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Abstract
Vast arrays of research have evaluated recidivism through a limited scope, analyzing various factors independently. This study endeavors to execute a systematic review of factors attributed to recidivism in order to focus the research trajectory toward the most promising recidivism reduction tool. Various risk factors of recidivism have been identified; however few can be utilized as a tool in reduction. Of those tools, research indicates that correctional education programming appears to offer the greatest reduction outcome. The importance of this research is established by reorganizing the major research findings on correctional education programs from 1995 to 2010 in order to show the impact of education on recidivism. To accomplish this goal, a typology of the research is created to delineate the factor that is most promising in reducing recidivism, correctional education. Specifically, an analysis of 10 empirical studies is performed in order to understand the impact of correctional education programming on recidivism. Findings reveal conclusiveness about educational programming as a reduction tool for recidivism.
Introduction
The incarceration rates in America far exceed all other industrialized nations, with over two million inmates currently incarcerated (Brazell, Crayton, Mukamal, Solomon, & Lindahl, 2009; Vacca, 2004). Approximately, 95% of those inmates will be released yearly (Brazell et al., 2009). Overcrowding has become a major issue for correctional facilities and has created major problems for the criminal justice system and our nation (Petersilia, 2003). Further, research states that one in every one hundred persons in the United States is currently incarcerated (Brazell et al., 2009). Major studies (Batiuk, Lahm, McKeever, Wilcox, a Wilcox, 2005; Vacca, 2004; Gordon a Weldon, 2003; Steurer, Smith, a Tracy, 2001 ; Hull, Forrester, Brown, Jobe, a McCullen, 2000; Stevens a Ward, 1997) have been conducted that work toward relieving the problem of overcrowding by looking at effective correctional programming, which reduces the likeliness for inmates to return to prison. These studies have all unanimously concluded that correctional education, particularly college or academic, has a negative correlation with recidivism (Steurer, Linton, Nally, a Lockwood, 2010; Brazell et al., 2009; Batiuk et al., 2005; Vacca, 2004; Gordon a Weldon, 2003; Steurer et al., 2001 ; Hull et al., 2000; Stevens a Ward, 1997).
Incarceration in America is a growing problem. As can be seen...