Examining Academic and Social Needs of High School Incarcerated Youth from Teachers' Perspective

Abstract

The goal of this dissertation is to provide research on the educational and societal needs of incarcerated youth by examining teachers' perceptions, both academically and socially, which will result in successful student transition into the traditional environment. Many of the educational approaches within incarceration school settings are instituted using the traditional school model, which is not conducive to the needs of incarcerated youth. Within incarceration educational pedagogy, youths also need socio-emotional skills when faced with the transition into the traditional environment in order to avoid recidivism. Community-based support and prevention-oriented collaboration are also required in their quest for a successful transition to mainstream society. Students' progress should be tracked and monitored while transitioning into the traditional environment. Federal laws do not address the needs of incarcerated youth. The 2001 No Child Left Behind Act fails to acknowledge that school choice is not an option for incarcerated youth.