NCJ Number
179223
Date Published
1998
Length
26 pages
Annotation
A survey measured the perceptions of staff and inmates regarding the effectiveness of the New York State Department of Correctional Services Vocational Education Program.
Abstract
Respondents were 430 educational supervisors and instructors as well as 389 randomly sampled inmates who were within 6 months of their release date. Ten percent of the inmate sample were women. The survey measured the effectiveness of the program regarding work skills, technical skills, and student person attributes that related to employability. Inmate chances of obtaining successful employment upon release and the overall quality of specific programs based on inmate and staff perceptions were also measured. Examined as well were the most positive components of the program as well as changes needed to improve the programs, as perceived by the respondents. Findings show that both inmates and staff believed the program was useful in improving interpersonal skills as well as employment skills. They also generally agreed that the program was helpful in preparing inmates for employment after release. A significant portion of inmates and staff stated that more hands-on work and in-house projects were needed to better prepare inmates for employment. The need to keep equipment and materials updated was also emphasized by both staff and inmates. The need for training in the computer field was mentioned as well. Instructors stated that more programming that involves job-seeking skills, as well as increased academics, is needed along with better screening and placement procedures for inmates. The inmates focused on making the program more career-oriented and decreasing transfers out of shops before inmates had completed their training. 10 tables and appended survey instruments and responses