This year, WFYI reporters tackled tough education stories – from teacher and classroom aide shortages, to major changes coming to the Indianapolis Public Schools district.

To share what sex education looks like in Indiana and Texas, WFYI digital editor for health and education Lauren Bavis spoke with WFYI investigative education reporter Lee Gaines and KERA health reporter Elena Rivera.

Advocates fear a new wave of conservative-led attacks on sex education could have a chilling effect on the availability and quality of the information students receive. Yet, research shows comprehensive sex education beginning as early as kindergarten can lead to better health outcomes for students.

As Christine Blasey Ford's testimony against U.S. Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh showed, reports of sexual misconduct don't just happen on college campuses and between Hollywood stars. The idea of consent is just as important at a high school party.

New legislation going into effect this school year allows Indiana parents to review sex education curriculum and opt their children in or out of the classes.

Here's a recap of some legislation Indiana lawmakers proposed, passed, and denied around education policy during the 2018 legislative session.

The Senate will vote on the final version of the bill on during its last meeting of the year.

Discussion on a sex education bill in the House shifted unexpectedly to school shooter response training in schools.

Lawmakers in the House have amended a piece of legislation from the Senate that focuses on sex education and parental consent.

Opponents of the bill say it is inconsistent next to this session's anti-bullying legislation. They say this bill would ignore LGBTQ issues.