NCJ Number
102393
Date Published
1984
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This paper identifies general problems facing correctional education, particularly special education for handicapped inmates; describes the corrections/special education training (C/SET) in Maryland; and presents training recommendations based on a recent survey of corrections educators.
Abstract
The delivery of effective inmate education services is hampered by inadequate funding and space, philosophical differences between educators and correctional staff, and disincentives that discourage inmate participation in education programs. Corrections special education is obstructed by problems attending the identification of handicapped offenders, the application of school-based procedures to the correctional setting, and a shortage of trained personnel. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act has helped the provision of special education in corrections, but compliance with some of the act's mandates is difficult in a corrections setting. The Maryland C/SET program provides college-based inservice training for corrections educators. The 1984 survey of corrections educators attending a national conference identified perceived corrections training needs. The survey results are the basis for this paper's recommendations for the format and content of preservice and inservice training for corrections educators who work with mentally handicapped juveniles and adults. 3 notes and 38 references.