These programs do not limit any school district from providing whatever form of sex education the district deems appropriate. These programs simply provide students with honest information about the safest and most effective form of birth control and STD prevention: abstinence.

The Times says federal money spent on these programs is wasted. While it is true that some follow-up studies show little or no improvement in behavior, other studies do show some positive results. Considering the meager amount of money spent on abstinence programs when compared with the money public school districts already spend on "comprehensive sex education," we should be encouraged by even limited signs of progress. Let's work to improve these programs, not end them.

Better yet, let's expand the scope of abstinence programs to include curriculum supporting other positive behaviors and attitudes. Our youth desperately need to hear more positive messages about abstinence, sobriety, personal responsibility, integrity and respect for others.

Once students have completed these programs, perhaps the rest of us should be invited to enroll, too.

Mike McDermott

Concord