SUMMARY

This program, developed for junior high school home economics classrooms, integrates family life education with lessons on vocational exploration, interpersonal and family relationships, decision-making and goal-setting. A key premise of the intervention is that vocational planning can lead teens to attractive alternatives to early sexual involvement and parenthood. In addition, placing a strong emphasis on values, Project TAKING CHARGE promotes abstinence as the correct choice for adolescents, and no material on contraception is included. The curriculum comprises five instructional units that are divided into 27 class lessons. There are also three parent-youth sessions during which adults are encouraged to communicate their own sexual values and assist teens in defining and attaining occupational goals. A field study was conducted with 136 youths from three low-income communities with elevated rates of teen pregnancy. Six months following the intervention, program participants showed significant gains in knowledge of sexual development, STDs and the risks of adolescent pregnancy, relative to a comparison group of students. There was also some evidence, failing just short of significance, that participation was associated with a delay in the initiation of sexual intercourse.

SUITABLE FOR USE IN

Although it was originally implemented in school classrooms, this curriculum can also be presented by health educators in community based organizations.

ORIGINAL INTERVENTION SAMPLE

Age, Gender
The field study included 136 7th grade students, evenly divided by gender; of this group, 60% were 12 years old and 34% were 13.

Race/Ethnicity
63% White, 29% African-American, 4% Latino, 4% other.

PROGRAM LENGTH

The six-week curriculum contains five instructional units, with 27 class lessons.

STAFFING REQUIREMENTS/TRAINING

Lessons are designed for family life educators to use in their 7th grade classrooms. The national office of Project Taking Charge offers workshops and materials to help prepare instructors.