EDUCATION’S LAST CHANCE: AN ANALYSIS AND PROPOSALS FOR REFORMS OF EDUCATION PROGRAMMING IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITIES FOR BOYS
Abstract
In this thesis, I evaluate the education programming in a juvenile detention center for boys in Western Massachusetts. Specifically, I illustrate how and why the academic achievement gap is glaring among this student population, consider reforms currently being implemented (particularly on the part of the Collaborative for Educational Services), and propose four ways in which further improvements could be made.
My driving argument is that there needs to be more innovation and urgency around this issue. This is the most critical juncture at which to work with these boys to achieve high school graduation and post-secondary education options, ultimately decreasing recidivism.
I have been working at this facility for two years, as an assistant teacher, tutor, and mentor, but this thesis is also largely based upon external research.
Description
Acknowledgments: I would like to thank President Lynn Pasquerella for agreeing to take on this thesis project, even though she is already busy leading a top-ranked women’s college; Lucas Wilson for stepping up to the role of second reader and pushing me to the very last moment; Andrew Lass, Becky Wai-Ling Packard and Tanya Williams for supporting me as committee members and mentors; Woody Clift for showing me that teaching in a juvenile detention facility is work that exists and trusting me to do it as a junior in college; Alan Bloomgarden and Robin Warner for listening to my pleas to make this work a formal fellowship and helping my dream become a reality; Preston Smith for introducing me to many of the theorists to whom I make reference; the faculty and staff at the Department of Youth Services for helping me learn the ropes and supporting my efforts; the dear friends and family members who worked through these ideas with me constantly; and, most importantly, the boys at DYS who inspired this work and taught me as much as, I hope, I was able to teach them.
Keywords
achievement gap, jail, school, boys, Latino, Black, race, racism, prison, corrections, Westfield, youth, Massachusetts, incarceration, justice, detention, juvenile, reform, education