NCJ Number
109358
Date Published
1987
Length
58 pages
Annotation
A survey of educators in youth correctional facilities, State administrators of youth corrections, and college and university faculty in preservice teacher preparation programs for correctional educators focused on identifying the critical skills required of correctional educators.
Abstract
The survey instrument used a bifurcate format that required respondents to rate 135 skill items according to importance and proficiency. Two parallel Likert-type scales were provided so that respondents could rate items according to their perceptions of importance and proficiency. Of the 366 mailed surveys, 183 were returned. Multiple analysis of variance produced no support for the four study hypotheses and eight corollaries. However, analysis of variance and chi-square procedures revealed significant differences among the three groups and within the group of correctional educators. Recommendations include an emphasis on Federal legislative guidelines for the education of incarcerated youth; the development of the educator's skills in communication and interaction with facility administrators, parents, and local community agencies; and inclusion of vocational/career development and transitional programs in correctional settings. Tables, appended instrument, and 69 references.