PRISON EDUCATION CASE ANALYSIS: OREGON PRISON EDUCATION PROGRAM’S STRUCTURES, MISSIONS, AND GOALS

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze the language and mission of four programs operating in Oregon carceral facilities to examine how their program goals, mission, and language differ from one another, and analyze what these similarities and differences can be associated with. The educational programs studied are carceral-specific branches of either four-year universities (Portland State University and University of Oregon) or community colleges (Chemeketa Community College and Blue Mountain Community College) in Oregon. By examining the organizational documents and public programming surrounding these educational opportunities in prison, the differing hallmarks of each program are studied and considered against one another, and patterns are identified. The findings suggest that there is a link between institutional type, geography, mission, and goals for reentry. Finally, an argument is made against the hyper fixation on recidivism and for a more accessible and all-encompassing program structure or program reevaluation.