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

Preface

Senator Arlen Specter is one of the national leaders concerned about the well-being of children born to teenage mothers, realizing that these children are at higher risk for a number of negative outcomes. Senator Specter directed the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) to gather information about how school-based and school-linked prenatal counseling programs can decrease the rate of low-birth weight babies born to adolescents.

In response to Senator Specter's directive, OERI's National Institute on Early Childhood Development and Education (ECI), in cooperation with EduTech Ltd., consulted with officials in government and nongovernment organizations. These experts stated that school-based and school-linked programs do in fact reduce the rate of low-birth weight babies for the limited numbers of adolescents who receive services. They pointed out, however, that long-term objectives, such as improved high school completion for mothers and school readiness for their young children, are more difficult to achieve, even for those adolescents who are in programs. They recommended that ECI focus on programs with coordinated services for pregnant and parenting teens and their children.

Government and nongovernment officials identified some programs that they considered noteworthy, and EduTech found information about other programs in existing databases. EduTech coordinated with program directors and compiled information for this compendium. The compendium is not inclusive but profiles programs for pregnant and parenting teens and their children throughout the country, including programs that are based in public schools, alternative schools, community-based facilities, and medical facilities.

ECI and EduTech Ltd. produced this compendium in conjunction with a conference that included representatives from 15 school-based and school-linked programs, along with other government and nongovernment organizations. A synthesis of conference proceedings is also available from ECI.


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