PIAAC Data: Exploring the Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Problem Solving Skills of the U.S. Prison Population

• In Event: Advances in Data Collection

Abstract

The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) is a household study conducted under the auspices of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to assess key cognitive and workplace skills needed for successful participation in 21st century society and the global economy. The U.S. PIAAC Prison Study was administered from February through June 2014 to a sample of 1,200 adult inmates (ages 16–74) detained in federal and state prisons. Direct assessments of literacy, numeracy, and problem solving in technology-rich environments were administered as well as a customized background questionnaire, to better understand the experiences and needs of this subgroup. The prison background questionnaire included items related to activities in prison, such as participation in academic programs and ESL classes, experiences with prison jobs, and involvement in nonacademic programs, such as employment readiness classes. This paper session will provide an overview of a supplemental report of the U.S. prison population. Authors will also provide researchers with information about how to access and use the PIAAC Prison Study data to extend their own research interests centered around educational and workforce opportunities for the prison population as well as policy reform.

Authors

• Emily Salisbury, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Jill Castek, Portland State University