NCJ Number
140952
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 43 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1992) Pages: 172-175
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
To evaluate the literacy levels of adult inmates in two Louisiana prisons, a sample of 161 inmates, representing 10 percent of the prison population, was tested during two consecutive summers. Correctional administrators planned to use the results to determine inmates' reading levels and to plan more effective educational interventions.
Abstract
The results showed that these inmates were reading at about the fifth- or sixth-grade level, equivalent to the estimated reading level of inmates nationwide, which is below fifth grade. These inmates had difficulty reading intake and informational materials that were distributed by the institution. Because of their illiteracy, they were unable to take advantage of many traditional prison educational programs which required significant levels of motivation and reading proficiency at the high school level. Louisiana has among the highest illiteracy and incarceration rates in the country, demonstrating the link between educational inadequacy and criminality. Following assessment of the inmates' educational levels, prison education programs should be tailored to the level of inmates being targeted. 3 tables and 5 references