Training Needs Assessment

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (MDOC) invested significant effort in achieving its goal of certification for its training program by the American Corrections Academy (ACA). This certification is very difficult to receive and required a significant and continuing commitment of resources in employee training. For example, every employee is expected to complete a minimum of 40 hours of training per year. The demands of scheduling people for classes, coordinating equipment and facilities, maintaining a large curriculum and keeping it current, and consistently providing quality instruction have been especially challenging for MDOC. Because of this challenge and the significant investment of resources MDOC is making in training, the Commissioner solicited an evaluation of the quality of training programs and the methods of delivery.

We conducted an assessment of the current effectiveness of this large staff training and development operation. The evaluation included assessment of service delivery models, coverage for special groups within the Department, and curriculum strengths and improvement priorities. We reviewed existing policies and procedures, training methods and curriculum, conducted 15 focus group sessions with uniformed and civilian employees at several levels, interviewed senior managers and training staff, and administered surveys of instructional staff, training recipients and their management. The resulting report was completed within six months and included numerous findings, conclusions and recommendations for using resources more effectively and improving the quality of training. Many of the recommendations were immediately adopted and put into action.