Publication Date
Spring 2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Education
Advisor
Arnold Danzig; Arcia Dorosti; Brent Duckor
Abstract
In this paper, I explored program participant and staff perspectives on correctional education programs. Prior research measured success of correctional education through recidivism, post-employment opportunities, and post-secondary education. However, few research examined the perspectives of staff, program participants, and alumni of such programs to understand factors that aid in important educational experiences within correctional education programs. In this study, I utilized a mixed-methods approach, where I collected close-ended and open-ended survey responses from 10 staff and 5 program participants on their ratings of program principles and characteristics as well as optional follow-up interviews to elaborate on their survey responses. The findings of the current study relating to program participant response in the survey highlighted the importance of a student-centered approach as well as offering peer-to-peer mentorship, guidance for career attainment, and courses that help students re-enter society post-release. Staff survey and interview responses highlighted the importance of interagency collaboration, patience with oneself, having knowledge about justice-impacted students, and humanizing students. Implications and recommendations from this research were discussed in Chapter 5.
Recommended Citation
Nguyen, My Ngoc, "Exploring Program Participant and Staff Perspectives on Correctional Education Programs" (2025). Dissertations. 127.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.k68t-4qum
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_dissertations/127
