NCJ Number
87651
Date Published
1981
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The results of a 5-year project to implement and evaluate a humanities program as part of prison education indicated that such programs should receive low priority in planning educational programs in prisons.
Abstract
The project arose from the belief that exposing a group of young offenders to the humanities would lead to value changes that would be reflected in post-release behavior. The project began in 1968 as part of the regular educational program at the State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The facility incarcerated minor males convicted of such serious crimes as rape or murder. Using random selection, the study assigned inmates to either the humanities program or the General Equivalency Diploma program. Inmates in a vocational training program provided another matched comparison group. The humanities program aimed to help individuals develop a sense of personal identity to provide a sense of meaning in life and a set of values consistent with life in society. The program underwent several changes as it progressed because of unanticipated responses from participants or reluctance on the part of the prison staff. Psychological testing indicated that the project produced some of the intended changes. However, the prison environment and the post-release environments overwhelmed the effects produced by the exposure to the humanities. Thus, rehabilitation in a prison setting is an impossible task. However, educational programs should continue. The highest priority should be placed on programs to prepare inmates to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. Programs to teach occupational skills and programs of adult basic education should be next in priority. The least emphasis should go to other programs such as values programs and college courses. Occupational programs should use facilities in nearby public or private schools. Tables and 11 references are included.