Impact Evaluation Information

Preliminary Findings of Our Impact Evaluation

The Get Real middle school component is currently undergoing a rigorous, long-term evaluation, referred to as the impact evaluation, to assess its effectiveness for pregnancy prevention.  The third-party evaluation is being conducted by Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW), a scholarly research institution affiliated with Wellesley College.

The preliminary findings show that Get Real is working.Using a state-of-the-art evaluation design with random assignment of control and intervention groups, preliminary results show that intervention students exposed to one year of Get Real are 30% less likely to report becoming sexually active than students in control classes.  We are extremely encouraged by the findings and will continue to assess Get Real’s impact on decisions about sexual activity, use of protection methods, development of healthy relationship skills, and communication with parents and other caring adults.

Impact Evaluation Information

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) engaged Wellesley Centers for Women to conduct a long-term impact evaluation of the middle school component of the Get Real curriculum in order to be deemed an evidence-based curriculum. This impact evaluation follows cohorts of students from 6th grade through the end of 9th grade.  It includes 24 schools, 12 control schools and 12 intervention schools, determined by random assignment.

The results for the study are measured in a variety of ways. Students take pre-tests and post-tests at various points throughout the study. The surveys measure knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behaviors. In addition to the surveys, WCW researchers conduct focus groups with students as well as focus groups with parents. For additional qualitative data, WCW researchers conducted a Photography Project in the 6th grade, in which small groups of students used photographs to express their thoughts and feelings about relationships.

At the end of the four years of data collection, WCW will examine trends in the data as well as qualitative anecdotes from teaching. The data trends will allow us to see what areas the curriculum is most effective in changing (i.e., delaying sex, increasing condom use, etc.), and which populations it is most effective with (i.e., girls, low-income youth, etc.). Once the data has been analyzed thoroughly, WCW will publish the results in peer-reviewed academic journals.