Most juvenile justice students enter residential programs performing below their grade level in reading and math but improve by at least one grade level during their stay. While some students make dramatic gains of three years or more, most youth remain below their age-appropriate grade level upon release.
Because many juvenile justice youth will not return to school upon release, education programs need to increase access to vocational education and General Education Diplomas (GEDs).
In residential juvenile justice education programs, 83% of teachers are certified; however, more Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers are needed.
Most education programs offer a range of basic subjects and meet corrections standards for student/teacher ratios. However, at over 25% of facilities, the number of days that instruction is not available due to summer vacation and other breaks is a problem.
The success of residential education programs is not determined by whether school districts provide education services directly or hire contractors. Both models can succeed with the support and active participation of the school district and the juvenile justice facility.
School districts are responsible for educational services in residential commitment facilities, but are not held accountable for their performance.

Juvenile Justice Students Face Barriers to High School Graduation and Job Training
Report 10-55 October 2010
Progress Report: Many Steps Taken to Improve Education at Florida's Juvenile Justice Facilities
Report 99-56 June 2000
Progress Report: State's Testing Participation Goal Unmet in Fast-Growing Exceptional Education Program
Report 99-19 December 1999
Best Financial Management Practice Review Manatee County School District
Report 98-19 October 1998

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.