Sex ed based on effectiveness receives funding

[babylonsister]

Sex ed based on effectiveness receives funding
New programs not just focused on abstinence
By Kelli Kennedy


MIAMI — For the first time in more than a decade, the federal government is funding sex education programs that are not based solely on abstinence. But they are not just about handing out condoms, either.

Beginning this school year, a five-year, $375 million grant is being divided among 28 programs that have been proven to lower the pregnancy rate among participants, no matter their focus. Many programs distribute condoms, but about half also aim to boost teens’ academics, get them involved in extracurricular activities, and even improve their parents’ job status.

Advocates believe this “above the waist’’ approach gives youths the tools to help them succeed in school and make better life decisions, especially about sex.

“There’s a growing realization that we have to talk to young people about relationships. It’s not just body parts,’’ said Bill Albert, the chief program officer for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. “It’s saying, ‘What are your goals?’ and helping young people understand what they need to do to get there.’’

That theory, which has become popular in the safe-sex community in the past decade, will replace the abstinence-centered talks funded by a Republican Congress in the late 1990s and later under President George W. Bush to the tune of $1.5 billion. Critics contend there is little proof those programs lowered the teen pregnancy rate or that participants were less likely to have sex.

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http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/10/02/sex_ed_based_on_effectiveness_receives_funding/

[Kdillard]

1. Glad to see this finally happening.

[tanyev]

2. About time.