The Effectiveness of Prison Education Programs

Abstract

Abstract The paper reviews research studies on the effectiveness of prison education programs. Such programs are common in prisons, but there have been relatively few evaluative studies carried out. The research which has been done is not conclusive. Most evaluations have shown that inmates make substantial improvements in learning, but this does not necessarily have an impact on rates of post-release employment and recidivism. The review of the literature suggests that programs will be most likely to succeed if they are intensive, if they can establish an alternative community within the prison, and if they offer post-release services to inmates.