Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is abstinence education?

2. What is comprehensive sexuality education?

3. What did the Waxman study discover about many abstinence sex education curricula? What did the study say was taught about condoms?

4. What did critics of the report say?

5. What do many supporters of abstinence-only education think about the teaching of contraceptive use?

6. How do proponents of comprehensive sex education counter this claim?

7. What role does the federal government play in sexuality education?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Do you agree or disagree with Dr. Douglas Kirby when he says that educators don't have to chose either abstinence-only or comprehensive sex education? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning?

2. What kind of sexuality education is provided in your school? Is this where you learn about sexuality? If not, where else do you learn about sexuality?

3. Who should be responsible for teaching students sexuality education? Who should decide what is taught in schools?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.