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Historical Development of a Model for Correctional Education and Literacy

NCJ Number
189041
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 48-52
Author(s)
Stephen J. Steurer
Date Published
June 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the 30-year history of the evolution of a correctional educational literacy model.
Abstract
The author profiles four correctional educational literacy models as they have emerged chronologically. The traditional model for the 1970's and 1980's focused on adult basic education (ABE), high school equivalency (GED), and vocational education. The model for the late 1980's and early 1990's continued to emphasize ABE (functional competency), GED, and vocational education, but also added a focus on job preparation. The model for the mid to late 1990's added special reading techniques and inmate tutors to the previous model. The current and evolving model includes all of the following: ABE (functional competency), GED, vocational education and job preparation (transition education), parenting skills, cognitive training enhanced by special reading techniques and inmate tutors, and accommodations for learning disabled students. In the future, public education's increasing emphasis on integrated instruction (academic and vocational) and standards for excellence will undoubtedly influence adult and correctional education. Computerized instruction holds promise for better instruction for illiterate and learning disabled students. The new GED 2002 will emphasize more performance and contextualized reading, writing, and mathematics. Authentic documents used in the workplace and in daily situations will be used for instruction and testing. 13 references