Using the sixth-grade level as the standard for literacy, studies estimate that 50 percent of the adult U.S. inmates population is illiterate; using the 12th-grade level, the estimate is 75 percent. Major efforts to promote literacy training for adult offenders have drawn attention to the seriousness of the problem and provided a foundation on which correctional institutions and agencies can develop and implement literacy programs for offenders. Results of studies over the last two decades indicate it is possible to achieve successful social reintegration for inmates who were functionally illiterate upon entering the prison system, if they participate in literacy programs while incarcerated. Effective literacy programs have the broad goals of providing inmates with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to realize constructive social and economic goals. This study outlines the characteristics of effective literacy programs for reintegration and briefly describes specific literacy programs with components effective in preparing inmates for reintegration. Given the low percentage of inmate participation in literacy programs, there is need for conclusive research and well-designed evaluative studies regarding mandatory literacy training. 57 references