Defined by the U.S. Department of Education as "that part of the total correctional process that focuses on changing the behavior of offenders through planned learning experiences and learning environments," correctional education is designed to provide inmates with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed to succeed in society and avoid future criminal activity.

Correctional education programs typically include the following types of courses:

• Basic literacy skills (reading, writing, calculating, speaking, listening, and problem solving)
• General Education Development (GED)
• Post-secondary
• Special education
• English literacy
• Life skills training
• Vocational training

More information about how education is provided in correctional institutions can be found in this section. Professional development materials, research documents, and links to correctional education Websites are also available.