Inmate education is an urgent matter because of increasing crime, overcrowded prisons, and the decreased effectiveness of public schools in adequately educating most urban youth. Current research suggests a tremendous gap between inmate need and available education programs. Correctional education should be seen as education and not a special form of corrections, and all adult inmates have a right to a free and appropriate education. Moreover, States should make educational programs mandatory and provide inmates with incentives for achievement. Full responsibility for inmate education should be given to State departments of education rather than corrections agencies. Implementation of an effective and comprehensive education policy requires the cooperation of many State and Federal agencies as well as public advocacy and support. The article outlines key functions that should be performed by the Congress, the Department of Education, Department of Justice, State agencies and legislatures, the correctional education profession, and a newly created national coalition for correctional education. This section reviews Federal programs currently available for inmate education, proposes new legislation, and emphasizes the need for a focal point for correctional education within the Department of Education. Finally, the author notes that the impact of correctional education on postrelease behavior has yet to be determined and that quality education coupled with work experience and gradual release has never been tested. Included are 5 footnotes and 11 references.