Date: April 3, 2008
Providing better support for pregnant and parenting students is a critical step for schools to take in their efforts to reduce dropout rates. Graduating from high school improves pregnant and parenting teens’ chances of going on to further education and the workforce and avoiding poverty and/or the need to rely on public assistance. It also contributes to the health and development of their children. Policymakers and schools can and must do more to keep this vulnerable population of students in school.