Reviews the literature to identify the most important antecedents associated with adolescent initiation of sex, contraception use, and pregnancy. Results indicate that over 100 antecedents create a complex, detailed picture of the correlates of adolescent sexual behaviors. They describe characteristics of adolescents themselves, their partners,…

This document is the first volume of a six-volume report on sexuality education. This volume summarizes the structure and content of sexuality education in the United States, reviews the literature on the effects of sexuality education, describes the evaluation methods, provides a description of and the evaluation data for each program, and…

A properly conducted evaluation can help a school find the strengths and weaknesses of a sexuality education program. The basic ground rules are presented. (Author/MLF)

This document is the fifth volume of a six-volume report on sexuality education. This volume is based on the methods used and the experiences encountered in the evaluation of the nine exemplary sexuality education programs contained in the first volume of the report. The present volume discusses the need for evaluation of sexuality education…

This document is the third volume of a six-volume report on sexuality education. This volume contains 132 teaching activities selected from programs evaluated as among the most effective being taught in the United States. The curriculum consists of 11 units: (1) Introduction to Sexuality; (2) Communication Skills; (3) Anatomy and Physiology; (4)…

High school sex education courses appear to facilitate attitudinal change in student tolerance of the sexual practices of others, but the personal value system of the student remains intact. Such programs appear to have little effect on the amount of sexual behavior while increasing the use of contraceptive methods among sexually active students.…

An evaluation of the reproductive health programs of six diverse school-based clinics measured the impact of the clinics on sexual behavior and contraceptive use. All six clinics served low-income populations; at five of them, the great majority of the students were black. An analysis of student visits by type of care given found that these…

This executive summary and six additional volumes comprise a report which presents the results of an evaluation of selected sexuality education programs, and provides materials to help others implement and evaluate more successful approaches. The report is designed for policymakers, educators, and evaluators. The executive summary contains an…

Potentially important features and outcomes of sex education programs are examined in relation to program goals of reducing unwanted adolescent pregnancy and the facilitation of positive and fulfilling sexuality. A survey of sex education professionals indicates wide agreement on features and outcomes, as well as the compatibility of goals. (JMF)

Examines progress in the research on adolescent sexual behavior and pregnancy over the past 20 years, discussing advances in research methodology in five areas, advances in understanding teen pregnancy and finding solutions to problems in five areas, and two new research-based pillars for pregnancy prevention (sex- and HIV-education programs and…

Describes different approaches used to increase parent-child communication about sexuality and summarizes studies that have measured their impact. Focuses primarily on the impact of programs on parent-child communication, but also summarizes the limited research on the impact of such programs on adolescent sexual behavior, or on other determinants…

Article reviews the major school-based approaches implemented during the last two decades to reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors, examining their evidence for success and providing recommendations for effective programs and program evaluations. The article focuses on programs that educators believed would reduce unprotected sex. (SM)

This study investigated how communities limit teenage childbearing among Latinas, despite high rates of poverty. Data from documents and 167 interviews in eight California communities with low or high birthrates for Latinas aged 15-17 found that communities with low adolescent birthrates had more Latino residents, stronger social networks, and…

This article reviews the research on sexuality education programs. It examines the more significant studies that have evaluated the actual impact of those programs on various outcomes, including knowledge, attitudes, skills, and sexual behaviors. It finds that behavior is difficult to change and suggests specific approaches that appear promising.…

This report summarizes three bodies of research on teenage pregnancy and programs to reduce the risk of teenage pregnancy. Studies included in this report were completed in 1980 or later, conducted in the United States or Canada, targeted adolescents, employed an experimental or quasi-experimental design, had a sample size of at least 100 in the…