Education In Prisons

Education is key to be successful and productive, but most inmates in prison are uneducated. It is well-known that educational programs enhance inmates’ decision-making process; therefore, they address their issues without the use of violence. Unfortunately, cost-efficient educational programs received a small percentage of the total correctional budget. With limited resources, educational programs should invest in inmates who want to change their life for the better. Alewine (2010) suggests, “It was critical that adults experience choice or willingness in the learning activity for motivation to be sustained” (p. 11). Inmates interested in educational programs have to fulfill the requirements to qualify for enrollment. For example, inmates with a correctional record of recent disciplinary violations such as using violence, obtaining weapons, etc. …show more content…
The educational programs maintain a safe environment for those who abide by regulations and further their education. Simpkins (2015) informs, “This serves as an incentive for inmates to maintain good conduct, and assures security personnel that we are not rewarding bad behavior” (p. 23). A difficult challenge for educational programs is the majority of inmates are most likely resistant to be fully involved in educational programs due to fear and shame reducing learning. In most cases, qualified inmates interested in educational programs meet with administrators lacking confidence because they self-convince themselves to be incapable to