A review of the effect of literacy education on the rehabilitation and recidivism rates of formerly incarcerated criminals.

Abstract

This is a professional development project that examines research regarding the effects of literacy education programs within incarceration facilities on the rehabilitation and recidivism rates of inmates. This project also reveals the factors that affect the success of such programs. The findings indicate that literacy education programs within incarceration facilities have positive implications on rehabilitation and post-release life as well as decrease the recidivism rates of the inmates. In addition, the findings indicate that positive relationships between teachers and inmates, incentives as motivation for program completion, and the age and race of inmates affect programs’ success. Based on these findings, the researcher develops a professional development workshop as well as coaching follow-ups for literacy education teachers within a federal prison.