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ERIC Number: EJ1060033
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 14
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2169-0480
EISSN: N/A
An In-Depth Look at a GED® Program in a U.S. County Jail
Berridge, Gina; Goebel, Vella
Journal of Research and Practice for Adult Literacy, Secondary, and Basic Education, v2 n2 p68-81 Sum 2013
The purpose of this study was to explore the beliefs and perceptions of some of the stakeholders directly involved in a GED® program located in a county jail. The researchers investigated the perspectives of the jail's Chief of Programming, GED® supervisor, teachers, and inmates participating in the program. Although gathering data from the corrections officers might have proved helpful, the researchers were not allowed to interview this group of stakeholders. No reason was provided as to why researchers were not allowed to do so. The research questions that this study sought to answer are as follows: (1) How do stakeholders view participation in a GED® program in a county jail?; (2) What are the perceived obstacles to inmate participation in a GED® program in a county jail?; and (3) What are the reasons inmates cite for their participation? The following themes emerged during the analysis of interviews with the teachers, GED® supervisor, jail administrator, and inmates: (1) Increased self-esteem and a positive change in the behavior of the inmates were directly linked to participation in the program; (2) Lack of cooperation from the officers was perceived as an obstacle to the program; and (3) Achievement of goals, greater sense of self-worth, and encouragement from the teacher were reasons the inmates participated.
Commission on Adult Basic Education. PO Box 620, Syracuse, NY 13206. Tel: 888-442-6223; e-mail: journal@coabe.org; Web site: http://www.coabe.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Tests/Questionnaires; Reports - Research
Education Level: High School Equivalency Programs; High Schools; Adult Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: General Educational Development Tests
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A