Promising Program

Get Real was named a Promising Program according to criteria utilized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A promising program is one that has begun to be formally evaluated and has most of the characteristics of programs that have been shown to be effective. This is a huge step towards being considered by the CD to be an evidence-based program, which is a program proven by research to change behaviors that contribute to teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Get Real grades 6-8 were examined as a whole, rather than on a grade-by-grade basis. From the analysis, the curriculum was found to meet the  17 Characteristics of Effective Sex and STD/HIV Education Programs. Specifically, the reviewers commented that, "PPLM did a great job at ensuring that the information, activities and key messages were appropriate for the developmental stage for each grade". Also, the reviewers found that Get Real is strongest in addressing knowledge, values, and skill building for the refusal/delay of sex, and communication with parents and other trusted adults—two critical skills for healthy sexual decision making.

To receive the evidence-based program designation, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is conducting a long-term impact evaluation.

 Prior to conducting the impact evaluation, Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) conducted a small scale evaluation called the formative evaluation. This formative evaluation involved five schools over the course of a year. It gave PPLM valuable information about the benefits of the curriculum and its potential to positively affect behavior change around sexual decision-making, helping to secure its status as a Promising Program.