NCJ Number
75172
Date Published
1977
Length
335 pages
Annotation
The results of a three-part study of vocational education in correctional institutions are described in which a review and synthesis of the literature were conducted, 34 standards were developed and validated, and 929 facilities were surveyed.
Abstract
The literature in the area revealed considerable disagreement over issues; gaps in defining what effective rehabilitation, counseling, education, training, and parole efforts should be; and sketchy information on program success and failure. The amount of literature focused on recommendations for study and improvement of education and training opportunities and the resources being reported as spent in this area provide cause for optimism. The vocational education standards were validated both by experts and by practitioners. There was considerable interest in standards development among administrators, educational administrators, corrections leaders, and vocational education leaders. The survey indicated that about 16 percent of those inmates who had vocational trainig available to them participated. Another 4 percent were waiting to enroll in programs. Development of a data reporting system for correctional education programs, development of program evaluation methodology based on the standards, and additional research on vocational education in corrections programs are recommended. Tabular data and about 150 references are included. Appendixes include technical reports on the study areas, survey forms, and figures.