Isolating the Effects of Participation in an Assortment of Educational Programs

• In Event: What Can 105,000 Incarcerated Offenders Tell Us about the Effects of Participation in Correctional Programs?

Abstract

Several meta-analyses have confirmed that correctional education is beneficial in reducing recidivism (Davis, et. al, 2014). However, the field has yet to determine which processes make correctional education effective. This paper examines a recently completed process and outcome evaluation of the educational programs in one state’s correctional institutions (N=28). Programs evaluated include general education programs (e.g., Pre-GED, GED, High School, college classes, etc.) and vocation programs (i.e., career enhancement, apprenticeships, etc.). In order to determine the operating processes of these programs, all programs were evaluated using the Evidence-Based Correctional Program Checklist – Vocation/Education Program (CPC-VEP). This paper presents recidivism outcomes for offenders who participated in these programs compared to like offenders who did not participate (N=105,000). The findings will be contextualized using the results of the CPC-VEP, and characteristics that impact effectiveness will be highlighted – thus allowing a look inside the “black box” of these programs.

Authors

• Amanda Pompoco, University of Cincinnati

• Carrie Sullivan, University of Cincinnati

• Erin Harbinson, Council of State Governments

• Edward Latessa, University of Cincinnati