NYS Arts In Correctional Education Network (NYSACEN)

Questions for Discussion

From John Cates Curtis

jcurtis@schools.nyc.gov

1.         Why do we -- correctional educators -- use arts-based instruction? 

            Is the end-product (the art) for the inmate/student, or is it for us, the correctional educator?  

            Who benefits?

2.         How does art-in-jail become art-on-street? 

            What happens when the "artist" gets released? 

            What happens when a jail artist becomes a prison artist?  That is easier to answer:  There is no finish or completion; it is more incarceration.  What is left to expect? 

3.         If crime is a choice -- albeit a Hobson Choice for many but a choice nonetheless -- does critical thinking, improved decision making skills, introspection and reflection and symbolism (much of the harvest from arts-based instruction) reduce recidivism or produce art, fine or otherwise? 

4.         How should arts-based instruction behind bars be assessed? 

5.         Should community-based organizations, arts organizations, or artists who go into correctional facilities to teach or present arts programming be asked "Why are you here?" before they are allowed to enter and do so?  

What is a satisfactory answer?

From Dale Davis

ddavis@nyslc.org 

Assessing arts integration in correctional education:

1.         How do we know if arts integration changes anything?

2.         How do we measure what we are doing?