Citation

Knox GW. Child. Youth Serv. Rev. 1980; 2(3): 291-313.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0190-7409(80)90021-3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The research reported here comes from an evaluation of the short-term impact of a program called Operation IDEA. The sample includes all clients from the first eight cohorts of 259 youthful offenders. Each cohort, or group of clients, spends about two months in the program. The data used in this analysis was obtained from pre- and posttests using the Stanford Achievement Test and the Basic Skills Assessment measures for reading and math, a survey instrument, and agency records. Outcome data was collected for job placement and GED results. Of the 210 clients who completed the program 103 obtained employment with an average hourly wage of $3.63. GED data show that 109 took the examination after completing the program and 51 of these passed the exam and received their GED certificate. Findings also show significant (p < .001) differences between pre- and posttest educational scores as well as improved self-esteem.