NCJ Number
167789
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 58 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1996) Pages: 80-83,91
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The Genesee County Jail's (Michigan) Project LEAD (Life Enrichment and Development) integrates academics, life skills, and vocational instruction and tailors them to meet the individual needs of participants.
Abstract
Project LEAD uses a holistic approach in correctional education to identify inmates whose functional literacy levels are deficient to a degree that makes it difficult for them to secure and maintain jobs. The core curriculum is designed on a 4- week cycle. Cycle topics include self-esteem, problem solving/decision-making, vocational planning, and goal setting. Motivational activities are incorporated in all core subject areas. Inmates receive a minimum of 15 hours of instruction weekly, which include a minimum of 5 hours of computer-assisted instruction and 10 hours of classroom instruction, life-skills sessions, and individual academic tutoring. Academic and general counseling are provided as needed. The final performance report completed in 1995 shows that the recidivism rate for the 611 Project LEAD participants from September 1993 through September 1995 was 3.5 percent, with "recidivism" defined as the incurring of new charges since release. The nonrecidivism rate of 96.5 percent for participants compares with a nonrecidivism rate of 67 percent for circuit court felons in Michigan. The gains in reading and mathematics for participants were substantial.