Institutionalized Facilities Program, 1986-87. E.C.I.A. Chapter 1, Part B. OEA Evaluation Report

The New York City Public Schools' Institutionalized Facilities Program, which provides after-school supplementary instruction in pre-vocational skills and activities of daily living for students residing for short or long terms in institutions for the neglected and delinquent, was evaluated for the 1986-87 school year. The purpose of this program is to prepare students to achieve a measure of independence and success once they leave the institution. Results of the evaluation indicated that the program exceeded its mandated goal that 80% of the students would master 80% of the objectives since 97.5% of the students mastered 80% of their objectives. A moderate relationship between number of sessions attended and number of skills mastered was also demonstrated. Goals were accomplished through the application of an individualized instructional approach. Instructional content ranged from basic self-care living skills to preparation for aptitude and competency tests. The bulk of instructional activities focused on conceptual and practical aspects of the working world: defining student vocational interests and capacities, exploring the requirements of different occupations, and practicing such skills as form completion, job applications and interviews, and work habits. The program continued to expand several activities which had shown exceptional success, such as field trips to various businesses, site visits by representatives of different occupations, job placement, and a computer literacy program. Program teachers and supervisors suggested further expanding students' contact with the work world. Teachers reported two factors that limited program effectiveness: lack of cooperaton and support from some agency staff, and variation in students' length of residency with a single institution. (ABL)