This issue of Field Notes offers insights and information about adult basic education in one of the most challenging settings: correctional facilities. The bias is pretty clear: education for inmates is a powerful tool for transformation; prisoner education should not be viewed as an add-on, a luxury, or a form of coddling. The perspectives of prisoners in this issue are highlighted through articles, poems, short reflections, and drawings. We have also showcased the work of teachers who have found creative, respectful ways to approach adult basic education in correctional facilities despite the institutional limitations of the work. Resource listings-Web Sites, curricula, guides, articles, and videos-are included for a variety of purposes: to assist inmates in the re-entry process, to inspire and inform teachers, and to enlarge our understanding of prison culture. This issue comes at a time when education for prisoners is more marginalized than ever. Although Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS) at the Department of Education still funds some programs for inmates, recent massive cuts from the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) budget has eliminated adult basic education programs entirely from many facilities.

I recently visited a medium security facility to meet with a long-term inmate and to discuss prison education and other issues. Just getting through to the visiting room was a lesson in itself. My reactions to the terse, disrespectful manner of the guards as they frisked me, refused to answer questions, and reprimanded me (for having a tear in my jacket pocket) pointed to my naivete about prison culture. In putting this issue together I was reminded that most of us in adult basic education know very little about corrections as an important "service delivery" area for ABE. I hope that this issue of Field Notes offers a place to get started in filling in the gaps in our knowledge and understanding.

Lenore Balliro may be reached at: lballiro2000@yahoo.com