Education Reduces Crime: Three-State Recidivism Study.

This study compared correctional education participants and non-participants in Maryland, Minnesota, and Ohio to assess the impact of correctional education on recidivism and post-release employment of inmates. The study attempted to address criticism of previous studies by using a treatment and comparison group, using statistical controls, addressing possible self-selection bias, using more than one measure of recidivism, and using a longer time period. These two study groups were chosen: offenders who had participated in correctional education, and those who had not. Sociodemographic characteristics of the groups were examined, including age, marital status, education level, and literacy competency. Data was collected from inmate self-report pre-release surveys, institutional/educational records, parole officer surveys, criminal history data, and employment and wage data. Hypotheses were developed that education will result in the following: reduced re-arrest, re-conviction, and re-incarceration, in recidivists committing less serious offences, in greater post-releas