[  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] Education: Do single-sex schools better educate children?
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[  ] [ ] Yes
- Women in particular have benefit from single-sex education Research shows that they participate more in class, develop much higher self-esteem, score higher in aptitude tests, are more likely to choose ‘male’ disciplines such as science in college, and are more successful in their careers. In the USA Who’s Who, graduates of women’s colleges outnumber all other women; there are only 83 women’s colleges left in the States today.
- Single-sex schools have thrived historically A policy update from the National Association of State Boards of Education in 2002, read, "positive outcomes from single-sex education for both boys and girls, including higher reading and foreign language achievement, less sex-stereotyped course taking patterns, more time spent on homework, higher educational aspirations, and decreased sex-role stereotyping." The report points out that "positive effects are greatest among girls and among minority students of both sexes."[1]
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[ ] [ ] No
- Some studies show single-sex schools do not improve performance. 1998 survey from the American Association of University Women, a long-time advocate of single-sex education, admitted that girls from such schools did not in fact show academic improvement. That they are more inclined towards maths and sciences is of questionable importance to society as a whole. As the report noted, "boys and girls both thrive when the elements of good education are there, elements like smaller classes, focused academic curriculum and gender-fair instruction". These can all be present in co-educational schools.
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[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [  ] Gender differences: Do single-sex schools address gender differences well?
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[ ] [ ] Yes
- Single-sex schools acknowledge legitimate gender differences The inclinations of children in the formative years, between 7 and 15, are to gravitate towards their own sex. They naturally tend towards behaviour appropriate to their gender. It is therefore easier to implement an education strategy geared specifically towards one gender. Certain subjects are best taught in single-sex classrooms, such as sex education or gender issues.
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[ ] [ ] No
- Children should be exposed to gender differences in schools. The formative years of children are the best time to expose them to the company of the other gender, in order that they may learn each others’ behaviour and be better prepared for adult life. The number of subjects benefiting from single-sex discussion is so small that this could easily be organised within a co-educational system.
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[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Attention: Do boys and girls distract each other from their studies?
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[ ] [ ] Yes
- Boys and girls distract each other from their education. This is especially true in adolescence as their sexual and emotional sides develop. Too much time can be spent attempting to impress or even sexually harassing each other (particularly boys toward girls). Academic competition between the sexes is unhealthy and only adds to unhappiness and anxiety among weaker students.
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[ ] [ ] No
- Boys and girls have a good influence on each other's education. They engender good behaviour and maturity – particularly as teenage girls usually exhibit greater responsibility than boys of the same age. Academic competition between the sexes is a spur to better performance at school.
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[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Argument #4
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[ ] [ ] Yes
- Female-only schools are a natural extension of the feminism. There are co-educational schools, men have had their own schools, why should women not? It would still be discrimination if there were only male single-sex schools; as long as both genders are catered for, this discrimination is redressed.
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[ ] [ ] No
- Single-sex schools are a throwback to the patriarchal cultures. In many historical cultures, only men were allowed an education of any sort. To perpetuate this is to remind women of their past subservience and to continue to hold them from full social inclusion.
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[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Argument #5
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[ ] [ ] Yes
Teachers themselves are often discriminated against in single-sex schools; a boys’ school will usually have a largely male staff where women may feel uncomfortable or denied opportunity, and vice versa.
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[ ] [ ] No
Teachers frequently favour their own gender when teaching co-educational classes; for example, male teachers can undermine the progress and confidence of girl students by refusing to choose them to answer questions etc.
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[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Pro/con resources
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[ ] [ ] Yes
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[ ] [ ] No
This section could use more pro and con articles. See how in the getting started tutorial.
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[ ] References:
This article is based on a Debatabase entry written by Eliot Jones. Because this document can be modified by any registered user of this site, its contents should be cited with care.
[ ] Motions
- This House believes in single-sex education
[ ] In legislation, policy, and the world
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[ ] External links and resources:
[ ] Books
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