Considerations Surrounding the Effects of Race, Age, and Gender on GED Success among Jail Inmates

Abstract

When viewed in a historical context, researchers have found consistent linkage between criminal offending and lowered educational levels among the general population of incarcerated offenders. Evidence of this is demonstrated by a disproportionate representation of illiterate persons among jail and prison inmates. After reviewing the literature, ample evidence revealed the utility in examining the isolated relationships concerning age, race, and gender on GED success for under-educated jail inmates. The purpose of this study was to explore the many considerations concerning the isolation of those factors, and to assist jail educators with achieving GED certification among subjects. No statistically significant differences were found among the independent variables race, age, and gender; however the effort gave rise to several implications that will assist in establishing guidelines for future research.