NCJ Number
117133
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 28-33
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Traditionally, questions regarding the retention rate of inmate college enrollees have been asked by college administrators and correctional educators. This brief article summarizes other research concerning the retention rate of 720 student inmates who participated in a junior college education for the academic years 1979-1982.
Abstract
Of the students registered, 84 percent remained in the program throughout the three-year period. That retention rate was substantially higher than the overall Clinton Community College rate (62 percent) for the same period, and the 43-54 percentage range of national statistics for two-year colleges. The research indicates that the significantly higher retention rate of the inmate student does not substantiate the three theories of attribution attributed to dropout rates on regular campuses. The research supports Thomas and Hepburn's theories (1983) that offenders came from the lower socioeconomic strata of society, and suggests that if given a chance, prisoners' capabilities for retention will exceed that of students who are not incarcerated. Five findings derived from the study offer a basis for policies that would maximize effectiveness for higher education programs within the correctional system. Prime among these is the teaching of self-esteem to students prior to their starting a program. (Author abstract)