The "New Math."
Just from the title, "New Math" has a problem. There actually is no new math, and trying to invent some may be destructive.
Teaching "New Math" can degrade the learning process, because it first starts with "parts" and then moves to "wholes." This is backwards. Children need to understand the "what" before thinking about the "why." This method teaches children to think inefficiently. Solving math problems applies to life. The methods and logic that they use to solve math problems will instill a way of thinking about how to solve ALL problems. Children need to be taught how to solve problems in the most efficient way possible.
And teachers don't like it much either, as they are now forced to become expert in teaching something that they themselves feel is unnecessarily complex. And needless to say, it takes opportunity away from parents, making it now even harder to help kids with their math homework.
"So if it's so bad, why are they teaching it?"
Students learn the reasoning behind the actual procedures of "Old Math", and now understand the "why" rather than just robotically solving the problems as they were told.
"New Math" is injected into the curriculum by politicians who feel the need to "leave their mark", rather than by educators who are in touch with real life learning. However, our kids must meet the requirements of the school's curriculum...and believe it or not, most kids pick it up rather fast!
Summary
It is most beneficial to be able to solve problems efficiently AND understand the deeper more complex reasoning behind those solutions. However, one method should not cancel out the other.
Kids should first become fluent in solving math problems efficiently, and once they have mastered that skill, then they should learn about the deeper reasoning behind those processes.
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Sexual Education
The more you know about Sex Ed, the more you realize how much you don't know, and need to know. Children very much need to learn about these issues that they may encounter at some point of their lives.
Sexual Dysfunction and Disorders
Unplanned Pregnancy
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV/AIDS.
Sexual Molestation and Abuse
"But it's MY job to teach my kids about sex, not the school's!"
Learning about sex from the school's curriculum has distinct advantages.
It can be embarrassing and awkward for both kids and parents to talk about sex.
(See: "How do I talk to my child about Sex?")
Parents are likely not experts in this science, despite personal experience.
Sex education programs try to steer teens away from specific activities that are particularly high risk.
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Summary
As it turns out, Sex Ed is essential. Providing adolescents an accurate picture of the risks of different types of sexual behavior can help them make more informed decisions about sex. They can now make better distinctions between dysfunctional and healthy conditions and practices. Don't worry, Sexual Education does NOT increase sexual activity. In fact, the more kids know, the more likely they are to say No!