Boys and Girls, Apart and Equal

California’s small experiment with public single-gender academies recognizes that children learn in different ways. Expanding the number of same-sex classes, as Gov. Wilson has proposed, would allow more students to participate on a strictly voluntary basis in an environment that some girls and some boys may find most conducive to learning.

Research indicates that some girls do better, particularly in math and science, in classes by themselves. In mixed classes, boys are likely to get more attention from teachers and to yell out answers before being called on. Girls in same-sex classes also tend to get more experience as school leaders.

While research is limited on the benefits of male-only classes, this model is being tried in some inner cities with male teachers in an attempt to provide greater structure and discipline for boys who may be attracted to gangs. In general, same-sex classes can reduce the distractions that come with adolescence.

Single-gender schools, long a way of life for elite private and parochial education, are now offered on a handful of public campuses in California. In Fountain Valley in Orange County, boys and girls use the same campus but at different times. Wilson’s proposed budget would expand the number of these efforts to 24.

The state law that allows this experimentation also requires strict equality in resources. So California has escaped the civil-rights challenges brought in other states like New York that have tried single-gender experiments for girls only..

As Californians work to improve public education, voluntary single-gender academies belong in the mix of options.