ERIC Number: EJ769444
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Jan
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-127X
EISSN: N/A
Should We Be Teaching Sex Education or Sexual Abstinence?
Stover, Del
Education Digest: Essential Readings Condensed for Quick Review, v72 n5 p41-48 Jan 2007
In this article, the author examines the controversial issue whether to teach sex education or sexual abstinence. Sex education has always been fraught with controversy. The discord in Westbrook, Maine, school district is noteworthy because of the vocal support for an abstinence-only curriculum approach to sex education that has reshaped the national debate over the issue--and, to an extent often overlooked, has influenced education policy at all levels of government. However, advocates for this model are sharply critical of "comprehensive" sex education, arguing that discussions about contraception, sexual orientation, or other controversial topics can encourage sexual experimentation by sending students mixed signals about what's expected of them.
Descriptors: Controversial Issues (Course Content), Contraception, Sexual Orientation, Sexuality, Sex Education, School Districts, Public Opinion, Educational Policy, Comprehensive School Health Education, Politics of Education
Prakken Publications. 832 Phoenix Drive, P.O. Box 8623, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Tel: 734-975-2800; Fax: 734-975-2787; Web site: http://www.eddigest.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Maine
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A