Population Education in the Schools: Status and Needs. A Working Paper for the Ford Foundation.

This working paper is an overview of the status of population education in early 1972. It is defined as a program which provides for a study of the population situation of the family, community, nation and world, with the purpose of developing in the students rational and responsible attitudes and behavior toward that situation. It is independent of sex education, family life education, and environmental education; related in the sense that each developed as a result of social change and social needs. The approach and attitudes to population education has a recent history, but the real concern in some nations has provided the impetus to develop various programs. An examination of programs in several countries shows difficulties encountered and reveals varied approaches. National attitudes and support, non-flexible and established educational programs, out-of-school influences (as from religious groups), medical programs, and educators all have had effects on a given nation's efforts, both negative and positive. Integration into existing curriculum is a common approach, with educators being charged with the responsibility. An international approach through an agency such as UNESCO could provide unifying aspects among countries and eliminate duplication of effort. Proper population education should enable each student to make an individual and responsible decision regarding family planning. (Author/JMB)