More Virginia inmates are earning GEDs behind bars, but study shows pass rate dips as tests could be given prematurely

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Despite last year being an all-time high for Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) inmates earning their General Education Development (GED) diplomas, there's been a decrease in the pass rate. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) found inmates could be feeling pressured to test even if it's premature.

JLARC studied if it would be effective to expand educational programming, and found that VADOC's programs are effective in improving inmates’ futures after they’re released. They're 28% less likely to end up back behind bars if they participate in the educational programs.

For example, it’s easier to get a job and can increase how much they make at that job which makes them less likely to commit more crime. However, JLARC found an inmate’s likelihood to reoffend is not considered for enrollment. Virginia inmates who most need in-prison educational programs are, in large part, not getting enrolled.

But the crux of the issues are with staffing shortages and long waitlists. 

MORE: Virginia inmates with highest reoffense risk left out of educational programs, JLARC finds

“A job makes your life worthwhile," said JLARC chair and delegate for District 17 Mark Sickles. "It gives you something to live for. A meaning in life. And education really provides the basis so you can get to that point.” 

According to JLARC, as of February, while just over 4,000 inmates were enrolled within the VADOC's two primary educational programs -- Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) -- more than 5,600 were on waitlists. 

According to the JLARC report, as of May 2025, there were 78 salaried ABE teacher positions, with most facilities having 1 to 3 positions. 14 facilities also have a special education teacher position.

The ABE program is available at 34 of VADOC’s 37 major facilities for inmates who do not have a verified high school credential and "includes special education programming for any qualifying inmates," according to the report.

Statewide, only 19% of inmates are enrolled in any of its educational programs. 

2024 was a record year for inmates earning their GED diplomas behind bars from just 117 in 2022 to 544 in 2024. 

In September, 8News highlighted Maurice Harris, an inmate at Dillwyn Correctional Center, who’s gotten not only his GED, but several other trade skills behind bars.  

“That gave more confidence in myself, like, ‘Hey, you’re not just a statistic. You could really be somebody.’ And I started believing that," Harris said.

JLARC found the VADOC has placed a greater emphasis on GED attainment, but this has led to a declining pass rate due to inmates testing before they’re ready.

"The percentage of subject tests passed at DOC facilities fell from 87 percent in the first quarter of 2022 to 52 percent in the first quarter of 2025," the report stated. "Retakes have also grown, increasing from less than 5 percent of tests administered in 2022 to more than a quarter of all tests in 2024. A 50 percent pass rate suggests students are being tested prematurely, representing an inefficient use of limited ABE program staff and space. 

A principal with the VADOC was quoted in the report saying, “Adult students progress at their own pace and often require months or even years of intense instruction and remediation to reach their educational goals. If we view the success of educational programs only in terms of GED graduates, we are doomed to fail." 

“We need to keep our folks out of prison again so when they are released, they are ready to go to work and be in a situation where they won’t commit another crime," Sickles said. “While they’re in our custody, we should do the best we can do to give them the opportunity to improve their life situation.” 

JLARC recommended that VADOC should better assess student readiness to take the GED test, monitor GED score reports to identify skill gaps and modify programming to address these gaps.

VADOC director Chadwick Dotson responded to the report with six things they’re doing to improve these programs, including reviewing the education level of every inmate by June to ensure those needing services are in school or on a wait list. 

“I think I have confidence in Director Dotson and whether we can fund the programs that he wants to advance and improve on will be in question because of all the uncertainty in the economy right now," Sickles said.

It's unclear how much money will be available to make these improvements, and Sickle said it's too early to say if more funding will be introduced at the upcoming General Assembly. But he said the improvements will save money in the long-term by helping people from committing more crime after release.

In Fiscal Year 2025, the General Assembly approved $14.4 million for adult instruction within the VADOC. It also receives about $100,000 per year in federal grants from the Virginia Department of Education.