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When less is more: The effects of correctional education downsizing on reincarceration

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  • He, Zijing

Abstract

Correctional education is prevalent but costly. However, there is limited evidence on how educational programs affect outcomes like recidivism. This paper examines the impact of correctional education downsizing on reincarceration likelihood, focusing on the Windham School District within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. In the 2012 academic year, educational programs in certain facilities were downsized due to budget cuts. Using released inmates and campus profiles data, and a difference-in-difference strategy, the study finds that inmates released from downsized facilities are 11% less likely to be reincarcerated within 12 months. Although I cannot rule out other mechanisms, suggestive evidence shows that higher gains accrued to students who remained in the program. These students might have benefited from smaller class sizes and better peer composition, potentially offsetting the negative effects of fewer inmates receiving training. The study underscores the need for targeted and efficiency in correctional education programs.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Zijing, 2024. "When less is more: The effects of correctional education downsizing on reincarceration," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:103:y:2024:i:c:s0272775724000864
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2024.102592
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Reincarceration; Correctional education; Downsizing; Budget;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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