SUMMARY

Developed for use in 7th and 8th grade classrooms, this program aims to reduce teenage pregnancy by promoting seven core values that support sexual abstinence and healthy social relationships: equality, self-control, promise-keeping, responsibility, respect, honesty, and social justice. The curriculum including 15 student lessons and 3 adult-only sessions is distinguished by: 1) an emphasis on parent-child communication; and 2) the use of a standardized, video-assisted format. Participants gain mastery through role plays, group discussions, and behavioral skills exercises. Following a field test in nine schools, program participants showed a greater understanding of the risks associated with early sexual involvement, and they expressed increased support for postponing sexual activity, as compared to a control group of their peers.

SUITABLE FOR USE IN

This program is suitable for use in schools and any other community organization that provides education or services to seventh and eigth graders.

ORIGINAL INTERVENTION SAMPLE

Age, Gender
56% age 12, 33% age 13, 7% age 14.
48% male.

Race/Ethnicity
62% White, 19% African-American, 10% Latino, 9% Other (includes Asian and Native American).

PROGRAM LENGTH

The 15 student lessons are designed to run 45-50 minutes each. The 3 parent sessions should each last about 2 hours. The sequencing of the sessions is flexible.

STAFFING REQUIREMENTS/TRAINING

There are no special requirements. The Teacher's Manual provides detailed instruction to help classroom teachers implement the curriculum.