A study examined the condition of vocational education in correctional institutions in Minnesota. A literature review was conducted, and surveys were sent to 57 instructors and 18 supervisors of vocational education in correctional institutions throughout Minnesota. Forty-one of 57 instructors (72%) and all 18 supervisors (100%) completed the surveys. The data were insufficient to determine the effectiveness of vocational programs in helping offenders attain employment/living skills and economic self-sufficiency and avoid recidivism. The data were sufficient, however, to recommend that Minnesota's governor and legislature establish a statewide system of intensive and sustained transitional services for individuals and that the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections take the following actions: recognize and accommodate the unique educational requirements of the special needs learners served by vocational education in prisons; establish and implement a system for continuous improvement of correctional service that includes follow-up of postrelease outcomes, including recidivism and job placement; use evidence of inmates' demonstrated marketable employment skills in determining releases and transfers; and institute a process to develop leadership, vision, and strategic plans for vocational education and related services. (Appended are notes on Minnesota's correctional institutions, survey results, and a list of project advisory committee members. Contains 43 references.) (MN)