NCJ Number
87217
Date Published
1981
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This report on prison vocational education programs, prepared by th National Advisory Council on Vocational Education, advocates more financial and policy assistance from Congress and the Federal Government.
Abstract
The major issues of concern to vocational educators are funding, administration, comprehensive programming, and Federal policy and leadership. To address inadequate funding, Congress should include assurances of correctional access to funding in the Vocational Education Amendments (VEA) reauthorization. Congress should also consider establishing a staff position for correctional education in each State department of education to help link the many State agencies and resources assisting education and employment training. The Federal Government should encourage quality programs and curricula for training correctional teachers in academic and vocational programs; Federal funds should be made available to upgrade existing facilities and equipment. Congress might also amend the VEA to ensure that prison industry operations are coordinated and consistent with inmates' vocational needs. National minimum standards for educational and vocational programs, private sector initiatives, and the establishment of an office for correctional education within the Department of Education are also recommended. Footnotes are included; lists of participants in national hearings are appended. (Author summary modified)