How Effective Is Correctional Education, and Where Do We Go from Here? The Results of a Comprehensive Evaluation

This report presents a summary of the findings from an earlier literature review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of correctional education programs for incarcerated adults, as well as a systematic review of correctional education programs for juveniles and the results of a national survey of state correctional education directors, which provide an up-to-date picture of what the field of correctional education looks like today in the United States and explores the use of computer technology, preparations for the new 2014 GED exam, and the impact of the 2008 recession. The report concludes with a set of recommendations for improvements needed to further the field of correctional education.

Author(s)
Lois M. Davis
Jennifer L. Steele
Robert Bozic
Malcolm V. Williams
Susan Turner
Jeremy N. V. Miles
Jessica Saunders
Paul S. Steinberg
Author(s) Organizational Affiliation
RAND Corporation
Publication Year
2014
Resource Type
Research
Number of Pages
133
Abstract

The Second Chance Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-199) is a historic piece of legislation designed to improve outcomes for and provide a comprehensive response to the increasing number of individuals who are released from prisons, jails, and juvenile residential facilities and returning to communities upon release. The Second Chance Act’s grant programs are funded and administered by the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2010, for the first time, funding was set aside for a comprehensive study of correctional education. The Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the RAND Corporation a cooperative agreement to undertake a comprehensive examination of the current state of correctional education for incarcerated adults and juveniles, where it is headed, which correctional education programs are effective, and how effective programs can be implemented across different settings. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education: A Meta-Analysis of Programs That Provide Education to Incarcerated Adults presented a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and a meta-analysis that synthesized the findings from multiple studies on the effectiveness of correctional education programs in helping to reduce recidivism and improve post-release employment outcomes for incarcerated adults (Davis et al., 2013).

This final report to the U.S. Attorney General presents a summary of the findings from RAND's earlier literature review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of correctional education programs for incarcerated adults. It also provides three new sections. The first of these is a systematic review of correctional education programs for juveniles. The second is the results of a national survey of state correctional education directors, which provide an up-to-date picture of what the field of correctional education looks like today in the United States and explores the use of computer technology, preparations for the new 2014 GED exam, and the impact of the 2008 recession. It concludes with a set of recommendations for improvements needed to further the field of correctional education.

These results will be of interest to federal and state policymakers; administrators of state departments of corrections, public safety, and education; correctional educators and college educators; career technical training providers; and other organizations that provide educational services and training to the currently incarcerated or formerly incarcerated. These results will also be of interest to those in the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education who are committed to ensuring the availability and quality of correctional education programs for incarcerated adults and juveniles.

 

What the experts say

The RAND study is based on a meta-analysis of the literature of correctional education.  It establishes a valuable map for what works in adult correctional education. It also examines use of technology and funding issues in the field.  This study is the most current and widely cited analyis of correctional education and a "must know" for those working in correctional education or considering policy related to the field.

This study is a foundational work for administrators and faculty in the field of correctional education.  It is also a key citation for policy-makers in considering funding and resource allocation to the field.

The resource addresses the effectiveness of correctional education programming in institutions and facilities for juveniles and adults in the areas of adult basic education, basic skills instruction, English language learners, high school equivalency/GED completion, vocational education or career technical education, training in general employment skills, and college level/postsecondary instruction. Information regarding literacy levels and rates resulting from the study are part of the underpinnings.

This Meta-analysis is well-done, easy-to-read, and has strong recommendations attached.  The fact that it is current (2014) is a true bonus.

 

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