Laws and regulations across the United States require that all students, including those in the custody of the juvenile courts, probation services, or other child-serving agencies, receive education services. Too often, because of short lengths of stay and logistical challenges associated with student mobility, educators and juvenile justice…

Zero-tolerance policies have created schools that are often intolerant and destructive to children and communities. High rates of suspension and expulsion of students are associated with negative outcomes and school dropout. New approaches to staff development that create positive school communities are essential in stemming the…

Few research studies have investigated the effectiveness of instructional strategies for students in juvenile corrections. The dearth of research on effective instruction for this population may be due in part to difficulties encountered in carrying out methodologically rigorous studies in these settings. This article reports barriers and…

This study focused on school-level approaches to curriculum, as well as school, principal, and student characteristics in juvenile corrections (JC) schools for committed youth. A national random sample of 131 principals from these schools responded to a mail and on-line survey. No statistically significant differences existed between respondent…

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…

Currently, there is limited research about the relationship between academic, mental health needs, and special education status among populations of incarcerated youth. Additionally, little is known about differences between special education and general education students, or about differences between detained and committed populations. This…

The demographic and educational characteristics of incarcerated youth place them at extreme risk for school failure that begins well before their confinement in correctional facilities and is itself a significant risk factor for delinquent behavior. Because of their lack of literacy skills and evidence that educational attainment is a significant…

This digest summarizes available information on the educational needs of disabled youth in correctional facilities. The high incidence of disabilities among incarcerated youth is noted and explanations are offered (e.g., they may not be recognized as disabled). The following topics are addressed: entitlement of youths with disabilities in…

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 promotes high-quality educational services for all children and youths, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, disability, income, or background. Despite the law's laudable goals, one group continues to be left behind: youths who are incarcerated in juvenile correctional facilities. These…

This monograph examines issues associated with the problems of children and youth with disabilities in the justice system. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 focuses on prevention, including systemic prevention strategies, challenges to successful prevention, model programs that address prevention, and recommended prevention practices.…

This digest presents the major findings of a national survey of public and private facilities and state agencies on the prevalence of youth with disabilities in juvenile and adult correctional facilities in the United States and the educational and related services offered to them. Findings include: (1) a preliminary estimate of the prevalence of…