Demystifying Literacy Education Behind Bars: Effective Strategies for Increasing Human Capital

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Presenting eleven chapters covering a diversity of strategies to increase the literacy of incarcerated individuals, Literacy Behind Bars is an integral text for professionals on both sides of the barbed wire fence. As an veteran secondary English of 25 years with experience in juvenile justice education and research, I stand in both excitement and awe to review this
resource for multiple reasons. First, it is a valuable resource for educators demystifying literacy instruction for arguably the most vulnerable population in education. Second, the authors and contributors are well versed in education within confined settings and/or literacy curriculum development and instruction. And last, themes of reverence, hospitality, empathy, and
acknowledgment of youth as unique individuals with both human and cultural capital to share with the world permeate each chapter. During my own research, I have witnessed teachers’ struggle to put lessons together or create cohesive units for a highly mobile population of students, for the broad spectrum learners--in both age and ability--that make up their classrooms.
For these teachers, and for all teachers of at-risk and resistant learners, this text presents specific, research and theory based lessons that will, through the development of reading, writing, creative and communication skills, empower students, giving voice to the voiceless and helping youth understand their own potential contributions to the greater conversations of the world.