A correctional education policy must encompass two general principles: emphasis on the private demands for education and focus on educational practices that can foster literacy. A survey of 96 inmates enrolled in a jail ABE/GED program confirmed many inmate characteristics previously identified: emotional problems, substance abuse problems, depression, and low self-esteem. Essay writing can help the inmate understand that he is not anonymous; the experience can bring about desirable affective-cognitive attitudinal changes by allowing the writer to explore his own feelings and to identify with the feelings expressed by his peers. In terms of social education, essay writing is transformative, allows the development of discipline, enhances oral and thinking processes, and challenges students. Inmate students should be encouraged to write regular essays and to read them to the class. 9 references