Gender-based classes to continue at the middle school

[austinsm11]

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=348011&Category=9&subCategoryID=0

I will be interested to see the results compiled at the end of the year. What are your opinions on this practice? IMO it works much better for the girls than for the boys.

[Seeker]

My son is in the gender based program at the middle school.

In point of fact, they were instituted to benefit the boys, and the boys benefit more than the girls.

The traditional classroom setting and methods have been geared toward girls, not boys. The boys suffer as a result.

It has helped our son immensely!
We are huge fans and thank God that Massillon was progressive enough to institute this program.

And please people, don't chime in here with ignorant opinions if you don't know the first thing about single gender programs.

Ask questions, and I will enlighten you.

[xtiger]

I'm glad the program is working. It definatley shows that Massillon Education
is moving in the right direction.

[austinsm11]

From the article:

"Lustig said she believes girls have gotten the most benefit from the program, "but I don't think it's a detriment to the boys." She said girls and boys seem to be more comfortable and confident in class participation. Last year, "I wouldn't see the girls participate."

Have to disagree with you Seeker. I do agree that it can help with the boys, but I have seen scores of the girls go up much more and discipline go down more than with the boys. There is much more of an impact for the girls, imo.

Do the boys have a male teacher and the girls a female teacher? How does that work?

[austinsm11]

Seeker, a few questions for you:

1. How do you feel the program has helped your son? What has been done differently as compared to a regular classroom that has helped your child?

2. What special training have the teachers been given who teach the gender-based classes?

3. Do you know the overall feeling from other parents as well as students and teachers about this program?

As I mentioned earlier, I am very curious to see the results from the end of the school year. There are pros and cons to the situation. I saw first hand where it did not work very well overall (and I have thoughts as to why) and I am curious if and how it is working elsewhere.