Correctional Sentence Plan: A Pathway to Adult Correctional Education

Overview & Synopsis

In this essay, Matata Mokoele reflects on the importance of prisoner education, and notes that what is missing is official recognition of this or adult-specific components outlining an upper secondary school adult education diploma entitling holders to apply for higher education. Studies reporting a correlation between greater education and lower recidivism outnumber studies reporting negative conclusions and translate into reduced crime. Adult educators interested in prison policy reform and reduced recidivism rates and illiteracy must consider viable solutions during and post-incarceration by forming multilateral and tripartite relationships with post-secondary education institutions, such as colleges of education, further education and training colleges, or universities. Mokoele offers recommendations that include: (1) adult education, and education in general; (2) universities considering supporting engagement efforts with local departments of corrections; (3) opportunities through online education programs; and (4) a prepared sentence plan (with education included) for all adult prisoners with more than 6 months to serve and all young prisoners with at least 1 month.