An experimental design was used to determine the extent of differences between subjects in an experimental group (CAI-plus-traditional instruction combination) and subjects in a control group (traditional instruction only) during their participation in a prison education program. Study participants consisted of 71 male inmates who ranged in age from 19 to 53; 56 African-American inmates composed 79 percent of the sample, and 21 percent were Caucasian. The experimental group received 3 hours of classroom instruction per day and 1 hour of CAI per day, making the total treatment time 80 hours. The control group received only traditional instruction for 4 hours per day for 4 weeks, totaling 80 hours. Of the 75 inmates who enrolled in the education program, 71 completed the 4 weeks of treatment and the posttests. The evaluation used data from inmates test scores, interviews, and education records at a maximum-security prison. The analysis of the data showed that the CAI plus traditional instruction (experimental group) was not significantly more effective than traditional instruction in improving either the math or reading scores of inmates compared to the control group. These findings may support the argument by several researchers that CAI will not produce the intended advancements in achievement if used without active teacher enthusiasm and support. 4 tables and 24 references