NCJ Number
152540
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 74 Issue: 4 Dated: special issue (December 1994) Pages: 414-432
Date Published
1994
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Offenders incarcerated in jails in Hillsborough County, Fla., had the opportunity to participate in an education program using computer-assisted instruction for basic literacy education and GED preparation.
Abstract
Although literacy levels were low with a tested mean of sixth grade prior to entering the program, participants made statistically significant gains in knowledge during 6 weeks of instruction. Overall, participants gained 2.40 grades during this period. Significance tests based on gender, race, and age were conducted with males, African-Americans, and juveniles; they showed significantly higher gains in knowledge within these groups; however, when a logistic regression model was created through the use of low-high gains as the dependent variable, only age remained significant, indicating an interaction effect with gender and race. Participants in the program showed high levels of satisfaction with the program, and 90 percent had plans to continue their education upon release. Based on the research conducted thus far, the program is operating successfully. 5 tables and 41 references