As the male prison population increases, so do the number of children with fathers in prison. Data indicate that the number of men in jail doubled between 1987 and 1997. When fathers are absent due to imprisonment the impact is detrimental on the children. Confinement has been found to reduce post-release opportunities for prisoners and for their families. There is a cyclical nature to crime and low educational attainment. Adult children of incarcerated parents are more likely to have low educational attainment. This study examined the short-term impact of parenting education on fathers in prison who were enrolled in a 30-day parenting class. A simple experimental design was coupled with individual interviews in an attempt to provide a richer description of the imprisoned father’s lived experience, and to better understand what it means to be a father in prison. The 32 male participants in this study were primarily White, young, and serving convictions for drug or burglary/theft crimes. The change indicated through pre- and post-test measurement did not match with the inmate’s own report of what changed through the class. Education and attitude change do not insure behavior change, so further research is needed to explore the lasting impact of parenting education initiatives. Prisoners were reflective about their role as fathers while in prison. They reported difficulty in maintaining contact, and had a strong sense of positive self-talk about their motivation to change or improve. However, it is unknown if this motivation is sustained after released. If teaching inmates to be parents is the most promising potential of keeping the next generation out of prison, then prison education programs need to pay more attention to parenting curriculum and transition programs that can improve parenting skills. References