These programs address literacy, numeracy, and personal and employment skills necessary to function as law-abiding community members and also focus on the acquisition of prosocial attitudes and values. They are designed to meet three kinds of learning needs: (1) academic improvement, particularly functional literacy; (2) acquisition of employment skills, particularly generic trade skills applicable to various occupations; and (3) acquisition of interpersonal, reasoning, and social skills required for prosocial behavior. Research confirms that effective correctional adult basic education programs have a positive influence on offender self-esteem, social competence, and confidence. Key principles and characteristics of correctional adult basic education are described, and the importance of adequate staff training in the provision of correctional adult basic education is emphasized. 3 footnotes