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Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

Keywords

correctional education, prison education

Abstract

Abstract

In all fields of education, theory is in advance of practice (MacCormick, 1931, p. xii).

This essay provides a summary of the historical research themes of the Center for the Study of Correctional Education (CSCE) in the field of prison reform and its leading edge, correctional education. Those themes have been applied at CSCE’s system of parolee schools, the California State University, San Bernardino Reentry Initiative (CSRI). The essay addresses the professional contributions of four contributors or heroes of the correctional education: Alexander Maconochie at a penal colony in the South Pacific, William George among juveniles in New York State (NYS), Thomas Mott Osborne at two NYS prisons and one in the U.S. Navy, Stephen Duguid in British Columbia. The current author subjectively selected these four contributors. Then he arbitrarily selected six findings from the work of each. The four are informally known at the CSCE as part of the “pantheon” of correctional education contributors to the theory and practice of the field. The essay also introduces CSRI organizational experiences, in the same format as the four heroes or contributors. Each contribution has influenced the theory and practice of correctional education. The author hopes this review will help readers see the value of this literature.

Author Statement

Dr Thom Gehring is an emeritus professor at California State University San Bernardino where he taught educational foundations and correctional education.

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