The Supreme Court's past and expected future rulings on abortion cases will add controversy and costs to schools. Estimates the costs of teenage pregnancy; reviews the legal history of abortion; and offers guidelines on how schools can help reduce teenage pregnancy. (MLF)

Schools should adopt a character-based approach to sex education and teach students about respect, responsibility, and self-discipline. (MLF)

Suggests improvements in board maternity policies and describes legal constraints on these policies arising from recent court cases. (JF)

When the school board of Alexandria, Virginia, considered establishing a school-based health clinic as part of a plan to combat teenage pregnancy, the concept mushroomed into a controversy. Evaluates what occurred and how it can be prevented in other schools districts. (MD)

Adolescents who are hopeful about their futures are less likely to become pregnant. Other factors that can help lower the teen pregnancy rate are age-appropriate K-12 sex education classes; access to contraception; and parents who have close relationships with their children and communicate their values about sex and sexuality. Sidebars cite…

A sex education program in Kentucky's Jefferson County schools, although mandated by the state, was challenged by a small group of parents and virtually disappeared. Later, helped by newspaper articles and recognized organizations, the program is gradually being reinstated. (MLF)

Several programs started in Passaic, New Jersey are beginning to show evidence of success. Teen Institute of the Garden State is a program designed to help students build confidence by working in the community. Teen pregnancy and the drop-out rate are addressed in a program called Graduation, Reality, and Dual-Role Skills. (MLF)

Abstinence education is receiving increased attention as a way of preventing both teen pregnancy and risky sexual behavior. Effective sex education programs provide basic information about the risks of unprotected intercourse and also address the social influences on sexual behavior. Sidebars contain student comments. (MLF)

Violence and risky behavior sound a wakeup call for schools. Schools need to teach accurate, honest, and relevant life-saving reality education. A K-12 comprehensive health-education framework with age-appropriate prevention messages and positive life skills is crucial. Programs need to be accurate, up-to-date, and brutally honest. (MLF)

Describes 11 effective steps taken by the Duval County (Florida) school board to improve the academic achievement of minority students, as measured by the Stanford Achievement Test. Programs include eliminating social promotion, developing tests of essential skills and minimum skills, involving the family, and helping with personal problems. (IW)