NCJ Number
100494
Date Published
1985
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This study assesses the first 10 years (1973-82) of Massachusetts' Higher Education Prison Program (HEPP) and profiles offenders taking the courses.
Abstract
The assessment determined enrollment trends, patterns of program participation and performance, and student characteristics. HEPP offered a broad-based curriculum consisting of 97 courses. Approximately 40 percent of the students entered the program 2 to 3 years prior to anticipated or actual release from prison. Another 20 percent entered the program when they had at least 10 or more years to serve before being eligible for parole. Enrollment peaked in 1977 and declined thereafter. The program attracted slightly older and better educated offenders, and those who entered prison with a high school degree tended to perform better in the courses than those with lesser education. Fifty percent of the students earned passing grades in three or more classes. Thirty participants out of 676 withdrew from classes before a grade could be established. Average grades were higher among students completing three or fewer classes. Tabular data and 4-item bibliography.