By Wendy Marrs
and
Jason Mitchell
Government 375
This site examines the main questions behind the issues of gender equity in the classroom. It focuses on gender biases in the classroom and how they shortchange girls.
Where do girls fit into the history of education?
Before 1964, women's legal rights to an equal education went unrecognized. While they were allowed in classrooms, the focus was still on preparing them for their role in the "domestic sphere."
What constitutes a "sex-equitable" classroom? Why arenÕt classrooms already sex-equitable?
According to Lockheed and Klein (1985), "A sex-equitable classroom environment is one in which both the overt and the hidden curriculum treat boys and girls equitably, so that they receive equal benefits from the instruction." Teachers have control over the instruction in the classroom, so they must be the ones to take charge of making their classrooms equal for both sexes.
What effects do the inequalities have on female students?
At the start of elementary school, girls outperform boys on standardized tests as well as in the classroom. By the end of high school things have changed. Twice as many boys than girls participate in honors programs. By graduation, boys have caught and surpassed girls on standardized tests, and they dominate in math and science.
What is being, or can be done to repair the gender gap?
Conclusion
Government 375: Educational Reform and Ideology