Proposed GRADS Course Description for GRADS 1-6

GRADS is a class for pregnant and parenting teens which addresses decision making, self-esteem, relationships, youth development/service learning, economic independence, parenting, and child development. Individual projects address identified deficiencies/needs of both generations. (Small schools may have students from categories II, III, IV, and V in the same classroom; the “special education” environment requires pervasive individualization).

• GRADS I provides case management, and occasionally directed study for pregnant students who are unable to transfer into the GRADS classroom until after the semester break.
  
  
• GRADS II focuses upon self-esteem, pre/post natal care, child birth, family planning, parenting of an infant, and the creation of a healthy and safe environment for the child.

• GRADS III builds upon that foundation and delves deeper into those topics plus healthy relationships, career enhancement, parenting of a toddler, peer presentations, learning and personality styled, and employability skills.

• GRADS IV utilizes additional curricula to reinforce previous topics and addresses Domestic Violence, Legal Issues pertaining to teen parents, Child Abuse, How to transition to a post-secondary school, and How to Get and Keep a meaningful Job.

• GRADS V is case management for students who have completed all curricula or are unable to take the class while completing graduation requirements. Students may transition into this category and back into GRADS once requirements are completed. Individualization is documented through individual, competency based student notebooks which follow student throughout high school. Students continue to progress through a wealth of curricula in subsequent years to assure they complete school, parent effectively, and prepare for meaningful relationships and careers. Advanced students: Case Management provides individual student conferences to identify and remove barriers. Community Referrals are provided for everything from tutoring, counseling, housing, education, employment, legal and health issues to address barriers.

• GRADS VI is Fatherhood Programs addressing legal issues, foster bonding and healthy relationships, address both child development, and parenting skills, and foster positive outcomes for the child(ren). Several of the fatherhood demonstration programs provide classroom instruction to traditional students as a preventive measure; All Juvenile Justice facilities (Dept of CYF) include support groups and monthly family visitations.

Recommended Numbering System

• 560 is for pre GRADS students being case managed
• 561 is for pregnant students
• 562 is for first year parenting students
• 563 is for second year parenting students
• 564 is for third year parenting students
• 565 is for post GRADS students being case managed
• 566 is for Fatherhood Programs
• 1 semester Career Component is incorporated into GRADS
• 9 wk Prevention component is incorporated into Health or FCS Classes