NCJ Number
152539
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 74 Issue: 4 Dated: special issue (December 1994) Pages: 398-413
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the successes and obstacles experienced by an inmate functional literacy program for jail inmates in Jefferson County, (Louisville) Ky.
Abstract
The program, Real Opportunities Behind Bars for Employment (ROBBE), combines literacy training, social skills training, and employability skills. The core of the instructional model is the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS), which is a widely used method of assessing adult basic skills and English as a second language. In the ROBBE program, potential students are given a CASAS appraisal to determine their initial competency levels. If the inmate volunteers to enter the program, instruction usually lasts for 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks (80 hours) of instruction, CASAS is readministered to assess the level of student performance. The program's goal is to raise CASAS scale scores five points (one grade level) in reading and mathematical skills. Based on an analysis of the problems in program operation, structure, organization, and personnel, this study recommends that there be clearly established means of communication among all program partners. Second, the program can succeed only if there are clearly defined goals and procedures for pursuing them. Third, all decisions about major program changes must involve all program partners. Fourth, the program should be highly visible in both the judicial system and the resident facilities. Other recommendations pertain to student recruitment strategy, staff training, data collection, evaluation, and realistic expectations by program partners. 19 references