NCJ Number
176758
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: December 1998 Pages: 182-195
Date Published
1998
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Data from 49 male and 36 female inmates in 2 minimum-security South Carolina correctional facilities were used to study the educational backgrounds of incarcerated adult school dropouts, with emphasis on counselor interactions, reasons for dropping out of school, current perceptions of education, and how dropping out of school harmed them.
Abstract
The participants had all dropped out of school and were currently enrolled in a correctional education program. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire, a demographic background, and an informed consent form. The participants had an average age of 31 years. The main reason for dropping out of school was wanting to go to work, the need to work, or both. Males were more likely than females to report drugs, being bored with classes, never going to classes, or being expelled or suspended as reasons for dropping out of school, whereas females were more likely to report leaving school to support the family. A total of 68.2 percent reported that they had never had an interaction with a school counselor, while 21.3 percent reported meeting with a counselor 1-4 times. More than half the participants indicated that dropping out of school did not cause them to commit a crime, but they indicated that if they had stayed in school, they would not have been in prison. Findings suggested that males may have had higher delinquency problems in school than females prior to dropping out. Results suggested the need to provide counseling and intervention with potential dropouts. Findings also indicated that inmates can receive positive rehabilitation and better social integration through correctional education programs. Tables, appended figures, and 58 references (Author abstract modified)