Assignment Question
Prison Education
Research paper needs to be somewhat argumentative and have 3 sources, including 2 scholarly sources and 1 source from a credible source like the new york times. There are two attached sources that must be incorporated. Rough outline of paper: short explanation of what prison education is like. Concept of “revolving door,” why do released convicts go back? What resources from correctional education can reduce rates of recidivism? Public debate surrounding prison education (counterargument): “by educating criminals, they will become better criminals.” “Education is a privilege, committing a crime means punishment without the privilege of education.” “can prison be a place for punishment, rehabilitation, or both?” Argument of how education and obtaining degrees can reduce recidivism: increasing employment, pride, self-esteem, things that deter them from falling into old habits (use interviews, the Atlantic article). Education may not be the only method to reduce recidivism, but it is the only current method that has proven to show significant results. Likelihood of incarceration perpetuating a cycle, children grow up to be like their incarcerated parents etc. Effect of elimination of pell grants on prison education. Suggestion for areas of further study: lack of analysis on the effect of the elimination of Pell grants in 1994 on prison education. Analysis of the cost of correctional education programs and reincarceration costs, the education programs are not as costly as we think, reincarceration and facility maintenance costs are actually higher. Make it a convincing paper with ownership of writer. Incorporation of sources must be effective.
