NCJ Number
52962
Date Published
Unknown
Length
25 pages
Annotation
DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN JUVENILE DETENTION CENTERS GEARED TOWARD REGULAR SCHOOL CURRICULUMS IS EXAMINED.
Abstract
TO PROTECT THE LEGAL RIGHT OF EVERY CHILD TO AN EDUCATION, THE LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS MUST COOPERATE WITH OFFICIALS OF JUVENILE DETENTION CENTERS. MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION'S TASK FORCE ARE CONVINCED OF THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN DETENTION CENTERS, THEREBY MEETING THE NEEDS OF BOTH EDUCATION AND CORRECTIONS. IT IS RECOGNIZED THAT CHILDREN IN DETENTION ARE AT A CROSSROAD WHERE MANY OFFENDERS ADOPT A CRIMINAL LIFESTYLE. DETENTION, HOWEVER, COULD BE USED TO INTERVENE IN THE YOUNG OFFENDERS' LIVES, AND EDUCATION COULD BE THE CRUCIAL INTERVENING FACTOR, INSTILLING THE DESIRE TO REENROLL IN SCHOOL INTO THE OFFENDER. THE CENTER PROVIDES AN ENVIRONMENT AWAY FROM THE FAMILY OR NEIGHBORHOOD FACTORS WHICH MAY HAVE ENCOURAGED DELINQUENCY. REMOVED FROM DISTRACTIONS THE OFFENDER IS OFTEN MORE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE POSITIVE FORCES THAT ENCOURAGE A CONSTRUCTIVE RETURN TO SOCIETY. ALTHOUGH NO LEGISLATIVE MANDATE HAS BEEN ISSUED CONCERNING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN DETENTION CENTERS, TEXAS SCHOOL BOARD STANDARDS REQUIRE THAT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES BE PROVIDED FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND SCHOOLS. THE FUNDING AND METHODOLOGY OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAMS IS DISCUSSED. THE SHARING OF RESPONSIBILITIES BY EDUCATION AND CORRECTIONS PERSONNEL IS STRESSED. COMPOSITES OF MODELS USED IN TEXAS AND OTHER STATES ARE PRESENTED. APPENDED MATERIALS INCLUDE A LISTING OF THE MODEL PROGRAMS IN TEXAS, THE ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS, AND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE CORRECTIONAL TEACHER. (TWK).