A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Compendium of School-Based and School-Linked Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents, February 1999

Programs in Public Schools

Graduation, Reality, and Dual-Role Skills

Mission:

Promote personal growth, educational competence, and economic self-sufficiency as socially responsible members of society for pregnant and parenting teens (male and female).

Profile:

Graduation, Reality, and Dual-Role Skills (GRADS) is a school Family and Consumer Sciences instructional and intervention program that has been reaching students in city, county, urban, rural, and suburban areas since 1980. Each year, the program serves approximately 6,657 pregnant and 3,622 adolescent mothers, and 1,283 teen fathers. On-site child care, available at the option of the local school district, is provided for 300 children. The population served includes white (67 percent), African-American (28 percent), Hispanic (2 percent), multiethnic (2 percent), American Indian (less than 1 percent), and Asian (less than 1 percent) persons, ages 12 to 20.

Description of Service Model:

GRADS is an elective Family and Consumer Sciences class, taught by certified/licensed Family and Consumer Sciences teachers whose schedules include classroom instruction, and conference and coordination time.

The instructional component includes managing work and family responsibilities, problem solving, relating to others, and leadership. The content-specific competencies focus on self-development, pregnancy, wellness, prenatal, postpartum, neonatal care, parenting, child development, creation of healthy and safe environments, relationships, social support systems, and economic independence and employability. A community outreach component strengthens family and community involvement, and an advisory committee works to build strong school and community support for the program.

Leadership for GRADS is provided through the Ohio Department of Education, Division of Vocational and Adult Education. The GRADS program is available for students in 80 percent of Ohio’s school district and has been disseminated to schools in 17 other states.

Evaluation Methods:

Documentation of success includes a GRADS follow-up report (teacher report form) and a year-end report. An evaluation component is also in place to determine program effectiveness. Compared to state and national rates, the evaluation shows lower rates of school dropouts, low birth weights, and subsequent teen births, and a higher rate of early prenatal care.

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[George Washington Carver School-Based Health Center] [Living for the Young Family Through Education]