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12/08/2003 Archived Entry: "Single-Gender Classes Show Higher Grades"

Preliminary results are in from a Denver evaluation of single-gender classrooms for seventh-grade students in a public school, and they show more than just better grades

Single-Gender Classes Show Higher Grades

DENVER - Preliminary results are in from a Denver evaluation of single-gender classrooms for seventh-grade students in a public school, and they show more than just better grades. The tests going on at Sheridan Middle School resulted in math scores for both boys and girls increasing more quickly than for classmates in mixed-gender classes.

But teachers also are reporting better attendance in the single-sex classrooms, particularly by girls, and there is more leadership being developed among students.

"We're definitely starting to see some leaders emerge among the girls," said math teacher Steve Beaudoin, one of two teachers that got the assessment going. "In the beginning, I would have to say, 'Somebody in the class has to answer the question.' Now I say it less often."

This fall 28 boys and 32 girls at Sheridan volunteered to try the yearlong pilot program set up by Beaudoin and science teacher Melanie Fuqua. The teachers started out believing that some students do better in single-gender classes.

"In class, boys and girls definitely show off for one another," Fuqua said. "Girls will definitely sit back and not know anything, afraid the boys will laugh at them."

The two teachers, with social studies instructor Linnie Boteler, also said the two groups need different teaching styles.

"Boys want more hands-on activities. They like to get the explanation and then try it on their own. Girls want more explanation. They want more detail before doing it themselves," said Fuqua.

Sheridan Principal Vernita Mickens approved the pilot and it was not challenged by federal officials who manage Title IX requirements, the 1972 law that prohibits schools from discriminating on the basis of sex.

"The key is students get the same teachers, the same curriculum and are held to the same standards," said Mickens.

"I thought I would learn more, "said Aryssa Rodriguez, 12, on her reason for volunteering. "Most of the boys always like to goof off. They talk too much and tease too much."

Beaudoin will present results to other Colorado teachers at a research conference in April.