Literacy experiences of teen mothers.

Abstract

While teen pregnancy has declined significantly in the past two decades, only 38% of teen mothers who have a child before age 18 obtain a high school diploma. This study explores the following: (a) teen mothers' literacy education experiences, (b) how teen mothers perceive themselves within their institutional settings, and (c) educational approaches that would benefit teen mothers' literacy learning. The sociocultural theories of identity and positioning are explored in the context of teen mothers. This master's project includes a professional development workshop and researcher-created website to introduce educators to effective approaches to improve literacy experiences of teen mothers in institutional settings.