position paper (Abstinence-only Sex Education Programs)

You will write a position paper related to abstinence-only sex education programs. You will be expected to vigorously advocate your position. You are expected to be informed of program evaluation research on abstinence-only sex education programs. Consider yourself a professional policy advocate. You should focus on the following question:

Is abstinence-only sex education the appropriate approach to limiting teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases?

The position paper is due on Turnitin.com on October 11th at class time. Students whose last names begin with A-Khatcherian will be arguing that abstinence-only programs are appropriate, and students with last names beginning with Lara – Z will be arguing in opposition to abstinence only sex education programs. There are introductory articles by Jane Friedman and Marcia Clemmitt on Canvas that you should read, and you should read the chapter on evaluation research in the Babbie text. You are expected to do additional research.

Grading Criteria

The position paper will be worth 100 points. In order to get an “A” or “A-“ on a position paper, it must: 1) Be well written; 2) Two pages in length; 3) Use evidence and logical argumentation; 4) Be properly cited and formatted; 5) Have proper bibliographic format; 6) Involve the use of authoritative and diverse sources. 

There are a couple of ways you might go about writing your position paper. First, you could adopt the position of a particular organization or institution in the debate. For example, you could adopt the position of the former Bush Administration or elements of the religious community on the merits of abstinence-only programs. Alternatively, you could adopt the position of Advocates for Youth or the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US.

Second, you may choose to focus on one aspect of the debate about the most appropriate sex education programs and elaborate upon it fully in your position paper. You do not necessarily have to focus on every dimension of every problem associated with abstinence-only sex education programs. So, you could focus on the evidence, or lack thereof, regarding the effectiveness of abstinence-only programs and Virginity Pledges, in particular. Or, you could focus on public opinion regarding abstinence-only programs or experience with multi-dimensional sex education programs. You could also focus on the moral justifications for abstinence-only programs, the experience of other nations with sex education, or their cost, amongst other issues.

Much of your research will probably be internet-based but you are encouraged to use other sources. Above all, you should use scholarly research articles. I want to see EVIDENCE-BASED arguments. Where evidence is lacking, I want to see logical argumentation. 

I will be paying for 3 pages single spaced but my professor only wants 2 pages but he wants it in times new Roman size 10 font I’m paying for 1 extra page to compensate for the font size if I need to purchase another page let me know but this assignment is due October 11th by 9am thank you.