Single-Gender+Education

Reasons for Single-Gender Education
We know that, in many ways, boys and girls think, speak, and act differently. We notice these differences in our families, our schools, our places of work, and our communities. As parents, teachers, and students, we must also recognize that boys and girls learn in many different ways as well. While some boys excel in traditional educational environments, many others do not.

Recent research suggests a widening achievement gap between boys and girls particularly in the area of literacy. Results from provincial, national, and international assessments demonstrate that girls outperform boys in many areas across the curriculum. This gap continues through secondary school and results in a higher drop-out rate among young men compared with young women. At the post-secondary level, women outnumber men on the campuses of colleges and university across the country.

While no single factor is responsible for the widening gap, several reasons have been suggested to explain the trend. Reasons range from the effects of video games to the lack of male role models in schools, and from a recent spike in prescription medication for boys to a heavily literacy based curriculum that disadvantages males. For detailed information on many of the causes and effects, please see an excellent [|series] from the Globe and Mail newspaper, running from October 18 to 22.

This year in Class 209, your son will have the opportunity to participate in an innovative single‐gender program. For many subjects, including Integrated Language Arts, Mathematics, and Health and Physical Education, your son will learn in an all‐boys class. For other subjects, including Science and Technology, Core French, Music, and Art, your son will remain in a mixed‐gender (i.e. boys and girls together) class.

Benefits of an All-Boys Class
//  ﻿ ﻿ ﻿ Research suggests that an all-boys class can://
 * Reduce gender‐based stereotypes in the classroom
 * Eliminate adolescent boy‐girl distractions, thereby improving focus
 * Permit the teacher to use non‐traditional teaching approaches and materials
 * Encourage boys to become more collaborative in their learning
 * Promote open discussions on important topics that boys might avoid in co‐ed settings
 * Persuade boys to take risks that they may not be willing to try in front of female classmates
 * Boost boys’ confidence and performance across the curriculum, particularly in literacy‐based subjects
 * Allow boys to be boys

Characteristics of an All-Boys Class
In Class 209, boys can:
 * Participate in vigorous daily physical activities every day
 * MOVE frequently around the classroom, instead of learning while seated at a desk
 * Read materials that interest them and write about topics that are relevant to them
 * Show their knowledge and skills by completing projects that integrate several subjects across the curriculum
 * Use technology including computers, projectors, document cameras, and interactive whiteboards on a daily basis
 * Be flexible in the use of learning space in the classroom, the hallway, and the yard
 * Take regular 2‐minute brain breaks during instructional time
 * Integrate elements of appropriate competition into classroom activities
 * Make use of their tremendous boy energy in constructive ways

Please contact Mr. Martin if you have any questions about your son’s participation in this year’s all‐boys class.