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Correctional Practicum: Melding Theory With Practice

NCJ Number
169350
Journal
American Jails Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (September/October 1995) Pages: 46-48
Author(s)
F Crowe; J Zappala
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article introduces the correctional practicum concept to jail administrators and provides basic instruction on how to develop a training practicum for future correctional personnel in a local correctional settings.
Abstract
Developing a correctional practicum involves five steps. The first step is examine other programs. Superior programs place strong emphasis on a strict adherence to fundamental institutional regulations and security requirements and receive positive evaluations from all participants. Programs must be accessible to the student; promote flexible scheduling; and facilitate interaction among the college, the correctional facility, and the intern. Staff support should be developed through soliciting staff suggestions, recommendations, and opinions. The practicum program coordinator and the correctional institutional facilitator have central roles in facilitating the program and ensuring its success. It is also essential to address the legal ramifications of off-campus classes and to enable the student to be instrumental in carrying out the official and operative goals of the correctional facility during the practicum. Students should also meet weekly in the classroom to discuss and assess feelings and experiences. The program planner can assess learning outcomes by developing concise written statements of intended learning outcomes, sequencing the learning outcomes properly, ensuring that the content and materials are relevant and timely, and evaluating the learner's performance. 13 references