All-Boys and All-Girls Public Schools Can Now Open Under New Government Rules
Single-sex education is growing in popularity. That’s because children who go to all-boys schools and all-girls schools often perform better academically, are less distracted and make healthier decisions.
Boys and girls learn differently. Boys tend to learn best in a hands-on environment where they can move around and actively engage in the lesson. They typically have shorter attention spans and develop the ability to think abstractly later than girls. Girls, by comparison, hear better than boys and develop language skills earlier, but sometimes need additional guidance in subjects like math and science.
While co-ed classrooms can be beneficial for some, experts cite the following problems:
- Studies show that teachers call on boys more often and allow boys to dominate classroom discussions and equipment such as computers and science lab gear.
- Girls face sexual harassment every day in public schools.
- Girls perform below their ability in math, science and sports in co-ed environments.
The benefits of single-sex classrooms include:
- Studies show that students in all-girls schools outperform students in both all-boys and co-ed classes.
- Girls are more confident and participate more often in single-sex classes.
- Boys and girls are less distracted and more focused on their goals in same-sex classes.
- Teachers are able to gear lessons to the unique learning styles of boys and girls.
- Boys have strong male role models and girls are empowered by female role models.
- Graduates of all-girls schools and all-boys schools report extremely high satisfaction with their education.
In the past, research always clearly showed the benefits of single-sex education for girls, but studies were mixed regarding boys. Now, there is growing evidence that public schools now shortchange boys rather than girls. For example:
- Boys are more likely to face disciplinary actions, drop out of high school, and be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or a learning disability.
- These issues continue through high school and into college, where more women enter college and graduate than men.
All-girls schools and all-boys schools are excellent alternatives for children who are struggling in the traditional public school setting. As they begin to get their specific needs met, boys and girls accomplish more and feel better about themselves.
