NCJ Number
235243
Date Published
May 2011
Length
28 pages
Annotation
In presenting information about how States are providing postsecondary correctional education (PSCE) to inmates, this brief reviews the results of a national survey of State correctional education administrators (CEAs) that focused on the availability, administration, and funding of PSCE in State prison systems.
Abstract
PSCE encompasses any academic or vocational coursework an inmate takes beyond the high school diploma or equivalent that can be used toward a certificate or an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree. Forty-three States responded to the CEA survey on State PSCE programs (an 86-percent response rate). Respondents reported that approximately 71,000 persons were enrolled in vocational or academic postsecondary education programs in prisons in academic year 2009, which composed 10.6 percent of the inmates in these States. Thirteen high-enrollment States accounted for 86 percent of all the PSCE students in the responding States. Three out of every four students were enrolled in a vocational or certificate program. Most of the participating inmates are not on an educational pathway likely to result in academic degree attainment. PSCE is delivered primarily through onsite instruction. Respondents reported logistical challenges associated with providing education in a prison; technology was recommended as important for addressing these challenges; however, security protocols and State laws were identified as barriers to expanding the use of Internet technologies to deliver PSCE instruction. Another critical challenge is securing funding, which may become a persistent and growing problem in coming years due to budget constraints. Inmates continue to be denied access to Federal and State financial aid programs. Based on survey findings, this brief recommends that Federal and State statutes and regulations be revised to support the development and expansion of Internet-based delivery of PSCE to inmates. Also recommended is the alignment of PSCE with State postsecondary education systems and local workforce needs. 5 figures and appended survey questionnaire