Ballard 2

Kaelin Ballard
Crist
English IV
November 7, 2014
Schools Impact on Teen Mothers
Essential question: How can schools prevent teen mothers from dropping out?
Thesis statement: Schools have to recognize that being a parent is more important and should be
flexible with teen mothers.
Pelt, Jennifer Van. "Keeping Teen Moms in School - A School Social Work Challenge."
Keeping Teen Moms in School - A School Social Work Challenge. Social Work
Today, Mar.-Apr. 2012. Web. 28 Oct. 2014.
Even though it is lowering, the United States holds the higher rate of teen mothers than
any other developed country. Today, pregnancy is the number one reason why girls drop out of
high school. In schools, it is every staffs concern if a student wants to drop out. Voicing these
concerns can alter how the students go about finishing schools. Developing programs to care for
teen parents and being flexible can change the statistics that still stand. Most parents look at
parenthood as being most important and with the support of the school can allow them to be a
parent while getting a higher form of education. This is important information for my research
because it shows teens researching options they have that they can be a parent and still go to
school.
"Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of NC." Resources for Young Parents. APPCNC,
n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2014.
Schools showing support is exceeding what they need to do; certain laws require that they
are to work with soon-to-be parents so that way they dont need to worry about falling behind. In

Ballard 2

the education section of laws, schools are required to let teen parents have the same treatment as
any other student in that school. Schools assist by excusing that student for the birth of their child
to having teachers and staff catch them up on work while being on bed rest. Infants and school
come with their own separate challenges. However, facing these challenges between school and
parenthood with a strong support system, they are able to finish school. This article adds a huge
support to my research because it shows the legal side of schools and them supporting soon-to-be
parents.