Single-gender classes garner good results
By Diette Courrégé
Single-gender classes in the Palmetto State are improving some students' self-confidence and determination, according to survey results released Thursday by the state Department of Education.
More than 70 percent of students agreed that single-gender education has helped improve their determination, desire and ability to succeed in schools, while more than 85 percent of teachers said students have improved their self-confidence and participation as a result of the classes, according to the survey. More than 75 percent of parents said the classes improved their children's self-esteem and independence.
"It verifies that parents have not just overwhelmingly responded to this option in the public schools ... but that at least the initial experience for parents, students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive," said state Schools Superintendent Jim Rex.
Rex framed the results as an illustration of the potential results when parents are given a choice within the public school system, which is accountable and accessible, he said. He plans to further study students' test scores in upcoming months to see whether single-gender classes have a positive effect on achievement. Preliminary scores show that they do.
South Carolina has become a leader in its push for single-gender classes. Rex created a state Office of Public School Choice and hired the nation's first statewide single-gender coordinator to encourage districts to offer such classes. Nearly 250 state schools will offer single-gender classes this school year, which is more than any other state.
Every Lowcountry school district offers single-gender classes, including at least five schools in Charleston County, at least one in Dorchester 2 and at least four in Berkeley County.
On the survey, the area with the weakest results was the amount by which single-gender classes positively impacted students' behavior. Still, more than 50 percent of students, parents and teachers agreed that the classes contributed to some improvement.
David Chadwell, the state's single-gender coordinator, said the lowest percentage still was strong. Other answers to the question included neutral or disagree, so some who were surveyed didn't indicate a negative effect and instead answered neutrally.
Another factor could be the manner in which teachers are approaching single-gender lessons, he said. A teacher instructing only girls needs to be prepared deal with the conversation and issues they bring into class, and a teacher of an all-male class needs to make sure students who are up and moving aren't out of control, he said.
About 2,200 students, 178 parents and 181 teachers from 41 elementary, middle and high schools statewide took the survey, which Rex described as the first of its kind in the country. All schools with single-gender classes received links to the surveys, and teachers were directed to encourage students and their parents to complete them. Only statewide results were released because responses from individual schools were too small to be of statistical value, Chadwell said.
Reach Diette Courrégé at 937-5546 or dcourrege@ postandcourier.com.
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Comments
My_50Cents_Worth (anonymous) says...
I never cared for the concept of single gender education until I saw how my sibling benefited from being in a single gender educational environment. I'm 100% sold on the concept.
July 25, 2008 at 2:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mlm (anonymous) says...
This really isn't a new concept. It's just a new generation with little experience with the potential results. Like the previous comments indicate, a positive experience is the easiest way to validate the approach. This isn't just for private schools, the well heeled or little children, either, though the examples of Ashley Hall and the long gone Porter Military Academy might be cited for additional support.
For over one hundred years Charleston supported single gender public schools that largely impacted the 12-16 year old age group. With nearly a thousand students enrolled at each, Charleston High for boys and Memminger High for girls were the backbone of the region's educational system until the early 1950's. Old timers will have to verify this but I believe that long ago Burke also arranged many of its classes by gender. The reason I give lower ages for these high school students is due to the fact that kindergartens were a relatively new concept before 1950 and only offered in the private sector. Many parents enrolled their children in 1st grade slightly earlier and high schools included only 8th thru 11th grades. SC didn't officially add the 12th grade until after WWII.
Recognition that mastering certain social skills and learning curve progressions are influenced by gender differences isn't a put down on anyone. It can be an empowering opportunity for many students...and a great relief to teachers.
July 25, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cwmcpa (anonymous) says...
I sure hope outside agencies monitor this. History tells us that single gender classes only matter if it benefits girls. Do you see any all male schools locally or colleges in the state. I know what will happen all of the teachers who have low evaluation scores and communication skills will be assigned to the boy classes and the teachers with the high scores will get the all girl classes. Repeal title IX.
July 25, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bkeelin (anonymous) says...
Perhaps old school is becoming the new school?
July 25, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
STREETLAW (anonymous) says...
I recall people (I among them) who fought female attendence at the Citadel being vilified for suggesting single-gender education might have some decided benefits. Now its the vogue.
If you can justify separating students based upon sex, you can do the same regarding race. All you have to do is show where children learn more where there is less culture clash.
Will separate but equal find new meaning in South Carolina? Or would that be separate and separate and separate but equal, if you want to throw sexual orientation into the mix.
Ah what a brave and totally convoluted world we live in.
July 25, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nikkiP (anonymous) says...
I think it might be a good idea, especially in that age group. It will take some of the distraction out of it at least.
The problem with the citadel was that it was a public school but had no opportunities for women. These schools have both all male and all female classes. But they'll have to work hard to make sure they evenly distribute the teachers so as not to give favor to anyone.
And to avoid the idea that if a woman does well, it was because she recieved better education than a male. Affirmitive action helps no one.
July 25, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Anyone attending a 5th grade "graduation" will be dramatically reminded of how differently boys & girls grow & develop during the middle school years, in particular. At no other time in development is the difference in level of maturity, between the sexes greater.
My youngest child just finished 5th grade & on the stage stood a bunch of little boys, a couple of little girls, & a bunch of young women. The differences in physical maturity were phenomenal.
July 25, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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