NCJ Number
76400
Date Published
Unknown
Length
87 pages
Annotation
Educational programs operating in Pennsylvania correctional institutions for adults were examined through site visits and interviews with residents and staff.
Abstract
Administrative issues, program goals, and program objectives; client needs assessment; and program development, efficiency, and effectiveness were investigated at each of the nine institutions. The educational programming goal statement should be revised to ensure that all components are appropriate and to facilitate program consistency and effectiveness. A cooperative effort between the Bureau of Corrections and the State Department of Education, both of whom hold program responsibility, is required. Confusion about responsibilities between corrections and education department personnel should be resolved. Vocational programming should stress marketable skills and certification for training. Job placement and career skills units should be developed at all facilities which lack them. Needs assessment information should be better recorded and used. Physical and equipment resources should be used more efficiently, and programs should be scheduled during both the day and evening to allow residents to attend without work assignment conflict. A student recruitment program should be implemented, and vocational training programs should be offered based on minimum student enrollment criteria. Resident interviews indicated that the education staff was dedicated to the programs. Increased inservice training opportunites are needed, affirmative action hiring should be emphasized, and salary schedules should be upgraded. Emphasis should be given to developing a bilingual education program to meet the needs of the increasing Hispanic population. Educational programming at each of the institutions is detailed. Appendices include information on the evaluation methodology, descriptions of the facilities, a list of educational programs by institution, a map, and graphs.