The Idea of an Essay, Volume 4

Research Writing 161 namely “What are the incentives for correctional administrators to encourage incarcerated youth to improve academically?” The answer to that question is not clear yet, but certainly must be kept in the forefront of the minds of those seeking to implement educational programs in correctional facilities. While considering barriers to implementation, it also becomes important to evaluate the economical feasibility of implementing these programs. Drakeford (2002) looks at this in the Journal of Correctional Education (2002) explaining that “the expense of providing higher education to inmates is minimal when considering the impact upon rates of recidivism and the future savings of preventing re-arrest and re-imprisonment.” He writes perhaps most importantly, that “of all crime prevention methods, education is the most cost effective.” This statement is quite significant, and counters what Allen had advised to policymakers, because if education is truly the most cost effective means to decrease recidivism, policymakers would want to implement it on a far more widespread basis. Drakeford (2002) also argues that educated inmates immediately have realized benefits as they become working members of society, taxpayers, contribute to the economy, and no longer tax the criminal justice system, or cause harm to victims. Overall, professionals agree that while there is a cost associated with these programs, it is the most cost effective way to reduce recidivism and pays back to society upon inmate’s release. Across the board, professionals agree that there is a clear link between literacy and criminality. Most professionals and studies exploring this topic have found that literacy educational programs significantly reduce recidivism and enable the offender to more easily become a contributing member to their community upon release. Some argue against the programs on philosophical arguments, but the practicality of these arguments seems to fade away. These programs are cost effective in reducing recidivism, and practical to implement. While the current norm for emerging inmates is low literacy and high rates of recidivism, most research seems to suggest literacy programs could decrease this recidivism helping inmates, taxpayers, the economy, overcrowded prisons, and the society in general.