ERIC Number: EJ1384212
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-May
Pages: 31
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0159
EISSN: EISSN-0740-2708
Participant Concerns with Cocurricular Programs in Prison: Insights from Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program Think Tanks
Allred, Sarah L.; Boyd, Charles; Perry, Paul
Journal of Correctional Education, v74 n2 p25-55 May 2023
This article presents findings from a participatory evaluation of alumni groups--Think Tanks--affiliated with the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program. Think Tanks are cocurricular settings wherein participants develop and apply skills and capacities valuable within and beyond the context of meetings. Data come from nine focus groups convened in eight prisons located in five states. The article addresses the dearth of information about cocurricular programs in prison and outlines why they are important settings for professional and personal development. The analysis focuses on participants' concerns about their cocurricular program. Four themes emerged that indicate the relevance of structure, culture, and agency for cocurricular programs in carceral settings. Themes of concern include the following: challenges with the ability to convene, group consequences due to individual member misconduct, limited resources, and group disruptions from new member additions. The findings have implications for inquiries that assess practices that affect education prison program participation and engagement. Findings also suggest the need to complement curricular with cocurricular programs in carceral settings to advance maximum participant benefits in prison and postrelease.
Descriptors: Correctional Education, Correctional Institutions, Institutionalized Persons, Adult Basic Education, Postsecondary Education, Learning Activities, Extracurricular Activities, Barriers, Interaction, Students, Focus Groups, Diversity, Group Activities
Correctional Education Association. 8182 Lark Brown Road Suite 202, Elkridge, MD 21075. Tel: 443-459-3080; Fax: 443-459-3088; e-mail: ceaoffice@aol.com; Web site: http://www.ceanational.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Basic Education; Adult Education; Elementary Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Arizona; Illinois; Oregon; Pennsylvania; West Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A