The educational background and work history of adult incarcerated males who were 90 days or less from release were examined in the present study. The Vocational and Educational History Questionnaire (VEHQ), the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests Revised/Normative Update, and the Basic Achievement of Common Knowledge and Skills were given to offenders…

Since the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004), public schools have been permitted to use a response to intervention model to address academic and social problems of students and identify students with disabilities. As the collective educational community tackles implementation of response to intervention…

This study focused on school-level approaches to assessment and accountability policies and practices. A national random sample of 131 (34.22%) principals from juvenile correctional schools for committed youth (JC) responded to a mail and on-line survey. No statistically significant differences existed between respondent and nonrespondent schools.…

The National Adult Literacy Survey, conducted by the U.S. Department of Education in 1992 and 2003, included federal and state prisoners. One finding of the 2003 survey was that prisoners with a GED scored higher in reading skills than persons in the general population with the equivalent education. In an attempt to explain that unexpected…

The reading achievement of 398 incarcerated male juvenile offenders was measured at three long-term correctional facilities in three distinct regions of the U.S. Participants were assessed in the areas of word identification, word attack, and comprehension. Results were analyzed by age, ethnicity, and special education status. Overall, reading…

Formerly incarcerated adolescents with disabilities face additional barriers to a successful transition to adulthood when released from the youth correctional facility often with societal expectations of transitioning directly to adulthood. Employment and post-secondary enrollment may serve as protective factors and reduce the likelihood of future…

The research literature has repeatedly demonstrated that there is an overrepresentation of juveniles with disabilities who are incarcerated in short-term and long-term correctional facilities. Despite these findings, special education programs in many juvenile correctional facilities have been shown to be lacking many of the necessary services…

Juvenile offenders, particularly those with disabilities, are at high risk for school failure and diminished educational, employment, and social opportunities that contribute to continued social maladjustment as adults. To better understand the occupational preferences and aptitudes of juvenile offenders, 201 juvenile offenders, including 52 who…

This study is part of a directed research project funded by the Office of Special Education Programs. Using qualitative research methods, consisting of interviews and participant observations, the policies and procedures of three alternative education programs in various settings were investigated. These programs served youth with and without…

Adjudicated youth face tentative futures upon release from secure care settings. Their fate is often dependent upon the existence of quality aftercare programs emphasizing effective, integrated transition services to help them reintegrate successfully. The goal in developing transition plans for youth exiting detention is to reduce the likelihood…

Interviews with 11 Oregon juvenile corrections educators examined their understanding of their role in the special education process. Their responses revealed some misunderstandings about accommodations, emotional disturbances, and learning disabilities, indicating a need for professional development. (JOW)

A survey of 176 correctional educators serving incarcerated juveniles with and without disabilities indicated that most provide opportunities for students to earn their General Educational Development (GED) certificates and develop vocational skills. Individualized instruction was the predominant approach for both groups of students. (Contains 39…

Discusses the overrepresentation of youth with disabilities in juvenile corrections, the role of education and literacy, and the different educational goals of short- and long-term programs. Outlines special education service delivery within the framework of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the challenges of implementing special…

Interviews with 29 incarcerated youth revealed significant differences in their knowledge of their Individualized Education Program transition plans. Those who took career classes had more knowledge about job searching, application, and interviewing. (Contains 19 references.) (SK)

A study examined the extent to which the Wisconsin Youth Reentry Specialist (YRS) program was effective in the transition of youth with handicapping conditions from an institutional school into special education programs. Results showed that the YRS position increased the likelihood for a successful transition. (Author/JOW)