Collins, Lamar T.2009-02-272012-02-242008-07Collins, L. T. (2008). Assessing middle school sex education programs. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.https://hdl.handle.net/10877/3790An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Summer 2008.Purpose: The purpose of this research is three-fold. First, this research will develop a model middle school sex education program. Next, this model will be used to assess existing middle school sex education programs. Finally, recommendations will be made to improve grant funded middle school sex education programs. The model is organized into four categories which include: - preparing for productive futures - healthy relationships - idle time engagement - comprehensive approach Methods: Survey research is used to assess the existing middle school programs. Survey questions correspond to the categories of the previously developed model. Surveys were sent to thirty grant funded middle school abstinence education organizations. Findings: Many abstinence organizations focus on "abstinence only". A successful sex education program focuses on more than abstinence. The literature revealed four categories that promote an abstinent lifestyle. A model was developed based on the literature and revealed that all assessed programs fell short of educating students on all element of the model; however, because of the low number of respondents, the findings are inconclusive.Text67 pages1 file (.pdf)enmiddle schoolssex educationprogramsgrantsteenagers lifestylePublic AdministrationApplied Research Project