Overcoming the Barriers to Successful Completion of GED Programs among Prison and Jail Inmates

Abstract

This study examines the barriers faced by inmates participating in General Educational Development (GED) courses in prisons and jails, with the goal of proposing strategies for the removal of these barriers. By examining the literature surrounding prison and jail GED programs, the factors are categorized as those unique to each inmate (inmate factors), those experienced within the prison environment (environmental factors), and barriers that arise as a result of social conditions (outside factors). By examining various similar examples in the literature, solutions are discussed that have helped prison inmates overcome similar barriers.