The Education Connection: Helping to Meet the Challenges Faced by Pregnant and Parenting Students in Illinois

Educational institutions, as recipients of federal financial assistance, have a specific mandate to assist pregnant and parenting students in obtaining an equitable education. While a few schools blatantly ignore Title IX, which prohibits discrimination of pregnant and parenting students, most would willingly provide assistance to pregnant and parenting students if they had adequate information and funding to do so. Educators need to know how they can work together with state and community agencies whose goals are to assist pregnant or parenting students and to keep them in school.

The Illinois Office of Educational Services conducted a study of the roadblocks preventing high school completion as reported by pregnant and parenting students, Teen Parent Services providers, and school personnel. The study also examined replicable Illinois model programs addressing the needs of pregnant and parenting students and their children. Many of these model programs operate with no or little monetary assistance from the schools. Most rely heavily on dedicated school personnel, partnering social service providers, and civic generosity. The study also examined what individual instructors can do to provide a hospitable learning environment even if no formal program is in place. To view the study and download a compendium of resources to assist pregnant and parenting students, visit http://www.ioes.org/genderequity.cfm or call 1-800-252-4822, ext. 228 for more information.