NCJ Number
162417
Date Published
1995
Length
55 pages
Annotation
Excerpts and abstracts of various evaluation studies pertain to the impact of correctional education on recidivism.
Abstract
The first study presented focused on whether there was a lower rate of recidivism among those who had participated in postsecondary education while incarcerated, compared to recidivism among those who qualified for such a program but did not attend. The study showed some decrease in recidivism among participants compared to nonparticipants. A preliminary report presents data on recidivism among Federal prison releasees in 1987; the study shows that recidivism rates were inversely related to educational program participation while in prison. Another study presents the finding that participation in Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) correlated with successful postrelease outcome. Another study presented involved a process evaluation of enhanced vocational education and training in local correctional facilities, followed by a report of a study that examined vocational and academic indicators of parole success; the vocational and vocational/academic groups had the highest employment rates and lowest criminal activity rates after 12 months of tracking. A report presents a review of various outcome studies that relate prison education to reduced recidivism. The abstracts of studies confirm the findings of the excerpts of studies presented, that is, that correctional education tailored to the needs of inmates reduces recidivism compared to those who do not participate in correctional education.