NCJ Number
156009
Journal
Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Problems Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1995) Pages: 15-17
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Institutional education programs for young offenders often focus on the medical or deficit treatment model in which youth are diagnosed and traditional content and methodology is then administered in a setting determined by structure and policy rather than by student needs; more proactive prison education, however, is recommended.
Abstract
The entire institutional education system for troubled students needs to be revised because the system is too rigid. The rigid approach has resulted, at least in part, because primary juvenile incarceration goals are custody and containment and educational programs are frequently viewed as frills. Teachers in juvenile correctional facilities have diverse training and are capable of implementing a proactive educational approach. Because they do not always identify with their counterparts in adult prisons, however, they have become professionally isolated. Various proactive approaches to juvenile correctional education are described, and a developmental and holistic educational strategy is recommended. 6 references