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Education Programming for Offenders

NCJ Number
185810
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 29-31
Author(s)
Dennis J. Stevens
Date Published
May 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines education as one method of improving an inmate's potential for returning to society.
Abstract
The role of correctional education is to function as an agent of change for both the prisoner and the system, maintain its integrity in terms of its basic commitment to freedom of inquiry, and study, evaluate, and respond to all variables in the individual, the system, and society that are to benefit from the educational concerns with process, product, and social reform. One of the most recognized programs is CORCAN. Through its five business lines-- Agribusiness, Construction, Manufacturing, Services, and Textiles--CORCAN provides offenders with work experience and training which replicates as closely as possible private sector work environments. CORCAN programs are in place in 32 institutions across Canada, creating the equivalent of 2,000 full time trainee positions. The article briefly reviews the controversy over whether correctional education reduces recidivism rates, discusses ways to encourage education in correctional institutions, describes methods of delivery, and emphasizes the importance of program assessment. Notes