24 of 33

Yes

Write now Article Tools

In the arena of education there are several factors to be examined in order to provide the best education possible for children. One of the most controversial topics surrounding education is whether single-sex or coeducation is more appropriate. History shows a mix of both types being used in our country. Since the civil rights movement, single-sex education has been seen as a pariah due to segregation laws. Single-sex education was seen as unjust and was banned. In the last two years the ban has been lifted and the results from several studies are eye opening. Studies are beginning to show that segregation by gender in low-socioeconomic environments generate increased scores on standardized tests and promote higher self-confidence in boys and girls.

During the nineteenth century, schools were largely segregated by gender. Due to economic hardships, children from ages five to seven were educated jointly, but at the age of eight they began their education in segregated classrooms. This was due in part because of the fear of early sexual exploration. Most importantly, children were segregated because of the curriculum each gender studied. In the nineteenth century educators separated their courses of study by gender; boys studied the professions and girls studied homemaking. This education practice continued until the view of women's roles in society began to change.

During the civil rights movement in the late 1960's and early 1970's, segregation by gender in public schools began to diminish. The changing views of women's roles in the workplace and in the home impacted the changes in the school. On June 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law what is now known as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX is largely viewed as a landmark of the feminist movement due to the changes it brought about in the education system. Stopping sex discrimination in public schools and colleges was the driving force behind the implementation of Title IX. However, it also resulted in banning of single-sex education from public schools.

With the passing of Title IX, it made it next to impossible to research the benefits of single-sex education in public schools. One regulation of Title IX states that no public school shall "provide any course or otherwise carry out any of its education program on the basis of sex." However, another regulation in Title IX allows public schools to adopt single-sex classes " provided that comparable courses, services,

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Do children learn better in single-sex schools??
We want to hear your view. Write now!