NCJ Number
123427
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling, Services and Rehabilitation Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: (1989) Pages: 61-76
Date Published
1989
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This history of inmate education in Utah prisons traces significant events in the program from 1853 through 1988.
Abstract
There is a record of a regular school at the territorial prison in the mid-1800's, with classes held every day, including Sunday. In the early part of the 20th century, vocational training was conducted. The Great Depression advanced prison education, as the Works Progress Administration funded jobs for many unemployed educators as instructors at the State prison. Both academic and vocational courses were provided during this period. In 1934 the Utah State Prison School listed 22 classes, a schedule from 8:15 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., and a faculty of seven. In 1932 the students in the English class published the first issue of a prison weekly entitled "The Penwiper." This article reports some of the stories that appeared in this publication throughout its history, which ended with the outbreak of World War II. No prison school was conducted again until 1946. The South Park Academy began in 1952, with the support of a school district and State funding. This academy has continued to the present. Academic education features adult basic education, high school, and college courses. Vocational education covers eight trades. 26 notes.