Basic Correctional Education and Recidivism: Findings from PIAAC and NRS

Potential relationships of incarcerated adult participation in basic correctional education with recidivism seldom receive analysis in largescale datasets. Though 95% of incarcerated adults reenter communities when released, recidivism is higher for adults with low skills. This paper presents new Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies findings on characteristics and skills of U.S. incarcerated adults participating in basic correctional education. The paper also examines adults' learning outcomes and available state recidivism rates from the National Reporting System. Recidivism is lower for adults participating in basic correctional education than for incarcerated adults overall, a finding worth further investigation. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.