NCJ Number
144992
Date Published
1993
Length
54 pages
Annotation
In 1988, the Adult Probation Department in Pima County, Arizona, instituted a program called LEARN (literacy, education, and reading network). This evaluation focused on the PALS (Principles of the Alphabet Literacy System) and GED components of that program.
Abstract
A sample of 811 probationers were divided into three groups: those who had completed their term of probation and the literacy or GED component of the LEARN program; those who were ordered to attend LEARN but did not complete the program; and a control group. The findings showed that the GED program participants had received more preimprisonment education than PALS participants. There were no significant differences for gender or race among program participants and the control group. The results indicated that probationers who graduated from PALS had a higher successful probation completion rate than the control group; similar results were found for probationers who completed the GED portion of LEARN. Recommendations for improving the program stressed the need for evaluation tools, ultimate outcome studies, Statewide evaluation processes, data collection, and support from the local judiciary. 1 appendix