Research needs to get inside the "black box" of what does and does not work in correctional education programs.
Educating and training prisoners helps them better transition into communities upon release. This is one avenue to reducing recidivism and improving employment outcomes post-release.
RAND is at the forefront in conducting seminal research on correctional education and in helping to drive the policy debate in this area.
RAND's work includes research on topics related to education (including adult basic education, GED preparation, and post-secondary education), vocational training, effects on recidivism and post-release employment outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.
Related research at RAND addresses issues pertaining to at-risk children and youth, including those affected by having an incarcerated parent, and the programs and interventions that can improve their well-being.
The research on this site features work from RAND Social and Economic Well-Being and RAND Education and Labor.
Lois Davis gave a keynote address and moderated a panel discussion for College Education in Prisons: A How-To Guide for Corrections Officials. A video recording and transcript of the event are available.
The podcast Why Sports Matter interviewed Lois Davis for the episode San Quentin (Rehabilitation) about educational and sports programs in prisons. Listen to the podcast (interview starts 15:45).
Lois Davis co-presented a webinar on the PIAAC Prison Study: An Overview of the Skills of U.S. Incarcerated Adults. Listen to the webinar.
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