Prison education reduces recidivism by 43%. Georgia just cut its prison education program. RAND Corporation research proves education works—every $1 spent saves $4-5 in reduced incarceration costs. But proving effectiveness requires measurement. In 2023, Georgia awarded only 38 bachelor’s degrees across 48,000+ inmates. Without proper evaluation tools, programs can’t demonstrate results, secure funding, or expand. Assessment isn’t bureaucracy—it’s how we know what works. 1
Why Evaluation Matters
Measuring outcomes enables improvement:
- Recidivism tracking—does education actually reduce return to prison?
- Employment outcomes—do graduates find jobs after release?
- Program completion—are students finishing courses?
- Resource allocation—which programs deserve more funding?
The Bard Prison Initiative reports less than 4% recidivism among graduates—compared to 40% nationally. Evaluation proved that.
Evaluation Methods
Multiple approaches provide complete pictures:
- Surveys—measure student engagement, teaching quality, resource adequacy
- Interviews—uncover barriers and success factors staff observations miss
- Performance tracking—monitor completion rates, credentials earned, post-release outcomes
- Cost-benefit analysis—compare program costs to incarceration savings
Ready for Pell programs demonstrate how student surveys improve course design. 2
What to Measure
Key performance indicators include:
- Enrollment rates—how many eligible inmates participate?
- Completion rates—how many finish what they start?
- Credential attainment—degrees, certificates, vocational certifications
- Post-release employment—jobs within 6 months of release
Education participants are 13% more likely to find employment. Measurement proves it.
Take Action
Use Impact Justice AI to send advocacy emails demanding investment in prison education. The free tool crafts personalized messages to lawmakers—no experience required.
Demand:
- Expanded prison education funding
- Mandatory outcome tracking for all programs
- Public reporting of education results
- Pell Grant access for incarcerated students
Further Reading
- Prison Education Metrics: What to Track
- How Prison Education Lowers Recidivism Costs
- GPS Informational Resources
- Pathways to Success
About Georgia Prisoners’ Speak (GPS)
Georgia Prisoners’ Speak (GPS) is a nonprofit investigative newsroom built in partnership with incarcerated reporters, families, advocates, and data analysts. Operating independently from the Georgia Department of Corrections, GPS documents the truth the state refuses to acknowledge: extreme violence, fatal medical neglect, gang-controlled dorms, collapsed staffing, fraudulent reporting practices, and unconstitutional conditions across Georgia’s prisons.
Through confidential reporting channels, secure communication, evidence verification, public-records requests, legislative research, and professional investigative standards, GPS provides the transparency the system lacks. Our mission is to expose abuses, protect incarcerated people, support families, and push Georgia toward meaningful reform based on human rights, evidence, and public accountability.
Every article is part of a larger fight — to end the silence, reveal the truth, and demand justice.
Good morning.
My name is Dallana, I’m a student, and my question is: do you have a survey to evaluate teaching performance or teacher training in penitentiary contexts?
Thank you very much for your response.
My email is hojasdehierba@proton.me