THE EFFECT OF THE CARRERA ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY PREVENTION PROGRAM ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of the Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program, as implemented at a mid-sized, urban-suburban school system, on student achievement. The Carrera Program offers seven components of support, including academics, to address various needs of students in a holistic way. Further investigation included an examination of student beliefs regarding support for their psychological needs, the relationship between such beliefs and student achievement, and demographic analysis of achievement data. Program participant data from sixth through ninth grades were compared to those of matched groups of non-participants with similar demographic characteristics and prior achievement. Comparison data showed that the performance of Carrera Program participants was generally similar or slightly lower than the matched groups’ performance on state test scores and grades with minimal statistical significance. Although Carrera Program participants tended to report higher rates of support for their psychological needs, the correlation to achievement was small. A demographic analysis of the achievement data revealed no statistically significant differences between the scores of Carrera Program participants and matched groups within demographic subgroups.