Friday, May 11, 2007

Literacy in Prisons

The rate of incarceration in U.S. federal and state prisons (does not include jails) increased from 332 pr 100,000 in 1992 to 487 per 100,000 in 2003. On average, prison sentences were longer in 2003 than in 1992. Violent crime was the most common reason for imprisonment.

The prison population was larger, older, and somewhat better educated in 2003 than in 1992.

In general, either prison inmates had lower average literacy skills than adults living in households with the same level of education; or, there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups.

The exception: among adults without any high school education, prison inmates had higher average literacy skills than adults living in households.
Make a Site Visit:


Prison Book Program - Where Books Open Doors
~ a grassroots organization that sends free books to prisoners; since 1972.

Correctional Education Facts – National Institute for Literacy
Circle of Literacy ~ with list of programs by state

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