In New Jersey, the corrections system has grown from approximately 6,000 offenders in 1975 to more than 25,000 offenders and more than 19,000 parolees currently. An estimated 70 percent of the incarcerated perform at the two lowest literacy levels. Of the approximately $25,000 spent per offender for each year of incarceration, only 1-2.5 percent of the Department of Corrections' budget is spent on education. Studies show a correlation between education and a reduction in the rate of recidivism. Education does not guarantee rehabilitation, but it can help an offender acquire the necessary skills to succeed upon release. The Corrections Education Task Force advocates expanded and improved educational opportunity to reduce the likelihood of recidivism and deter further criminal involvement. Increased successes in rehabilitation can result from expansion and improvement of educational programs. Modest increases in educational spending can be offset by the significant savings from reduced recidivism. Recommendations call for greater emphasis on education; better data collection to determine the impact of programs; enhanced intergovernmental cooperation to improve operations and linkages with other state education, training, and employment initiatives; expanded and improved program quality and delivery to increase access; improved integration of corrections education programs with other aspects of the institutional environment; and expanded transitional programs. (YLB)