Prescriptive learning in a computer-managed educational system can help remedy incarcerated adult students' basic skill deficiencies. Computer-managed instruction has proven to increase student test scores and learning. Computer-managed instruction ties together the many components of an educational system through the direct use of the computer to support the instructional process and environment of the learner and teacher. It links the preassessment of each learner to curriculum, instructional strategy, and evaluation of educational progress. The absence of an internal locus of control and failure to empathize with others among many inmates requires a social problem curriculum. This curriculum aims to sharpen the offender's cognitive and moral reasoning skills. The objective of moral/social education is to provide offenders with positive alternatives to their present antisocial behaviors. Many correctional educators are using essay writing and literature (bibliotherapy) to help inmates learn how to become socialized to the demands of living in society outside of the prison. There are three objectives of bibliotherapy in inmate education: encourage the discussion and clarification of inmate values; enhance offender problem-solving ability; and encourage empathy for the problems of others. Generally, bibliotherapy should help ameliorate offender deficits in decision making. 15 references