English A

School Based Assessment

Name : Farel Thompson

Grade : 10 Forrest
Subject : English Language
Theme : Teenage Pregnancy
Topic : What is the role of sex education in reducing teenage pregnancy ?
Teacher : Mrs. Clark Rose
 PLAN OF INVESTIGATION

Sex Education is a scientifically proven way to reduce Teenage Pregnancy. It is for this reason
that I have chosen to research the topic ‘ What is the role of sex education in reducing teenage
pregnancy ?’.

As an English language student , I aspire to enhance my expressive and comprehension skills,

alongside vocabulary expansion .

For this research , I plan to investigate my topic using internet sources, local newspapers, and
the library. The media collected are a video and two articles . By doing this study , through the
use of cross referencing, I expect a significant boost in my language skills.
Artefact #1: An article

Comprehensive Sex Education Might Reduce Teen Pregnancies, Study Suggests

March 20, 2008

New research suggests that comprehensive sex education might lead to less teen pregnancy,
and there are no indications that it boosts the levels of sexual intercourse or sexually
transmitted diseases.

“It is not harmful to teach teens about birth control in addition to abstinence,” said study lead
author Pamela Kohler, a program manager at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Parents and educators have long argued over whether students should get instruction in birth
control or simply learn how to say no. At issue is which approach will best postpone sex.

Kohler and colleagues examined the results of the 2002 national survey and focused on
heterosexual teens ages 15 to 19. The findings — based on responses from 1,719 teens —
appear in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

After reviewing the results, which researchers weighted to reflect the U.S. population better, the
researchers found that one in four teens received abstinence-only education. Nine percent —
particularly the poor and those in rural areas — received no sex education at all. The other two-
thirds received comprehensive instruction with discussion of birth control.

Teens who received comprehensive sex education were 60 percent less likely to report
becoming pregnant or impregnating someone than those who received no sex education.

The likelihood of pregnancy was 30 percent lower among those who had abstinence-only
education compared to those who received no sex education, but the researchers deemed that
number statistically insignificant because few teens fit into the categories that researchers
analyzed.
While they also did not reach statistical significance, other survey results suggested that
comprehensive sex education — but not abstinence-based sex education — slightly reduced
the likelihood of teens having engaged in vaginal intercourse. Neither approach seemed to
reduce the likelihood of reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases, but again the results
were not statistically significant.

The findings support comprehensive sex education, Kohler said.

“There was no evidence to suggest that abstinence-only education decreased the likelihood of
ever having sex or getting pregnant.”

Don Operario, Ph.D., a professor at Oxford University in England, said the study provides
“further compelling evidence” about the value of comprehensive sex education and the
“ineffectiveness” of the abstinence-only approach.

Still, the study does not show how educators should implement comprehensive sex education in
the classroom, said Operario, who studies sex education. “We need a better understanding of
the most effective ways of delivering this type of education in order to maximize audience
comprehension and community acceptability.”

Journal reference: Kohler PK, Manhart LE, Lafferty WE. Abstinence-only and comprehensive
sex education and the initiation of sexual activity and teen pregnancy. J Adolesc Health 42(4),
2008.
Artefact #2 : An article

The Role of Education in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy

May 11, 2023

Teenage pregnancy represents a significant challenge for teenagers, their families, and the
wider community. While some teenagers may choose to become pregnant, many others do so
unintentionally, often without adequate knowledge or preparation for the responsibility that
parenting brings. Today, we explore the critical role of education in reducing and preventing
teenage pregnancy in Wichita, Kansas. We will discuss the importance of adolescent sexual
health education, parental involvement, community programs, and healthcare services for
teenagers. We’ll also examine strategies for reducing teenage pregnancy and the impact of
teenage pregnancy on education.

The Importance of Education in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy

Education is an essential tool in preventing teenage pregnancy. By educating teenagers about

sexual health and contraception, we can empower them to make informed decisions about their
reproductive health. Comprehensive sex education offers a holistic approach to sexual health
education that covers a wide range of topics, including abstinence education, contraceptive
options, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and diseases. It also teaches
teenagers about the risks of teenage pregnancy and the impact that it can have on their lives.

The Role of Schools in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy

Schools play a vital role in preventing teenage pregnancy by providing education, resources,
and support to teenagers. Schools can offer comprehensive sex education courses, which have
been shown to be effective in reducing teenage pregnancy rates. Abstinence education is also a
useful tool that can help teenagers delay sexual activity until they are ready to make responsible
decisions about their reproductive health.

While schools are critical in preventing teenage pregnancy, it’s important to remember that
parents also have a responsibility to educate their children about sexual health. By fostering an
open and honest dialogue with their children about sex, relationships, and contraception,
parents can provide valuable support to their teenagers.

Community-Based Pregnancy Prevention Programs

Community-based pregnancy prevention programs can also play a valuable role in reducing
teenage pregnancy rates. These programs offer outreach, education, and support services to
teenagers who may not have access to the information and resources they need to make
informed decisions about their reproductive health. By working with schools, healthcare
providers, and community organizations, community-based pregnancy prevention programs can
help teenagers overcome barriers to accessing healthcare and information.

Sexual Health Services for Teenagers

In addition to education and community programs, healthcare providers can also play a vital role
in preventing teenage pregnancy. By offering sexual health services specifically designed for
teenagers, healthcare providers can provide information and resources that are tailored to their
unique needs. These services can include birth control options, STI testing, and counseling.
Ensuring that teenagers have access to high-quality sexual health services is essential in
preventing teenage pregnancy.

Challenges of Teenage Pregnancy Prevention

Preventing teenage pregnancy can be challenging. Cultural and societal norms may make it
difficult for teenagers to access information and resources related to sexual health. Additionally,
some teenagers may face barriers such as financial or geographic obstacles to accessing
healthcare services. These challenges highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to
teenage pregnancy prevention that involves education, community programs, and healthcare
providers working together to overcome barriers.

Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on Education

Teenage pregnancy can have a significant impact on a teenager’s education. Many teenage
mothers experience academic difficulties, including increased absenteeism and a greater
likelihood of dropping out of school. Teenage mothers may also face financial challenges and
may struggle to find employment that allows them to support themselves and their children. By
preventing teenage pregnancy, we can help teenagers achieve their academic and career goals
and provide a better future for themselves and their families.

Strategies for Reducing Teenage Pregnancy

To effectively reduce teenage pregnancy rates, we need a comprehensive approach that

involves education, community programs, and healthcare providers working together. Some of
the strategies that have been shown to be effective include:

● Providing comprehensive sex education courses in schools

● Offering abstinence education that encourages teenagers to delay sexual activity
● Offering community-based pregnancy prevention programs that provide outreach and
support services to teenagers
● Ensuring that teenagers have access to high-quality sexual health services and
information

Successful Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs And Initiatives

There are effective teenage pregnancy prevention programs implemented worldwide, including
in Wichita, Kansas. For instance, the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) is a community-based
program that offers teenagers from Wichita skills education, community service opportunities,
and sexuality education. This program is effective in reducing rates of teen pregnancy and
increasing graduation rates among the participants.

In addition, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, a public-private
partnership that promotes contraception and improves accessibility to sexual health services,
has successfully reduced teenage pregnancy rates in the United States, including Wichita,
through various initiatives.

Getting Help with Teen Pregnancy Questions

Preventing teenage pregnancy is crucial to empower teens in Wichita, Kansas, to make
informed decisions about their reproductive health and attain their academic and career
objectives. By providing comprehensive sex education, community programs, and healthcare
services, we can support Wichita teens in making responsible decisions regarding their
reproductive health and prevent unintended teenage pregnancy. Overcoming challenges and
barriers specific to teens is imperative to promote a healthy, informed, and empowered
generation.

Artefact #3 : YouTube Video - Sex Education : Possible Solution For Teenage Pregnancy
YouTube Video Link : https://youtu.be/7m-JJRppqUM?si=53LKYPOgGBrXWJVz
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

“Comprehensive Sex Education Might Reduce Teen Pregnancies, Study Suggests.” ScienceDaily,
ScienceDaily, 20 Mar. 2008, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319151225.htm.

Gates, Ryan. “The Role of Education in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy.” HealthCore Clinic, 11 May
2023, www.healthcoreclinic.org/2023/05/11/the-role-of-education-in-preventing-teenage-pregnancy.

“Sex Education: Possible Solution for Teenage Pregnancy.” YouTube, 20 Feb. 2021, youtu.be/7m-
JJRppqUM?si=vOaHdHni645dyiar.