NCJ Number
94241
Date Published
1984
Length
81 pages
Annotation
This paper reports the results of a study of vocational and academic programs at a correctional facility in Massachusetts.
Abstract
The total sample size was 1,196 and included 866 individuals who were at the institution at the beginning of the study period and 330 who were admitted during the study period. Half of the study sample were involved in some institutional movement during the study period, while half were at the study institution for the entire study period. Of the 1,196 individuals in the sample, 42 percent participated in educational programs. At the end of the 4-month study period, 30 percent were still enrolled in courses, 33 percent had completed courses, and 37 percent had withdrawn. Minority offenders were more likely to participate than nonminority offenders. Younger offenders were more likely to participate than older offenders. Participants in general had less extensive criminal history than nonparticipants. Participation was low among those recently transferred to the institution and among those at the institution for a long period. Minority participants leaned towards the academic programs; nonminorities were more likely to participate in vocational programs. Offenders with low levels of education tended to seek the academic program, while those with higher levels of education preferred vocational programs. The research found no differences between those completing the programs and those withdrawing. Two figures, footnotes, and a glossary are included. Appendixes present educational programs at the prison, along with comparisons of participants and nonparticipants, vocational and academic participants, and persisters and nonpersisters. (Author abstract modified)