Corrections-based adult basic and secondary education
Program basics
- Prison and jail-based educational programs that provide basic reading, writing, and math, followed by other secondary education, to inmates
- Ultimately seek to prepare inmates for a GED and ease reentry
- Aimed at individuals whose reading proficiency is below ninth grade or who lack a high school diploma or GED
- Adult basic education classes for incarcerated adult offenders provide instruction in arithmetic, reading, writing, and English as a second language
Strength of evidence
Evidence level: Strong (second-highest tier)
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Strong (second-highest tier)
Ranked as having the second-highest level of evidence by the National Institute of Justice
Target population
Formerly incarcerated individuals
Program cost
$1,400-$1,744 per person
Implementation locations
- Nationwide
Dates active
1789-present
Outcomes and impact
- Reduced rates of recidivism
- Increased likelihood of job placement following incarceration
Keys to successful implementation
- Note: This content is under review
- Strong partnerships with educational institutions and nonprofits are needed to provide high-quality instruction.
- Class formats vary and may include mail correspondence, on-site or off-site instruction.
- Computer-assisted instruction may accelerate mathematics and reading attainment levels.
- Implementing a successful education program requires a strong focus on outcomes rather than inputs.
