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Unity in Community: Fostering Academic Success Among Diverse Communities of Male Offenders in Correctional Institutions

NCJ Number
203949
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 54 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2003 Pages: 131-159
Author(s)
Jane E. Rose; Maxilyn Voss
Date Published
December 2003
Length
29 pages
Annotation
The authors, two post-secondary correctional educators, discuss measures they have used to enhance the rehabilitation of a diverse population of adult male inmates, including Whites, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
Abstract
The authors incorporate diversity initiatives into their instruction and curricula at two correctional facilities in northwest Indiana. One of the strategies used is the formation of "moral" communities, such as those described by Clifford Edwards. Such a community encourages dialog among all members; depends extensively on rational inquiry; provides each individual sufficient freedom to work out personal agendas within the context of community life; and operates by democratic principles. Another strategy for achieving rehabilitation through correctional education among diverse inmates is to hold inmate students to high learning expectations and outcomes while treating them respectfully and fairly. Students must be made aware of what is involved in achieving and succeeding, coupled with a nourishment of their belief in their abilities to meet the required goals. Inmate students with diverse backgrounds must also learn how to interact constructively and democratically in an often hostile and culturally diversified environment. Further, the authors advise that a liberal arts curriculum is best suited to rehabilitation, because it enhances the development of critical thinking skills and communicates values essential for working in a pluralistic environment. A liberal arts curriculum aids the correctional educator in forming moral communities that allow inquiry, democratic dialog, and freedom to pursue personal and educational interests. It also allows opportunities for values formation and moral development. 21 references

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