NCJ Number
196768
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 53 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 101-105
Date Published
September 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the history and methods of implementation of an Arkansas educational program for prison inmates which required mandatory school attendance by all inmates without a high school diploma.
Abstract
The staff of the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) and the Arkansas Department of Corrections School District (ADCSD) were surveyed to identify attitudes and perceptions concerning the establishment of a prison system educational program begun in 1973 which led to the requirement in 1993 that all inmates without a high school diploma attend school. The historical steps leading to these changes are outlined. A legal decision stating that "the absence of treatment programs in the prison system was a factor in the overall constitutional question before the Court" led to a requirement that inmates receive education provided by the prison system. Also, a lawsuit, decided in favor of the State, affirmed the right of ADC and ADCSD to require school attendance, thus generating the attendance that in turn generated the funding to support the program. The number of GED graduates increased dramatically due to the increase in required attendance. Staff reported there were very few serious incidents in the school facilities due to inmates being occupied with constructive activities, making their jobs much easier. Also, the success of the program was credited, in great part, to the fact that funding for the correctional education program was obtained from State educational resources instead of correctional funds. In conclusion, it was noted that the administrative staff and school district officials interviewed fully supported the decision to require mandatory attendance and ADC administrators fully supported the educational program and staff as an important part of the prison system. References