This legislation establishes the Correctional Education Board which would oversee education in the prisons, including curriculum development, preparation of the California Department of Corrections' annual budget request for education, and appointment of the superintendent of correctional education.
Every significant study shows a strong link between education levels and recidivism rates.
Education in prison helps criminals turn their lives around and thus lowers crime rates. Latinos, African-Americans and other minorities are disproportionately represented in the Department of Corrections' offender population. The average reading level is seventh grade. The education budget in the prison system has been so reduced to the point where fewer than one inmate in three has access to classroom instruction. SB 1845 will likely result in educational programs being given higher priority and focus within the Department of Corrections.