Joe Ventura discusses the connection between literacy skills and incarceration rates as well as the benefits of literacy programs within the correctional system.
Excerpt from Do prisons use third grade reading scores to predict the number of prison beds they’ll need?
“Politicians find the factoid a pithy way to emphasize the importance of early childhood reading. And journalists find it a convenient lede for stories highlighting the good work of reading programs across the country. But, do prison builders really use third grade reading scores to predict the number of prison beds they’ll need?
The idea is especially odious to those it’s often communicated to: educators, parents, and prison reform advocates. The statement is explosive, as they say, because it speaks to so many of our deeply-rooted convictions–our apprehension over prison operators’ motives, our worry over the quality of our public schools. It’s a loaded statement sure to ruffle feathers. Thanks to the work of some intrepid reporters and fact checkers, we know that this startling claim is not true. Well, technically untrue at least.”
Author: Joe Ventura
