One important point..some of the research I have read has actually showed that teachers (of both sexes) in co-ed classrooms often unintentionally encourage boys more especially in math and science classes by asking them harder questions and calling on them more often. Obviously, the main goal would be to avoid that all together, but most teachers do it subconciously and it doesn't seem to be as much of an issue in many single sex classrooms or schools (not including schools that have vast differences in those like South Carolina).
Also, one of the reasons I think it may be appealing is that it gives young girls a chance to build a stronger foundation for women in general. Although not always the case, it seems like many people in women's colleges often develop a stronger sense of comradeship with fellow women and having single sex classes or schools may help develop that earlier in females. Especially given most women don't really become attuned to feminism and the women's movement until college or later, even though they're likely to face sexism much earlier.
Again, I'm not saying it would be perfect, and I don't think it should be mandatory (and I'm also not into the idea of over protecting children) but it brings up some interesting points which show how it may be very beneficial for some girls.
South Carolina is leading the way in experimenting with sexually segregated classrooms for middle and high school students but the classes that are offerred for boys and girls seem to be based on archaic gender "norms" that provide the boys with more team work and hands on learning, while the girls learn to evaluate cosmetic products for science.
Although I've always been unsure on how the affects of sex segregated schools and classrooms might influence how the children educated in them are able to deal with the opposite sex later in life in both professional and social situations, I've always found it somewhat appealing.
It isn't because of my thoughts on gender differences, or lack thereof, but because of the way that interactions between the sexes often distracts students from the primary goal--education. It may not be a panacea but in a single sex school or classroom, I'd think that some students of each sex would spend less time thinking about their appearance and would be less self concious when it comes to class discussions and extra curriculars, leading them to be more assertive in their strenghts and more likely to overcome their weaknesses.
Another non-trivial matter it could help ease is the prevalence of sexual harrassmet girls are often subjected to in schools. It's something that is common, often happens right under the teachers' noses but rarely gets reported and adequately dealt with. If girls are being sexually harrassed in school, they're more likely to suffer personally and academically.
Studies have also shown that girls tend to fare better in girl only environments, although unfortunately the results aren't as positive for boys in single sex schools.
I would still be interested to see how something like this works out in the state but without the difference in curriculum. I'm surprised that they're giving such different standards and lessons for each sex, especially right from the start.
Please remember that Campus Progress' terms of use do not allow promoting or endorsing any particular political party or candidate for office. Posts or comments that do this will be deleted.
!
Also, one of the reasons I think it may be appealing is that it gives young girls a chance to build a stronger foundation for women in general. Although not always the case, it seems like many people in women's colleges often develop a stronger sense of comradeship with fellow women and having single sex classes or schools may help develop that earlier in females. Especially given most women don't really become attuned to feminism and the women's movement until college or later, even though they're likely to face sexism much earlier.
Again, I'm not saying it would be perfect, and I don't think it should be mandatory (and I'm also not into the idea of over protecting children) but it brings up some interesting points which show how it may be very beneficial for some girls.