The GAO surveyed prison staff and reviewed selected inmate case files and other data to determine if the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) had reliable information on inmate participation in these programs. In addition, the GAO surveyed Federal prisoners and prison staff to obtain information on incentives for encouraging inmate participation and on the value of BOP's vocational training and industry work assignments in providing marketable skills. Only about 36 percent of BOP staff considered the Bureau's principal database on inmate prison education activities, the Education Data System (EDS), to be accurate. They acknowledged that improvements to the database were needed and expected to achieve them by developing uniform and more complete instructions and by providing training in how to update EDS. Concerning incentives, inmates were inclined to participate in programs when they saw clear opportunities to enhance their capabilities and attain postprison success. On the other hand, staff considered inmates to be motivated by current incentives involving cash awards and other tangible benefits of participation. Both staff and inmates strongly favored the incentive of reduced prison time for participation. Over 50 percent of the inmates and 75 percent of the staff thought vocational training was generally useful in providing inmates with marketable skills. Additional data on the survey of prison inmates and staff in Federal facilities are appended. 2 tables and 5 figures