Education – PBS NewsHour

The U.S. has the highest rate of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases among developed nations. In an attempt to reverse these trends, schools in West Virginia are having more candid conversations with students and introducing comprehensive sexual education curricula. NewsHour Weekend Special Correspondent Yasmeen Qureshi reports.

Millions of American children take a school bus to school each day, and statistically it's the safest option. But could school buses be even safer? Special correspondent Lisa Stark of Education Week reports that a record number of states are considering legislation to require seat belts and other safety upgrades, but for many school districts it may not necessarily pay to have students buckle up.

As an African-American female scientist and president of Trinity College, Joanne Berger-Sweeney says she’s heard and been the target of a lot of hurtful talk. Yet, as colleges and universities are criticized for seeming to stifle speech and thought, she sees exposing students to different perspectives and helping them bridge divides as her most important work. Berger-Sweeney offers her humble opinion.

Netflix’s new drama “13 Reasons Why” centers on a teenage girl’s suicide. And although the show may bring awareness to mental health issues, some worry the depiction strays from entertainment to pose a threat to impressionable students. William Brangham explores the controversy with Dr. Christina Conolly of Maryland’s Montgomery County Public Schools and Variety’s Sonia Saraiya.

Sexual abuse of students by other students happens more frequently in schools than reported, according to a new investigative report. Associated Press reporters tallied during a four-year period at least 17,000 cases around the country, including many that were treated as bullying or hazing instead. Jeffrey Brown learns more from Emily Schmall of the Associated Press.

Each year, about 65,000 undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools, and most are protected from deportation under an Obama administration policy called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. But many DACA students are on edge, unsure about what the future holds for them or their families. Special correspondent Kavitha Cardoza of Education Week reports.

Kids don't learn unless they get a little dirty. That's the philosophy of the man who runs the career and technical education program at Monument Valley High School in Kayenta, Arizona, where students from the Navajo Nation get hands-on instruction in caring for animals. Special correspondent Lisa Stark of Education Week reports on how the program prepares students for careers, college and more.

More than a third of schools in Syria have closed since the war began six years ago; a recent report found more than 1.7 million children and youth are not attending classes. David Miliband of the International Rescue Committee joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the devastating effects of trauma and the long-term consequences of a generation of children missing out on quality education.

When Patrick Awuah -- a former Microsoft executive who was educated in the U.S. -- returned to his home country of Ghana, his goal of starting a software company was dashed by the lack of a qualified workforce. So instead he founded Ashesi University, which is guided by principles of ethical leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. Special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reports.

College student loan debt in the U.S. now stands at $1.4 trillion -- more than what Americans owe on their credit cards or car loans. To determine whether the investment pays off, students and lawmakers are asking schools for more data on graduation rates, earnings potential and other measures of post-college success. Melissa Korn, reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss.

Because children with intellectual disabilities are the most vulnerable to abuse at school, Texas is the first state to require cameras in special education classrooms if requested by parents. But the current law has raised concerns about privacy as well as cost. Special correspondent Kavitha Cardoza of Education Week reports.

Colleges' intentions are good when they use affirmative action, says doctor and author Andrew Lam. But seeing Asian-American kids fear they will be disadvantaged because of race has made him think we can make the system better. Lam offers his humble opinion on giving truly disadvantaged but accomplished kids greater opportunity.

The Supreme Court recently ruled unanimously in favor of providing more educational opportunities for students with disabilities, a move that could set the bar higher for more than six million students. Lisa Stark of Education Week joins John Yang to discuss the court's ruling and what it means for the classroom.

In the heart of one of Denver's poorest neighborhoods, parents hoped for a new preschool. Instead they got much more. The Dahlia Campus for Health and Well-being is a preschool, urban farm, dental office and mental health care center, all in one. William Brangham visits to see how it’s supporting the community.

Indiana is one of nearly 30 states that offer vouchers or similar programs with the goal of allowing parents to use public funds for private schooling. When the state launched the program, it was designed for low-income students. But enrollment skyrocketed when the program was dramatically broadened by then-Gov. Mike Pence. Special correspondent Lisa Stark of Education Week reports.