The primary problems to date in delivering quality literacy programs include lack of funding, teachers, classroom space, and a heavy dependence on community volunteers. Programs with components where interaction by telephone with an outside originating classroom are usually taped by a staff person and then shown to the inmates. Literacy Program Administration Administration responsibilities vary by state. The department of corrections or the department of education is usually in charge of the literacy and education programs. Prison school districts administered by the state department of education exist in at least ten states.
Several states have highly developed programs, but most are meager.
Literacy providers include professional paid educators and literacy volunteers. Some community colleges and universities are providing education to the prisons as well. Juvenile education may be administered by a variety of departments including social services. The philosophy undergirding the correctional education program varies by state. In some states, the philosophy is that prison is a punishment and educational dollars should not be wasted on the inmates.