Open letter to Chattanoogans regarding abstinence education Sept. 9, 2008
Dear Chattanoogans:
Never before has a presidential election caused so much conversation on teen pregnancy and sex education.Even this week’s Times editorial and cartoon depicts abstinence education as an ineffective strategy that leaves kids without assistance, ready to drown.They are misinformed.
There is no doubt - 700 local teen pregnancies are too many.To solve the complex problem we must address the root of the issue – not simply cover it with band-aid strategies that have little impact.
The Times cites an “appalling lack of knowledge” as the reason for these numbers, however extensive national research proves that education alone does little to change behavior.Instead, focusing on consistent support and connection with positive peers and adults, vision for the future and development of coping skills are proven factors in decreasing teen pregnancy.This is what highly effective abstinence education programs seek to do.
Why Know’s work cannot be labeled as “abstinence-only.”We give kids the medically accurate facts, help them navigate decision-making, and more important, reinforce their self-worth and vision for the future through genuine life skills training and mentoring.
There is no “quick-fix” to teenage sex and the consequences are dire.Sexually active teens are more likely to attempt suicide, suffer from depression, and do poorly in school.Plus, risks travel in packs – sexually active kids are more likely to be involved in drugs, alcohol, and violence.Condoms do not, and will never protect against these consequences.Likewise, one-time, “just say no” talks have little impact.
What kids need are concrete and hopeful alternatives for their future.Why Know goes beyond education to provide consistent support and life skills training to help them achieve a life of excellence. It works – not only has the teen pregnancy rate decreased 72% since Why Know’s inception, but teens in Why Know report less involvement in sex and other dangerous behaviors, increased self-esteem, academic achievement, and leadership.
This strategy takes a much greater investment in our kids – but the results are healthier kids and communities!
Lesley Scearce
Executive Director
Why Know Program Evaluation:
We go to great lengths to uphold the integrity of our program, ensuring that our materials are accurate and up-to-date.Why Know’s curriculum is one of only eight sex education programs in the nation that has been reviewed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).During this review, our entire curriculum was evaluated by a board of medical professionals to ensure our materials are scientifically accurate.
To further ensure that our programs are effectively changing behaviors among teens, Why Know works very closely with the
University of
Tennessee,
Chattanooga to conduct annual evaluations.
For the third year, our evaluation from UTC concludes that we have been effective in increasing abstinence among teens, increasing awareness about the effects of teen sexual activity and decreasing risk behaviors among adolescents.Here are several key findings from our 2006-07 evaluation.
87.2% said that after having Why Know’s program, they can avoid risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.
86.5% said that after having the Why Know program, they can avoid sexual activity.
88.0% believe saying ‘no’ to teen sex can help them achieve their future goals.
78.5% said not having sex now makes them feel better about themselves.
Likewise, kids in Why Know’s ongoing Road to Excellence Program report higher self-esteem and greater capacity for decision-making.Last year, 90% of RTE participants were abstinent throughout the entire school year– more than 40% greater than the national average.
In 2006, the State of
Georgia recognized Why Know’s evaluation method as a best practice and currently recommends other organizations use our research tools as a model
If you would like more information about our programs or evaluation methods, please contact us at 423-899-9188.
