NCJ Number
205155
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 55 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2004 Pages: 6-21
Editor(s)
John Dowdell,
Russell Craig
Date Published
March 2004
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study describes assessment and instructional characteristics of academic correctional education programs that serve incarcerated adults by conducting a survey of Correctional Education Association members in the Midwest region of the United States.
Abstract
Over the years, the role of correctional education programs for incarcerated adults has been a highly debated topic of discussion. The predominant focus of correctional education programs appears to be the development of inmates’ basic skills, successful completion of the requirements for a high school diploma or GED Certificate, and the development of vocational skills. While research provides support for education programs and specific types of instructional approaches, little data are available describing the educational practices of correctional education programs for incarcerated adults. A survey was conducted to describe the characteristics of instructional programs serving incarcerated adults. One-hundred and fifty-five members of the Correctional Education Association from the Midwest region of the United States were surveyed with 175 usable responses received. The survey findings suggest that incarcerated adults are provided instruction guided by standardized assessment results in the context of individualized grouping and instructional strategies. In addition, the findings indicate that correctional educators predominantly rely on standardized assessment measures for placement and monitoring of students in correctional education programs. The major programs available to inmates were General Education Development certificate programs, Adult Basic Education, and vocational education programs. References