A Quasi-Experimental Impact Evaluation of a Jail-Based Inside-Out Program

• In Event: Teaching Behind Bars: Evaluating Impact, Self-Efficacy and Critical Perspectives on Carceral Education

Abstract

Prior research suggests Inside-Out programs are educational and transformative experiences for university and incarcerated students. While the research body on these programs has grown and diversified, most studies rely on qualitative methods and are conducted in prison settings. We use a quasi-experimental research design to evaluate individual-level attitude changes with engagement in a jail-based Inside-Out program. Study participants in four Inside-Out classes and five comparison classes completed surveys at three time points (pre-class, post-class, and three months following the class). Specifically, we examine changes in academic self-efficacy, flourishing, social support, attitudes towards prison reform, and criminal thinking. Our findings advance the use of validated survey scales and rigorous research design in evaluating Inside-Out programs and inform support for these programs.

Authors

• Kayla Freemon, DePaul University

• Xavier Perez, DePaul University