Quotes are taken from a message written by Dan to Rick on 07/31/96...
DT>Like my previous post pointed out.  One reason for the all-male class 
DT>would be to eliminate the distractions the opposite sex would have.  
From "The American Teacher", a publication of the AFT, November, 1995.
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"Do Single-sex Classes Cheat Girls?"
"In the belief that girls need special help to keep up with their male 
peers in math and science, an increasing number of schools have turned 
to female-only classrooms.  It turns out, however, that this approach 
might end up reinforcing gender stereotypes, according to a recent 
review of gender-based education in a recent issue of "The Harvard 
Education Letter."
"A growing number of researchers are arguing that by setting up special 
girls-only math and science classrooms, schools send the message to 
girls that they suffer from learning deficiencies in these subjects.  
Even co-author of the widely publicized American Association of 
University study, "How Schools Shortchange Girls," acknowledges that 
single-sex classes may be "undermining rather than empowering" girls."
"University of Michigan researcher Valerie Lee calls single-sex 
classrooms "a terrible idea" in the Harvard newsletter.  While agreeing 
that there is a gender gap in schools, Lee points out that it cuts both 
ways: Her new study shows that girls enjoy a significant advantage over 
boys where it counts most - in engagement with academics  (for example, 
positive academic behaviors, attendance, being prepared for class).  She 
finds that girls tend to be better readers, while boys perform better in 
math and science, but none of the differences are large."
"Lee and other researchers who criticize single-sex classrooms argue 
that the solution is tO improve instruction for all students.  That 
means de-emphasizing traditional techniques like lectures and 
question-and-answer as well as downplaying the role of competition in 
favor of more cooperation.  In science, boys and girls alike respond 
enthusiastically to more "girl-friendly" approaches such as observation, 
experiments and research in the community that can make   the material 
come alive."
"A Narrowly Gender-Based Model of Learning May End Up Cheating All 
Students" appears in the July/August 1995 issue of the Harvard Education 
Letter.
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I'm not sure that there is anything that can be said to convince you 
that creating single-sex classes is sexism, for we are just playing with 
the words.  BUT, the article which I've quoted above should give you 
cause to wonder about the impact such classes might have and why they 
may not be such a good idea.
Chuck
Chuck Beams
Fidonet - 1:2608/70
cbeams@future.dreamscape.com
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* UniQWK #5290* A book worth banning is a book worth reading.
--- Maximus 2.01wb
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