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Single-gender education is tops, according to survey

November 15, 2009

Single-gender programs are becoming increasingly popular across South Carolina, as parents, teachers and students continue to give the programs positive reviews, according to a recent survey.

In a spring 2009 survey, more than 5,000 students, 720 parents and 680 teachers said single-gender programs increased students’ self-confidence and class participation. Parents said the classes had increased their children’s sense of independence and academic productivity.

Nearly three-fifths of the students said single-gender classes had increased their grades, self-confidence, interest in trying new ways of learning, class participation and ease in making friends.

“These survey results show pretty clearly why South Carolina schools are trying to offer single-gender classes,” said South Carolina Superintendent of Education Jim Rex. “Students, teachers and parents think they work. In schools where they are available, they’re a popular option.”

In Anderson County, every school district except Anderson School District 4 offered at least one single-gender program. Single-gender programs in Anderson County include Powdersville Middle School, Anderson School District 1; Belton Middle School, Anderson School District 2; Crescent High School, Anderson School District 3, and Centerville Elementary School-Nevitt Forest Community School of Innovation, Anderson School District 5.

More than 150 South Carolina public schools, more than any other state in the nation, offer the single-gender option to parents.

David Chadwell, the South Carolina Department of Education’s single-gender coordinator, said the student surveys were believed to be the first of the kind in the country.

The survey showed:

— girls had higher increases in self-confidence, independence and class participation.

— boys’ highest ratings were in independence, self-efficacy, grades and making friends.

— among ethnic groups, blacks had the highest levels of increases in all categories.

By Liz Carey

Originally post by The Independent Mail