This report summarizes a meta-analysis of the highest quality research on the effects of education programs in prisons. It is based on a review of 750 research papers from which 78 were identified as being high-quality examinations of the effects of these programs. The results of the meta-analysis shows that prison education programs are a net positive, both for taxpayers and former prisoners. The best research shows that providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals reduces recidivism and boosts employment and income for participants.
(Editor’s note: This analysis was turned into an academic paper and published in the American Journal of Criminal Justice on Oct. 21, 2023. It is available here:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12103-023-09747-3.)
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