The Petey Greene Program Reentry Blended Learning Pilot: A Case Study

1. Executive Summary & Overview

The [Petey Greene Program (PGP)](https://www.peteygreene.org) recognizes the educational barriers and inequalities that most incarcerated people face before, behind, and beyond bars. As noted in the [Puttkammer Center's Strategic Vision](https://www.peteygreene.org/puttkammercenter), tutoring and supportive human relationships are essential elements of quality education. This pilot investigates the efficacy of a 12-week blended learning model specifically designed for formerly incarcerated students navigating the complexities of reentry.

2. Educational Exclusion & The Pipeline

Approximately 58% of people entering the criminal justice systems dropped out or were pushed out of high school as a result of the school-to-prison pipeline. These conditions lead many youth to increased risks of becoming justice involved and a lifetime of educational exclusion. Reentry is a time when most adults face many challenges. Students participating in post-incarceration GED programs often struggle to meet basic needs, yet high-quality high school equivalency programs act as a vital pipeline to higher education and reduced recidivism.

3. Case Study Design & Methodology

This study utilized a descriptive, exploratory case study design. The pilot ran for 12 weeks with a cohort of students combining adaptive technology with PGP tutors. Data collection included retrospective pre-then-post surveys, which provide participants the opportunity to compare skills before and after the program. While the data is limited, the students' responses are important to the pilot program assessment.

Introductory Questions

Participants were asked: Why did you enroll? Choices included getting a job, going to college, or getting a certification. They were also asked how achieving a GED might benefit their life, such as through family reunification.

4. Findings: Quantitative & Qualitative

Attendance averaged 16 sessions. Among those who completed practice tests, all improved their scores in at least one subject area by an average of 27 points.

"I never thought I would go back to school. Walking in the first place was the biggest challenge. PGP helped by opening the doors, believing in me, and never letting up."

Domain: Socioemotional

The study tracked retrospective pre-then-post test surveys including metrics such as: "I ask for help if I need it," "I keep at an assignment until I succeed," and "I feel confident that I can pass the GED." 100% of participants shared that the program increased their motivation to pursue college or vocational certificates.

5. Strategic Recommendations