[Educational Services for Handicapped Students in Correctional Settings.]

Overview & Synopsis

Issues in educational programing for incarcerated youth are explored. The following concerns affecting the implementation of P.L. 94-142 (The Education for All Handicapped Children Act) mandates in juvenile court schools and correctional facilities are discussed: (1) variable state mandates affecting education in correctional facilities; (2) varied standards of operation for education programs in correctional facilities; (3) effects of the mobility of the student population on the continuity of educational programing; (4) lack of previous identification of students due to poor attendance; (5) failure of correctional education to interface with local general education programs and standards; (6) lack of funding to adequately address the needs of the handicapped in correctional facilities; and (7) inordinate administrative requirements to implement the mandate. To remedy these problems, a variety of recommendations are offered, including basing the education program on individualized assessment and instruction, having the program reflect community proficiency standards as well as curriculum, and making available followup or outreach programs. (CL)