Book Talk

I read the book Sweet Valley High by Francine Pascal. The main character, Jessica Wakefield, is determined to be chosen queen of the fall dance at Sweet Valley High. If she wins the contest, she is sure she'll win the schools hottie, Bruce Patman. However, when Jessica finds out the truth of Enid Rollins, her twin sisters bestfriends past, she soon realizes the crown is only inches away. She doesnt care that revealing the secrets may cost Enid her reputation and the boy she loves.

I enjoyed this book becuase it is about the typical life of teenage girls. Gossip, gossip, and more gossip! It's funny, realistic, and definatley war!

Bibliograpy/Works Cited

Chandler Abrams P7/8

Works Cited

“The Caliber of Sex-Ed Instruction in Public Schools.” www.Psparents.net. Public School’s Parent’s Network, n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2010. <http://www.psparents.net/‌sex_education.htm>.

Greenberger, Robert. “Safe Sex.” www.Teenhealthandwellness.com. Rosen, 25010. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. <http:// http://www.teenhealthandwellness.com/‌article/‌287/‌safe-sex.>.

“Sex Education.” www.Social.jrank.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Nov. 2010. <http://social.jrank.org/‌pages/‌565/‌Sex-Education.html>.

Final essay

Chandler Abrams

Period 7/8

Writers Workshop

            

Abstinence Programs and Sex Education

Teenage sexual activity is a major problem confronting the nation and has led to a rising incidence of teenage pregnancy. Abstinence education programs or Sex education must take place in all schools. Not only do they teach the importance of practicing abstinence and using contraceptives, but it allows students to fully comprehend and understand that abstaining from sex is the only way to avoid all physical, mental, financial, and emotional risks. Sex education was originally started in schools to teach students about physical and sexual maturation. However, with the increasingly surprising rate in teenage pregnancy, schools teaching abstinence or safe sex shouldn’t be an option, but a requirement.

The United Families International Blog (UFI) states: “The world we live in has been sexualized in just about every way. Our children can’t turn on the television without being inundated with racy images and messages. How do children growing up in this environment learn about respecting themselves and others as they contemplate sexual activities? How do they learn what is or isn’t appropriate, and at what age? How can they learn the skills necessary to resist what pop-culture tries to constantly force upon them in terms of sexuality and self-image?” (UFI) This quote made me realize how televison, commercials, celebrities, etc., can really be a huge affect on young teenages. Being sexy, hot, and easy isn't the proper image for yong teens in todays society.  Studies show having abstinence programs or sex education are effective in the following ways: it provides basic and accurate information about the risks of unprotected intercourse and why you should avoid it, uses social learning theories that have been used by other health promotion programs that are successful, gives clear messages, incorporates information appropriate to the age, sexual experience, and culture of the students.

Over the years, teen pregnancy has been on the rise. Many people may wonder why, while several are blaming schools for not having abstinence or sex education programs. Teen Mom is an American reality television show that premiered on MTV last year in December. The show was a spin off and had millions of interested viewers. However many people argued why are these teens sixteen and pregnant? After watching and loving the show myself, I wondered if these young girls were ever enrolled in abstinence or sex education programs in their schools. Did they fully understand the importance of using contraceptives or practicing abstinence, or were they never taught that? This controversy left me very fascinated and curious. I strongly argue if each and every teenager is taught why abstinence is important, why contraceptives must be used, and all the consequences and risks you can face, teenage pregnancy would no longer be on the rise. After reading the article Safe Sex, by Robert Greenberger, I realized if you decide to have sex, it is your responsibility to do it safely. Schools must take action and help prevent teenage pregnancy. (Greenberger)

Are you the type of parent that believe sex education should be done by the parents at home, or do you believe it should only be taught in school? Having abstinence or sex education programs in school has lead to a huge controversial issue. Surprisingly, in the article Sex Education, 93% of Americans support teaching sex education to high school students, while 84 percent support sexuality education to junior high students.  (Pg 1 par 1)This statistic shocked me that many parents find themselves more concerned about the environment their children find themselves exposed to when sex-education classes are being taught.  Some believe teaching students how to use birth-control will only encourage them to be sexually active. In The Public School’s Parent Network, I read the article The Caliber of Sex-Ed in Public Schools, and found out that some parents believe when there’s a class full of immature adolescents combined with a serious matter, giggles whoops and hollers is all that’s going on. (SPN par 2) Many parents wonder if the message can’t be delivered responsibly then should it be delivered at all. I strongly oppose this controversial argument and believe with out sex education or abstinence programs in schools, the number of teenage pregnancy would strongly increase and leave kids unaware of the importance of practicing safe sex, or remaining abstinent.

In conclusion, abstinence and sex education in schools should not be a question, but the answer. It’s a great developing field, and it allows teens to fully comprehend and understand the importance of using contraceptives or practicing abstinence, as well as all the mental, financial, physical, and emotional risks. Teenage pregnancy has been on the rise and a huge disappointment to many. Let’s face the facts, teens know what it is, they want it, and they really don’t know enough about it to do it safely. Schools must stress the importance and consequences of sexual intercourse. As abstinence programs develop and become more broadly available, future evaluations will enable the programs to hone and increase their effectiveness.

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The Caliber of Sex-Ed Instruction in Public Schools
http://www.psparents.net/sex_education.htm


I chose this article because i learned that some parents felt that the only thing that was going on during sex-ed class was laughs and giggles. Parents argue that young immature teens arent focusing on the importance of the subject but their taking it as a joke.

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Sex Education

http://social.jrank.org/pages/565/Sex-Education.html

I chose this article because it has a great counter argument. I found it very fascinating that 93% of Americans support teaching sexuality education to high school students, while 84% support teaching it to junior high or middle school students.

blog 11

The Effectiveness of Abstinence Education Programs in Reducing Sexual Activity Among Youth
By: Robert Rector
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2002/04/the-effectiveness-of-abstinence-education-programs


Not only has teenage sexual activity led to pregnancy, but STDs. Abstinence programs have been proven to be effective in reducing early sexual activity, and also can provide the foundation for personal responsibility. "Therefore, they are vitally important to efforts aimed at reducing out-of-wedlock childbearing among young adult women, improving child well-being, and increasing adult happiness over the long term."

I chose this article because it shows the importance and is very informative of abstince programs.

what to talk about in paper:

• Teaching abstinence and having sex education programs in schools is a must.
• The rate of teen pregnancy is on the rise because teens dont fully understand the importance of safe sex or abstinence.
• Many teens that became pregnant wish they would have been taught the proper way to have safe sex and the importance of contraceptives.
• Studies show teens that became pregnant didnt fully understand the importance of contraceptives because sex education programs failed to teach them.
• Having sex education and abstinence programs can only help teens out. It will decrease the high number of teen pregnancy, and inform many of how important it is to have safe sex as well as many consequences you can face if you choose not to.
• However, many beleive sex programs should not be allowed in schools because its not appropriate and students shouldnt be thinking about that.
• Religious beleifs are also another reason why some people dont agree with having abstinence or sex programs in schools.
• Kids are having kids because they are not fully aware of what can happen when not practicing abstinence or not having safe sex. Therefore, schools must stress the importance of using contraceptives and practicing abstinence.