The primary intent of this theme issue is to clarify the urgent problems faced by the nation's youth in regard to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and human sexuality for Kansas educators and curriculum developers. The first section includes an overview of the Kansas Department of Education's mandate/regulation for human sexuality/AIDS education, along with observations about satisfying the directive. In section 2, questions are raised on whether these problems should be confronted pedagogically or demagogically. Discussions are presented on the social and political impact of AIDS and the enormous cost involved. The third section presents the responses to the State Department of Education's regulation and offers explanations of alternatives for satisfying the mandate on human sexuality/AIDS education in the Kansas schools. Section 4 presents a collection of brief articles on research about unplanned pregnancy, teaching techniques for educators, and the church's approach to these problems. Selected references and resources are included. (JD)