Model Site Evaluation

SouthEast Academy of Scholastic Excellence Public Charter School

Real-World Program Evaluation
The SouthEast Academy of Scholastic Excellence Public Charter School (SouthEast Academy) served as a model site in the real-world implementation of the program. Mr. Lurry, a seventh-grade Science and Social Studies teacher, implemented the program under the topic of human reproduction. A total of 63 students participated in the program evaluation. Mr. Lurry provided constructive information on his students' responses to this type of STD prevention program, as well the feasibility of implementing this program in a school-based setting.

About SouthEast Academy
SouthEast Academy provides a rigorous, technology-enriched academic program that prepares students for college, skilled employment, and a life of learning. Currently serving more than 600 students in grades kindergarten to eighth grade, SouthEast Academy has the distinction of being the first charter school located in the southeast section of Washington, DC.

About Mr. Lurry
Mr. Lurry has a Master's degree in elementary education and a BA in history. He is an experienced teacher of 9 years and is currently the history and science curriculum coordinator and a seventh-grade teacher at SouthEast Academy.

Summary of the Program's Impact
Mr. Lurry reported that students were very excited after viewing the video on STDs. The youth really connected with the video, and those students who participated in the program became knowledgeable about STDs and how they affect young peoples' lives. Most of the students were very interested in how people caught STDs and the symptoms involved. Students were most interested in learning about how STDs can be transmitted, even if no symptoms are present. After watching the Stop, Think, Be Safe! video, students engaged in deep conversations about the consequences and different alternatives to take when confronted with the issues regarding sex.

The Activities
All students participating in these evaluation activities had signed parental consent. In addition, students signed assent forms. One of the first program activities Mr. Lurry conducted was to show the Stop, Think, Be Safe! video to his seventh graders. The Stop, Think, Be Safe! intervention also includes a facilitator's guide, which complements and builds on the information and issues presented in the video. Combining the video with other activities is important because it creates an environment in which difficult issues and questions can be raised and addressed. Mr. Lurry implemented several of the activities and discussions from the facilitator's guide. For instance, students participated in skit development and role-playing activities, a poster-making contest, and essay writing. Mr. Lurry, as the facilitator, added his own activities, such as a spelling test and word unscramble. Below is a description of the activities conducted with Mr. Lurry's science classes:

• Essay Activity: Students were asked to write a detailed essay explaining what they learned, relating how they will apply this information to their lives, and expressing their feelings about the STD prevention program.
• Poster Contest: Students were given an opportunity to draw and express what they learned in the STD program. They used poster board, pencils, crayons, and markers to design their posters.
• Role-playing: Students were asked to write a skit with their group members regarding specific topics that highlight communication skills, healthy relationships, and decision-making skills.
• Spelling Test: Students were asked to spell each STD listed in the movie. They also listed the symptoms and treatment for each STD.
• Unscramble: Each student unscrambled eight STDs from a chalkboard activity. They also engaged in an envelope game, in which students had to unscramble the STDs in the envelopes.