THE INSURGENCE OF SAME-SEX SCHOOLS

Before 2006, single-sex classes in public schools were only limited to sex education and physical classes (Gurian, Stevens, & Becker, 2010). However, a growing gender gap in performance and achievement indicates the need to reexamine the possibilities of single-sex education. Proponents of same-sex schools believe that both boys and girls benefit from attending sex-segregated schools (Anderson, 2015). They also believe that same-sex schools draw experiences from The American Association of University Women report as evidence of the widespread inequities experienced by female students in mixed classrooms. Responding to the need, in 2006, the United States Department of Education announced changes expanding opportunities for public schools to offer single-sex instruction. Currently, the resurgence of single-sex instruction is one of the powerful innovations in education over the past decade. 

Against the backdrop of renewed interest in single-sex schools and instructions, several factors have played a critically significant role in its insurgency. For instance, initially, the U.S. Department of Education removed the ban on single-sex schools (Gurian et al., 2010). By introducing certain parameters in the final Title IX single-sex amended regulations, public schools can now include the sex-segregated instructional program. The new policy allowing single-sex schools has significantly contributed to the insurgence of these schools. Research indicates that learners in single-sex schools perform better as compared to their counterparts in mixed-sex schools (Young, 2008). According to Gurian et al. (2010), single-sex schools offer specific gender-friendly instruction that addresses various challenges and stressors in girls and boys education and personal lives. Mounting evidence shows that boys learn better in the company of boys, and girls perform better in the company of their peers. Additionally, studies indicate widespread inequities facing girls in mixed schools. Offering same-sex instructions solve this problem and improve lagging achievement among low-achievers and low-income students of color.

The insurgence of single-sex schools is significantly high. Several factors have played a key role in its comeback. Amidst criticism, single-sex schools continue to thrive and their benefits are outstanding. 

References

Anderson, M. D. (2015). The resurgence of single-sex education: the benefits and limitations of schools that segregate based on gender. The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/12/the-resurgence-of-single-sex-education/421560/

Gurian, M., Stevens, K., & Becker, P. D. (2010). Successful Single-Sex Classrooms: A Practical Guide to Teaching Boys and Girls Separately. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Young, J. C. (2008). Single-Gender Education Making Comeback? Carolina Journal. Retrieved from https://www.carolinajournal.com/news-article/single-gender-education-making-comeback