Abstinence Only Education Kaitlin Polk Laura McQuade EDUC 101

INTASC Standard, Description, and Rationale INTASC Standard #5: Application of Content: The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues Name of Artifact: Abstinence Only Education Date: November 26, 2012 Course: EDUC 101 Brief Description: For this assignment we had to research abstinence only education. We had to explain the pros and cons of this educational program. By researching and explaining this topic we will better understand this educational program. Rationale: To document my understanding of Standard #5, Application of Content, I researched concepts and dimenstrated different

What is Abstinence Only Education Abstinence-only sex education is a form of sex education that teaches abstinence from sex, and often excludes many other types of sexual and reproductive health education, particularly regarding birth control and safe sex.

Controversy over Abstinence Only Education The controversy is that many people believe that kids are going to have sex anyway so why not just teach “safe sex” education, which will give the kids all their birth control options (condoms, the pill, etc.) instead of telling them abstinence is the best option for preventing unwanted pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. While other people believe that abstinence is the way we should teach kids about sex.

Be PRO Abstinence Only Education Abstinence is the only 100% method to preventing pregnancy and STDs By teaching Abstinence Only Education kids will remain abstinent and not participate in risky activities that go along with sex.

PRO continued.. A 2005 study of youth in grades 7-11 found that engaging in premarital sex often leads to depression. Early premarital sex is also likely to lead to promiscuity and future marital breakup

CONs of Abstinence Only Ed Studies show that providing information about contraception does not increase teen sexual activity Kids who choose not to abstain may not be completely aware of their options.

Discussion Do you think that Abstinence Only Education decreases the teen sexual activity? Should Abstinence Only Education be the only method of Sex Ed? Why or Why not?

References Shannan Martin, et al., "Comprehensive Sex Education vs. Authentic Abstinence: A Study of Competing Curricula," The Heritage Foundation, 2004 National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, "With One Voice 2004: America's Adults and Teens Sound off about Teen Pregnancy," December 2004