Changes in Our Students

2.1 What changes have occurred in student sexuality over time? What are the implications of these changes for education?

• Nearly half of all teens are sexually active by the end of high school - 1 in 10 before the age of 13 and 1 in 10 with more than four partners by 10th grade. Only 61% of sexually active teens use a condom. The average age of first intercourse has dropped to 17.
• Rates of teenage pregnancy are falling, but they're still the highest of any industrialized country. The decline is attributed to decreased sexual activity and increased use of contraceptives. Becoming a teen parent increases the risks of dropping out, developing poor work skills, and receiving limited employment opportunities. Energy is diverted from self-development, and the babies often fare poorly as well.
• Many teenagers are infected with some type of STD. (This textbook conveniently gives only the statistic for female teens...) Depending on which STD and whether or not it's discovered early, infection could cause serious health issues which would impact student education.
• Sex education is still a controversial topic with form and content of instruction varying widely across the nation. Polls suggest a vast majority of parents are in favor, but many programs are still ineffective due to certain restrictions in various states and districts.
• There is still a lot of stigma around sexual orientation and identity, which can be especially difficult for teens as they're coming to understand who they are sexually. Sexual harassment is also a huge problem with more than half of all students reporting being sexually harassed and especially affecting the LGBTQ community. These circumstances can lead students to feelings of isolation, depression, and helplessness, impacting personal health and school attendance and raising the incidences of drug abuse and suicide.

2.2 Explain the trends in student use of alcohol and other drugs over the last several years, and describe the implications of these changes for education.

• More than four of ten high school students use alcohol, and nearly 25% report binge drinking. 2 of 5 have "experimented" with marijuana, 20% have taken prescription drugs, and 1 in 5 report current use of cigarettes.
• Alcohol and drug abuse puts teens at risk for damage to their health, car accidents, and even suicide. They can experience alienation, poor attendance, decreased learning, a higher risk of dropping out, and are less likely to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
• Teacher interaction with students is critical to help prevent drug and alcohol abuse. Talking with students about this with an emphasis on a healthy lifestyle helps students understand the dangers and teaches them the benefits of dealing with their problems positively and proactively.

2.3 How has the rate of student obesity changed over the years? How are schools responding to this problem?

• 1 in 6 students are overweight - triple the proportion in 1980. This figure is higher for children living in poverty and cultural minorities. This presents immediate health challenges such as high blood pressure and joint problems and other problems such as developing into heavy adult who may experience additional, long-term health issues such as heart disease, Type II diabetes, and hypertension. There could also be social challenges such as rejection from their peers.
• Schools themselves are often part of the problem. Districts short of funds often sign contracts with corporations to place soda machines in schools and school lunches are often loaded with cheap, high-energy, low-nutrition foods. Legislation has been passed to limit the sale of soft drinks and substitute low-sugar alternatives. Federal guidelines are also in place to put more fruits and vegetables into school lunches while removing foods with high fat and sodium content.
• Teachers can contribute by talking about the foods we eat (assuming we all eat a healthy diet) and the exercise we do to help students understand how their diets and exercise affect their health.

2.4 How have crime and violence changes in U.S. schools? What are the implications for education?

• 85% of public schools recorded one or more incidents of crime during the 2007-2008 school year. Students aged 12-18 were victims of 1.9 million nonfatal crimes. 8% of high school students reported being threatened or injured with a weapon. Because of the higher rates of violence in schools, most schools have implemented written plans for bomb threats and shootings (94 and 84 percent). Incidences of violence are declining, but it's still a major issue. It's most common in urban schools and high-poverty areas.
• Safety in schools depends more on schools and their teachers than it does on the crime and poverty in surrounding areas. Students academic success and relationships with the adults at their schools are more likely indicators of violence and crime. It is therefore important for teachers to show concern for their students and make sure that they are learning and experiencing success.