Recidivism and Correctional Education: Findings from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies and National Reporting System

Overview & Synopsis

Nearly all incarcerated adults will eventually be released to reenter communities and rebuild their lives. The literature indicates half of re-entering adults return to prison within five years and recidivism is higher for adults with low education attainment. The aim of this paper is to add to existing knowledge on incarcerated adult participation in correctional education and recidivism. PIAAC findings on background characteristics and assessed skills of incarcerated adults participating in correctional education are presented. Statewide NRS learning outcomes of these participating incarcerated adults are reported. Available state recidivism rates are also examined. Findings include high rates of EFL gains and secondary credentials. Three-year recidivism rates are significantly lower for adults formerly in correctional education than for incarcerated adults overall.