Early pregnancy and academic achievement of African-American youth.

Abstract

Competing demands of school and home can thrust adolescent mothers into stressful situations. Meeting the requirements to achieve academically can be a challenge, especially for students previously identified as "slow learners." These students may conclude that academic achievement is an impossibility. How can special educators and service providers help? What environmental variables affect these young mothers' learning capabilities? This study used a case study research approach to study 10 African-American adolescent mothers who were already at risk of dropping out of school programs. Successful strategies to keep these students in school include school-based clinics, teacher training, sex education, and school-community support.