Posted on August 17, 2012 |
Last night I watched the first episode of High School Moms, the six-episode TLC documentary about students at the Florence Crittenton School for pregnant and parenting teens in Denver. Refreshingly, the show really did focus on school, both the struggles its students go through in trying to get an education and stay on track for graduation, and the struggles administrators and teachers go through in trying to help. The obstacles faced by these young mothers – personal, academic, and financial – are enormous. And remember, these are girls who go to a school that is supportive and focused on their needs, where they are not facing the types of harassment and blatant pregnancy discrimination that so many pregnant and parenting students across the country still face at school, even though it’s prohibited by Title IX.
Still, it’s not easy. In fact, the two young moms profiled on last night’s show appear to be on the verge of having to go the GED route instead of staying in high school. And it’s not a choice either would make voluntarily. Both know that going to high school is important for their futures and those of their children. But Catrina, who is 18 years old, may lose child care because she and her fiancé (who has been in and out of work) fell behind in their child care payments, cannot afford to catch up, and are expecting another baby soon. If they lose their child care, Catrina will have to stop going to school. And Londisha is only 16 years old, is estranged from her family and gets no help from her baby’s father, who is in prison; she has emotional issues impacting her behavior in class, which she has not been able to improve. Check out the companion discussion guide (PDF).
Unfortunately, getting a GED, while better than nothing, is not the same as getting a high school diploma. Many employers prefer to hire high school graduates, and passing the GED test is not a good measure of whether a student is prepared to attend college or another postsecondary education program. But in this economy, at least some postsecondary education or training is necessary for entering careers that can provide economic security.
The principal mentioned on the show last night that 94% of his students are in poverty. People need to realize that providing pregnant and parenting students with the supports they need to stay in school and succeed is a critical component of any serious effort to address poverty. Hopefully this show will inspire other school districts to invest resources in pregnant and parenting students, offering them targeted services and guidance while still giving them access to rigorous academic opportunities. This does not have to be done in a separate school like Florence Crittenton; there are other models out there.
Stay tuned – we plan to share our thoughts after each episode, and we welcome your comments!
Articles by Topic
Join the New Reproductive Health Campaign
Go to ThisIsPersonal.org to get the facts and tools you need to help protect women's reproductive health.
Blogroll
How You Can Help
Sign Up for Email Updates
Follow Us on the Web
Comments
Adoption and abortion is a
Adoption and abortion is a good way for these children to avoid staying in poverty for the rest of their lives
Catrina and Jon @ Florence Crittenton HS
Catrina and Jon have faced many struggles after having the babies. But,because they are young,they also THINK they NEED to prove to the world that they can do it all on their own. I have successful people in my family that didn't even do it on their own. They have all had help one way or another. Catrina's paternal grandmother told me never to ask for her help when Catrina's older brother was born. I had no one else because my parents had divorced and moved out of state. It was hard for me too.
Now Catrina and Jon know they do not have to do this all alone and not to let their pride get in the way of asking for help! That is what I am here for!! And will always support their good choices and hope they learn from the not so good ones.
Post new comment