III Family Studies and Human Development Approved: 2 Semester C edits

The purpose of the study was to identify the emotional, social, and occupational factors that help teenage parents to stay in school. Subjects were 13 students from one of the High Schools in Green Bay. Based upon Kopasci's (1990) previous research, the researcher revised the survey instrument and reviewed it with her research advisor. The survey included a progression of24 multiple-choice questions as well as several open ended follow-up questions identified by the researcher. Data analysis included compiling descriptive statistics for the quantitative survey; for the open-ended questions, the researcher identified the common themes reported by the students. The quantitative results indicated that the teen parenting classes offered at school had a positive impact on parenting behaviors and that more information was needed about child development. The qualitative results indicated on-site childcare and transportation were needs of teenage parents within the Green Bay 111 Area Public School District to be successful. The researcher recommends a comprehensive model for teen parents, which would include additional work based learning opportunities for students in order to attain a high-wage job upon graduation, as well as additional curricular courses provided to teenage parents. I