National Study of Vocational Education in Corrections. Final Report

A national study of vocational education in corrections was conducted to describe the current status of vocational education programs available to inmates in all types of correctional facilities. The study produced the following technical reports: a review and synthesis of the literature on correctional vocational education; a set of thirty-four standards for vocational programs in correctional institutions; and a national survey of correctional facilities. Results of the study showed a wide range of opinions describing what kind of treatment incarcerated individuals should receive, including educational opportunities. Development of standards for planning, operating, and evaluating vocational programs was enthusiastically welcomed by administrators and teachers in correctional facilities. Survey data showed that in correctional facilities offering vocational education about sixteen percent of the total inmate population (212,000 inmates) participated in those programs. Another four percent were waiting to enroll in vocational courses. Recommendations for continued research in the area were made, and a suggestion for testing the standards in actual vocational program planning and operation was presented. The appendixes, which comprise a major portion of this document, include the technical reports and a report of the site visits which were included in the study. (Author/BM)