The Department of Corrections (DOC) has identified the lack of education credentials as a key factor in reoffending. In other words, inmates with a high school diploma are less likely to reoffend upon release as compared to inmates without a high school diploma. On the average, 80 percent of the inmates without a high-school degree reoffend as compared to 40 percent of inmates with a degree.
Programmers at DOC have identified two model programs:
The first program is called Education First; the outcome of the program is passing the high-school equivalency examination. This program has undergone extensive outcome evaluations, and the success rate is figured to be 50 percent, which means that 50 percent of the inmates are successful in passing the high-school equivalency examination.
The second program is General Education Development Preparatory program (GED Prep). The outcome of this program is also passing the high-school equivalency examination. The success rate of this program is identified as 80 percent, which means that 80 percent of the inmates that take this program are successful in passing the high-school equivalency examination.
The first program, Education First, costs $500 per pupil, and the second program, GED Prep, costs $5000 per pupil. Currently, the cost of incarceration is $32,000 per year.
Since the DOC has experienced decreasing budgets over the past 20 years, cost of programs is a very real concern.
Which of the two—Education First or the GED Prep program should be adopted? Why? Analyze the scenario and the programs and provide a logical justification for your answer considering:
The quality of the programs
The goal(s) and objective(s) of the programs
The policies’ design
The success rate of the programs
The cost considerations
Making a Cost-Effective Choice: Analyzing Education First and GED Prep Programs for Inmates
The Department of Corrections (DOC) has recognized the lack of education credentials as a significant factor in reoffending rates among inmates. To address this issue, two model programs have been identified: Education First and the General Education Development Preparatory program (GED Prep). The goal of both programs is to help inmates pass the high-school equivalency examination, which has been shown to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. However, considering the decreasing budgets faced by the DOC, it is essential to analyze the quality, objectives, design, success rates, and cost considerations of both programs to make an informed decision about which one to adopt.
In terms of quality, both programs aim to provide inmates with the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the high-school equivalency examination. However, the GED Prep program has a higher success rate of 80% compared to Education First's success rate of 50%. This suggests that the GED Prep program may offer a more comprehensive and effective approach to preparing inmates for the examination.
The primary goal of both programs is to equip inmates with a high school diploma equivalent, thereby improving their chances of successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism rates. Both programs align with this objective and aim to address the key factor identified by the DOC. However, due to its higher success rate, the GED Prep program may be more effective in achieving this goal and reducing the likelihood of inmates reoffending.
Analyzing the design of the programs, it is evident that both Education First and GED Prep focus on preparing inmates for the high-school equivalency examination. The success rates indicate that the GED Prep program may have a more robust curriculum and instructional approach. However, it is essential to consider other factors such as class sizes, instructor qualifications, and support services provided within each program to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of their design.
Considering the success rates of the programs, it is clear that the GED Prep program has a higher rate of 80% compared to Education First's rate of 50%. This indicates that inmates who participate in the GED Prep program are more likely to pass the high-school equivalency examination and obtain their diploma. The higher success rate suggests that the GED Prep program may be more effective in achieving the desired outcome of reducing reoffending rates among inmates.
When it comes to cost considerations, Education First costs $500 per pupil, while GED Prep costs $5000 per pupil. While the GED Prep program is significantly more expensive compared to Education First, it is crucial to consider the long-term benefits and potential cost savings associated with reducing recidivism rates. Currently, incarceration costs $32,000 per year per inmate. By investing in a more effective program like GED Prep, which has a higher success rate, there is a greater likelihood of reducing reoffending rates and potentially saving on long-term incarceration costs.
In conclusion,
based on an analysis of quality, objectives, design, success rates, and cost considerations, it is recommended that the DOC adopt the GED Prep program. Despite its higher cost per pupil compared to Education First, the GED Prep program has demonstrated a higher success rate in helping inmates pass the high-school equivalency examination. By investing in a more effective program like GED Prep, there is a greater potential for reducing reoffending rates and long-term incarceration costs. However, further evaluation of other factors such as class sizes, instructor qualifications, and support services should be conducted to ensure an informed decision-making process.