Sex Education

Get insights into how schools teach about sexual health, relationships, reproduction, sexual orientation, gender identity, and abstinence

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Illustration of contraceptives and anatomical diagrams of internal reproductive organs and cells
The Sex Ed. Battleground Heats Up (Again). Here's What's Actually in New Standards
Vocal opposition from some conservative groups has put a spotlight on schools’ instructional choices.
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Assembly member Lori Wilson, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, attends a meeting of the California legislature on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif.
Assembly member Lori Wilson attends a meeting of the California legislature on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. Wilson sponsored a student proposal for a menstrual education curriculum, which passed the state Senate on Aug. 28 and now goes to the Democratic governor.
Juliana Yamada/AP
Equity & Diversity Another State Could Mandate Period Education. Will It Catch On?
Few states mandate menstrual education, as lawmakers nationally scrutinize what can be discussed about gender in the classroom.
Brooke Schultz, September 3, 2024
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5 min read
Illustration of various contraceptive methods.
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Student Well-Being From Our Research Center For Condoms and Contraceptives for Teens, Most Schools Are Not a Source
A new national survey shows that sexual and reproductive health services are mostly unavailable in schools.
Madeline Will, June 23, 2023
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6 min read
Sexual health teaching, sex education lesson at school, human sexuality, emotional relations and responsibilities abstract metaphor
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Curriculum From Our Research Center Sex Education's Shortcomings Leave Students 'in the Dark'
School nurses, psychologists, counselors, and other health workers give low marks to their district or school's sex education curriculum.
Madeline Will, June 15, 2023
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8 min read
High school couple holding hands from behind and walking down an empty school corridor
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Student Well-Being Teen Dating Violence Has Lifelong Consequences. Here's How Schools Can Help
Schools are uniquely poised to help students understand healthy relationship behavior and the signs of abuse.
Caitlynn Peetz, May 9, 2023
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5 min read
Young female teenager sitting hugging her knees and looking sad.
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Curriculum 'Don’t Say Period’ Bill Is Latest Example of States’ Efforts to Limit Sex Education
Experts say these new efforts run counter to research on effective sex and health education.
Elizabeth Heubeck, April 5, 2023
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5 min read
Photo of the words sex ed being erased from chalkboard.
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Curriculum When Is It OK for Children to See Images of Human Anatomy?
Sex- and health-education experts weigh in on the Florida controversy over showing 6th graders a nude masterpiece.
Elizabeth Heubeck, March 30, 2023
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3 min read
42 copycat bills limiting sexual orientation and gender identity education bills have been 22 states have been introduced since 2021, according to PEN America and EdWeek reporting.
42 copycat bills limiting sexual orientation and gender identity education bills have been 22 states have been introduced since 2021, according to PEN America and EdWeek reporting.<br/>
States Which States Are Considering 'Don't Say Gay' Bills and Where They Stand
Over the past three years, legislative attacks on education about gender identity and sexual orientation have picked up momentum.
Eesha Pendharkar, February 28, 2023
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1 min read
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis displays the signed Parental Rights in Education, aka the Don't Say Gay bill, flanked by elementary school students during a news conference on Monday, March 28, 2022, at Classical Preparatory school in Shady Hills, Fla.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis displays the signed Parental Rights in Education, the so called "Don't Say Gay" bill, flanked by elementary school students during a news conference last March at Classical Preparatory School in Shady Hills, Fla. Forty two bills have been introduced in 22 states based on the controversial measure, with many mandating more excessive censorship.
Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP
States Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Law Continues to Spur More Extreme Versions Nationwide
Forty two bills have been introduced in 22 states based on the controversial measure, with many mandating more excessive censorship.
Eesha Pendharkar, February 28, 2023
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4 min read
Image of condoms.
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Curriculum Sex Education: 4 Questions and Answers About the Latest Controversy
Why the touchy issue of sex education has erupted again, and what it means for schools.
Stephen Sawchuk, August 24, 2022
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4 min read
Thousands of people attend a protest for abortion access after the Supreme Court reversed the federal right to abortion decided in Roe v. Wade. The legal basis for the decision could be used in the future as precendent to overturn other rights not explicitly stated in the Constitution (e.g., same-sex marriage). With the exception of Thomas, all of the conservative justices in the majority testified under oath in their confirmation hearings that they consider abortion access 'settled law.'
Thousands of people attend a protest for abortion access after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned <i>Roe v. Wade,</i> which guaranteed the right to an abortion.
Allison Bailey/NurPhoto via AP
Curriculum How the Overturning of 'Roe v. Wade' Will Reverberate Through Classrooms
Some teachers are looking for ways to address with students the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn the abortion rights precedent.
Sarah Schwartz, August 5, 2022
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8 min read
Unrecognizable female mental health professional holding pen and note pad while listening to teenage patient discussing issues.
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Student Well-Being After Abortion Ruling, School Nurses See Tough Conversations Ahead
Many teenage students turn to school nurses for questions about their sexuality. Will the Dobbs decision change that?
Apoorvaa Mandar Bichu, July 7, 2022
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8 min read
Illustration of various contraceptive methods.
F. Sheehan/Education Week and iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being Opinion Practical Steps for Educators in a Post-‘Roe’ World
As abortion rights are rolled back, students need comprehensive sex ed. and contraceptive access, write three experts on adolescent health.
Terrinieka W. Powell, Beth Marshall & McKane Sharff, July 6, 2022
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5 min read
Illustration of a man on a ladder painting over a woman's speech bubble.
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Curriculum Half of Americans Don't Think Schools Should Teach About Racism's Impact Today
The public is also divided about how much influence parents and teachers should have in curriculum matters.
Madeline Will, February 7, 2022
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5 min read
Thu., October 14, 2021, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Student Well-Being Online Summit SEL in Middle and High School: What Works, What Doesn’t
Join fellow educators and administrators in this discussion on social emotional learning and what schools and staff can do to provide it.
Register
October 14, 2021
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