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Effectiveness of Learning Strategies in Improving Performance and Increasing the Independence of Juvenile Offenders With Learning Problems

NCJ Number
149374
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 45 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1994) Pages: 18-24
Author(s)
J M Platt; M Beech
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A strategies instructional approach was used as an intervention for juvenile offenders with learning problems as part of the Youthful Offender Special Education Project conducted in Florida.
Abstract
Due to the high number of youths with disabilities in correctional facilities, it is imperative that effective interventions be developed and field-tested to meet the needs of this population. Learning strategies for decoding words, paraphrasing text, taking tests, and setting goals were taught to correctional educators for use with adjudicated youths, as a means of empowering the inmates to become independent problemsolvers. Correctional educators taught the word decoding strategy to their students and reported impressive gains, with some juveniles working on generalizing the use of the strategy. The goal-setting strategy was less effective with the juvenile offenders, but teachers offered practical modifications to increase the success of this and other strategies in the correctional setting. Overall, teachers in academic settings met with more success than those in vocational settings. Vocational teachers recommended the use of a job analysis in vocational settings to determine which learning strategies would be most applicable. Use of learning strategies may assist juvenile offenders, upon release, to manage the academic and social demands they will encounter in school, home, community, and employment settings. 6 tables and 13 references