of each school quarter at DEL?

First quarter is from July to September. Second quarter is from October to December. Third quarter is from January to March. Fourth quarter is from April to June.

Do students commute to DEL for educational services?

No. Only students residing at the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center receive educational services at DEL. Students who have been released from the detention center receive educational services at their next placement (example: an Oregon Youth Authority facility) or through their resident school district.

Is schooling free?

Students and families do not pay for education in juvenile detention settings. Funding is based on state allocation of dollars, which is usually based on average daily attendance (ADM). Juvenile detention education programs (JDEP) operate as state-funded schools.

How many subjects are taught?

Students are required by law to receive a minimum of five and a half hours of instruction a day. Most students have five-period days, plus physical education. All core-content subjects are taught, and some elective classes are also offered as time permits and depending on student diploma needs and interest.

Are students offered special education (SpEd) services?

Yes. Students who qualify for SpEd services receive services in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP). IEP meetings and evaluations are also conducted. Child Find is a completed pursuant to Oregon law.

Do students get to participate in athletics?

No. However, they do have one hour of physical education every day. Please note that students who enter DEL are incarcerated and reside at the facility. We provide educational services inside the facility. Students are not permitted to leave the facility except by court order, per Multnomah County Juvenile Division Services.

Can DEL students graduate with a diploma or GED?

The average stay for a student in a juvenile detention facility is 14 days, which means they rarely receive their terminal degree while in the juvenile detention setting. We encourage students to work toward their diploma, and if placed in the juvenile detention facility long enough, they may earn a diploma from the facility. Students may opt to pursue a GED but can only take the GED test once outside the facility.