The Collection of Post-Release Outcome Data for the Evaluation of Correctional Education Programs

This article highlights several issues related to the collection of post-release outcome data in the evaluation of correctional education programs and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the different methods of collecting data related to recidivism, employment/earnings, and further education/training. The use of traditional follow-up in the evaluation of correctional education programs is also discussed. Specific steps to develop a proactive approach to correctional education program evaluation are provided for correctional education administrators. This article would be of interest to correctional education administrations, individuals responsible for the evaluation of correctional education programs, and correctional education researchers. The information provided in this article can be used for both formative and summative evaluation, program planning, decision making, and determining the future direction of correctional education programs.