Gathering Place
By Tom Foster
Offer prisoners chance
to succeed in educationIn his May 17 letter to the editor, Aaron Escobido-Ortiz asked, "Should we put law violators in prison with nothing to do except think about how they can become better criminals?" He answers his own question with a "no" and then suggests some excellent alternatives. I have been giving this a lot of thought and have added some details to his excellent suggestion.
A "Go to Prison or Go to College" program could be developed by the University of Hawaii community colleges. Earning a community college degree along with vocational training and an increase in basic skills could do more to change someone's direction in life than time spent in prison. Many experts agree that going to prison only teaches an inmate how to be a better criminal.
A choice of college or prison would not be a reasonable option for every offender. However, in many cases the nonviolent offender and society might benefit from education for the offender. One thing we do know is that putting more people in prison is not working.
The heart of a program for offenders should start with a series of courses and experiences designed to prepare the student for college and increase his or her chances of success.
The first semester of college-level work should be customized for each student. This program would be developed by specially trained counselors and monitored by those counselors in partnership with the appropriate authorities.
Students' responsibilities
Before taking college-level courses, each student must:>> become computer literate
>> complete a course in nutrition, health and child care
>> achieve a prescribed level of written and verbal communication
>> achieve a prescribed level of reading skill
>> complete a course in college survival skills (time management, how to study and take exams, classroom protocol, services available to students and how to use the library).Once enrolled in a regular degree or certificate program, students must:
>> carry at least 12 credits
>> maintain at least a 2.0 (C) grade point average
>> attend all classes
>> complete all assignments
>> earn an AA/AS degree or acceptable certificate and/or be eligible to transfer to upper-division courses at UH or other university, or earn a BS/BA degree, as specified in advance during sentencing
>> complete a course in job searching and job keeping. Many persons with poor job histories have no idea what is required to be successful in a work environment.
State's responsibilities
The college and state will provide each student with:>> small, special classes
>> courses in basic skills
>> tutors for all subjects
>> adequate counseling
>> college survival skills courses outlined above
>> textbooks
>> transportation to the college (bus passes)
>> housing (when necessary)Although acquiring basic skills and a vocational certificate may be a huge achievement for many students, for others the prescribed goal should be transferring and graduating from the university.
Because of the small and specialized classes, monitoring and specialized counseling, this program would be expensive -- but the economic and social costs associated with sending someone to prison are enormous. By using some of the money now spent on incarceration of nonviolent offenders for higher education instead, we might achieve society's goals in a better, more cost-effective way.
There may be problems associated with such a program but the idea is worth exploring. As Escobido-Ortiz said in his letter, "If we give (convicts) the proper education and job skills, they'll be able to find employment instead of a place to rob."
Tom Foster, a former Hawaii resident, is associate dean of the Division of Learning Resources at Grossmont College in El Cajon, Calif. He is looking forward to moving back to Hawaii in November.