NCJ Number
172194
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 48 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1997) Pages: 46-55
Date Published
1997
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This essay provides an overview of the history of post- secondary education in North American correctional institutions.
Abstract
The external reason for the recent demise of post-secondary education programming for inmates is clear: a conservative, anti- correctional education trend in the U.S. Congress. Pell grants went to individual students, rather than to post-secondary providers and were first known as Basic Education Opportunity Grants (BEOGs). The 1977 BEOG budget was $801.9 million. By the late 1970s and early 1980s there was a clear threat to Pell Grant entitlements for inmates. Each year from 1982 to 1994, conservatives advocated bills to curtail Pell Grants for inmate students. Although each bill was defeated, they had a cumulative effect. A provision of the 1995 Crime Bill finally prohibited inmates from being eligible for Pell Grants. Internally, many correctional educators also opposed higher education for inmates. This essay discusses pre-1976 post-secondary-oriented correctional education leaders, as well as progress for inmate higher education in 1970. Also considered are appropriate roles in correctional education and three generations of correctional teacher preparation programs. The appendix presents program strategies that should be considered by persons who are establishing new institutional post-secondary programs. 4 figures and 42 references