The Virtual Library:
Sex Education

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Does Sex Education Work? An Online Conference with Barbara Dafoe Whitehead: This online discussion from the Atlantic Monthly features Barbara Whitehead, the vice-president of the Institute for American Values. Students and parents volley critiques and quips delving into the practical effectiveness of sex-ed. Most agree that parents need to take greater responsibility in providing honest, thoughtful discussions on sex-education.

The Failure of Sex Education: A long and fascinating essay in the Atlantic Monthly is written by Barbara Whitehead, and reviews the state of "comprehensive sex education." She has a definite bias in favor of abstinence. But this feature's strength is the author's review of actual teaching material, and her visit to New Jersey classrooms. Although written in 1994, it's as relevant now as ever.