NCJ Number
112618
Journal
American Jails Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1988) Pages: 24-26,28-29
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A 1986 survey examined inmate education programs in 38 of Pennsylvania's 67 County jails.
Abstract
Data from 36 of these indicate that, while 32 jails had educational programs, 21 did not have written policies for such programs. Most of the policies are designed to inform inmates about the availability of the programs. Several of the policies encourage inmates to participate, and one prison makes participation in educational programming a condition of eligibility for trusty status or participation in work release programs. General equivalency diploma (GED) programs were offered by 31 jails, with classroom hours ranging from 2 to 40 hours per week. Adult basic education programs were offered by 24 jails. It was very common for both programs to be offered by the same teacher in the same classroom. Literacy training, usually by individual tutor, was offered in 25 facilities; and 17 offered training in employability skills, generally in relation to a work release program. Life skills instruction was offered by 10 jails. Other offerings dealt with mental health, substance abuse, religion, parenting, and English as a Second Language. Some facilities also permitted release to attend college classes or vocational training. The survey form and additional data are appended.