Unfit Subjects: Education Policy and the Teen Mother, 1972-2002

Rating:
Summary: NO simple answers
Review: Here's a subject that has been topical and controversial in the US for decades. How should the public education system accomodate pregnant teenagers? Many politicians lament the high rates of teen pregnancy. But what to do once she is pregnant and does not want an abortion?

Pillow offers a thoughtful discourse on various aspects. Non American readers will note the constant reference to US Federal policies, like Title 9, which requires schools not to discriminate against these women. Pillow discusses the interplay of racial and ethnic factors. Especially the persistently high rate of unwed black pregnancy. What sort of counselling should be offered is also reviewed. Like, what to say regarding possible career paths, or the related topic about the availability of affordable childcare.

She provides no simple answers. Possibly there are none.