This report provides a look at correctional education in Illinois, with special emphasis on vocational offerings and their potential to affect the reduction of crime and recidivism. The 8 commendations and 15 recommendations are directed to state staff who make decisions about vocational programming. Recommendations include the following: follow through with development of a comprehensive 5-year plan; conduct external team evaluations every 5 years of each correctional center's education program; require each institution to develop a training-industry-education plan; require each student to prepare an individualized career plan; review programs for females; integrate applied basic skills in all programs; promote staff development; extend the school day to accommodate more students; and continue to support establishment of community networks. The supporting documentation is arranged according to areas of concern: facts and forecasts, costs and cutbacks, planning and evaluation, incentives, and community services and networks. An update section explains new transitional services for offenders, including various mentoring programs. Project title, agency, and director are provided. Inmates' feelings about their lives in prison are compiled in the survey section. Included in the report are 14 success stories of former inmates that reinforce the value of their educational experience while incarcerated. Appendixes include personal profile forms and 16 references. (YLB)