NCJ Number
78886
Date Published
1976
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Findings are reported from the first year's evaluation of Wisconsin's Jails and Individualized Learning (JIL) project, a program intended to increase education service to women inmates of the Milwaukee County Jail from the current 8 hours a week to 8 hours a day.
Abstract
Objectives were (1) to increase from 8 to 30 the weekly hours of formal individualized instruction available, (2) to introduce at least 10 hours per week of guided learning opportunities for small groups and individuals, (3) to identify and use at least 5 suitable community resources and 35 to 45 volunteers, (4) to provide weekly at least 3 types of oppotunities for personal improvement, and (5) to assist at least 10 percent of the expected 250 program participants to continue their educational development after jail release. The evaluation encompassed project activity from October 1, 1975, through July 31, 1976. Data were obtained from the project's records and through a reporting system devised by the evaluation staff. Project records consisted of an individual record showing demographic information and a record of the classes in which each person participated, along with a monthly listing of classes offered (total number of hours and total attendance for each class). Instructional elements were categorized into arts and crafts, academic and vocational, self-improvement, and special programs. Data on 188 participants showed that they were predominantly young black females with less than a high school education. Individual involvement was positively correlated with length of time at the jail. While the arts and crafts elements had the highest total attendance in terms of number of classes attended, the self-improvement courses were attended by the largest proportion of students (68.5 percent). Appended are the forms for the activity log and individual participation. Tabular data are provided.