FCS in Action

Among females who do not give birth during adolescence, 90% graduate from high school whereas, just 50% of teen mothers receive a high school diploma by age 22, according to a 2025 study published by the Congressional Research Service.

To better help students think about the reality of teen pregnancy and the responsibilities of starting a family, students completed a "Am I Ready" assignment in a Child Development course at Ponderosa High School.  

Some made the comment, "This is scary to think about!  I'm definitely not ready to have a baby!"

Letha Hougland

Ponderosa High School

Douglas County, Colorado

High School students in a Early Childhood Education class learned the importance of applying Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP). Developmentally Appropriate Practices are teaching strategies that supports a child's learning style and development while also considering their age, individual needs and culture.  By incorporating DAP,  it helped students to shift their mindset to how they could create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.  Knowledge of DAP is important for all potential educators to have in order to best support and serve students.

Nicole Kamman

Ponderosa High School

Douglas County, Colorado 

According to the Experian Credit Bureau, the average monthly auto loan rate for borrowers with "super prime" credit was 4.88% in the third quarter of 2025, the latest for which data is available, versus an average 15.85% for borrowers with "deep subprime" credit.  The difference is thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.  Experian defines "super prime" as credit scores above 781 and deep subprime as 300-500 or lower. (http://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/average-auto-loan-interest-rates)

Approximately 30 students in a Life Management class learned the impact credit scores have on the Annual Percentage Rate used on consumer car loans.  Students also learned how to spot potential predatory practices regarding loans.

"You are telling me I'm paying almost double the cost of a bad car just because of the credit?"-quote from a Life Management student.

Jacob Little