Behind Bars.

Although there may not be a direct causal relationship between illiteracy and crime a look at the broader picture points to a significant connection. As many as 50 percent of adults in federal and state prisons cannot read or write at all; the majority of prisoners are poor; blacks, comprising only 12 percent of the general population, make up nearly half of the prison population; eventually, 95 percent of all those in prison return to society; and an estimated 70 percent will be back in prison within a year of release. Although many feel that basic skills training should be mandatory in correctional institutions, only the federal prison system requires it. Although academic and vocational programs exist in most state prisons, they have been unable to address more than a fraction of the need. States vary tremendously in the level of service provided, degree of participation in work and school activities, and provision of incentives and compensation. Major obstacles to correctional education are lack of money, inmate movement and turnover, lack of motivation, and insufficient recruitment and incentives. A national survey included in the National Institute of Corrections report identifies a number of exemplary prison programs. Local businesses and industry can participate through providing apprenticeships and volunteer tutors. (YLB)

BCEL Newsletter for the Business Community, v1 n9 p1,4-5 Oct 1986. ericd

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.