Interim Report of the Evaluation of the Basic Skills Pathfinder Projects, Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 194618
• Author(s): Caroline Hudson; Grainne McMahon; Geoff Hayward; Colin Roberts; Rosa Fernandez
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: University of Oxford
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Downloaded March 5, 2002

Annotation

This executive summary presents the preliminary findings of a study regarding adult basic skills in seven probation areas in the United Kingdom during 2001.

Abstract

The study consisted of three phases: pre-sentence screening; initial assessment; and basic skills provision, based on a sample of 3,300 offenders who completed self-report questionnaires. Pre-sentence screening results revealed that 66 percent of those assessed were below level one in literacy; 49 percent below level one in numeracy, and 77 percent had a non-verbal ability below average. Eighty-six percent were male and 45 percent were under the age of 25. Fifty-nine percent were in a medium or high-risk category for reconviction, and 25 percent had been convicted of violent offences. Forty-nine percent had no school qualifications despite 57 percent of respondents having attended school regularly. The initial assessment phase used two instruments that test for basic skills' levels and non-verbal ability. Combining these two tests resulted in 66 percent below level one in literacy and 77 percent were below average in non-verbal ability. Anecdotal evidence regarding basic skills provision included positive relationships between offenders and tutors; innovative methods of teaching were used, and tutors sought out professional development opportunities. But not all basic skills were consistent across the seven probation areas studied. Recommendations for improvement include clarifying the goals of the program, deciding if attendance should be mandatory or voluntary, and is the probation department the correct agency to handle this program. Furthermore, the infrastructure needs to be consistent across the probation areas, yet flexible enough to catch offenders who may not have been identified as needing assistance. The authors caution that these preliminary findings do not represent the offender population as a whole, and should be treated with care. The final report will include data for over 7,500 offenders, provide detailed analyses of all instruments used, and will provide a cost-benefit evaluation.