NCJ Number
112711
Date Published
1986
Length
73 pages
Annotation
This report presents results of an evaluation of a model program featuring collaboration between community colleges and New Jersey juvenile correctional education programs at six sites.
Abstract
Program goals were to improve students math and verbal skills, create more favorable attitudes toward learning, and teach meaningful job skills, Data, collected for 104 students, included staff ratings, basic skills tests, a student questionnaire, on-site observations, and interviews with staff members and students. Results indicate that students showed strong gains in both math and verbal skills, with improvements being double and triple (respectively) their rate of growth prior to program entry. Over 80 percent of the students learned to use computers and responded very positively to them. Success in computer-aided instruction was statistically associated with positive behavioral changes as well. Involvement by the community colleges contributed to the youths' self-image and helped neutralize the effects of labeling. Benefits were greatest when classes were conducted on the college campuses. Students behavior on campuses was praised by both college and correctional staff. Observation and interview data suggest that most vocational programs helped students develop good work habits and a favorable attitude toward employment. Programs had a positive impact on students' attitudes toward learning. Behavioral changes included substantial gains in students' impulse control, readiness to accept responsibility for oneself, and a diminished tendency to portray oneself as a victim. Implications for further model development are discussed. Supplemental data are appended. 3 tables and 8 references.