ACLU new lawsuit
http://washingtonexaminer.com/aclu-sues-w.va.-district-over-single-sex-classes/article/feed/2025186?custom_click=rss

http://mobile.blogs.wsj.com/cio/2012/07/16/techgirlz-turns-middle-school-girls-into-tech-entrepreneurs/

Ed Week Discusses STEM Gender Gap

See the link for a discussion on STEM gender gap in US and internationally. Gender achievement variations remain. http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/07/18/36stem.h31.html?tkn=QLOFABN4zRCfeGTamfPpPdMp87U1pvBAjtq%2B&cmp=ENL-CM-NEWS1&intc=EW-CC0412-ENL

College Majors with Greatest Gender Gaps

This link was sent to me, still some large gaps remain. http://www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com/blog/2012/10-college-majors-with-the-biggest-gender-gap/#.T_EgULUjF_Y Take a moment and consider the connections between the majors drawing girls and the ones drawing boys. What do they have in common? Specifically, who or what do they work with?

STEM and Girls in NAEP

From the Christian Science Monitor http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Family/2012/0627/Girls-in-science-Gender-gaps-still-persist-in-STEM-subjects Worth reading because it links STEM results, Title IX, and briefly single gender classes. The paradox might be that is educators seriously consider gendered gaps,this will result in potential gendered solutions which gets us into differences. And, if we start talking about programs for just girls in STEM, even after school, then these groups are recognizing that something important and unique can happen in a single gender environment.

Girls and Hands On Science Do Better than Boys

See this Ed Week Blog on NAEP breakdown of performance by type of task. Seems girls perform slightly better, though statistically significant, when using manipulatives. Important data, yes. Implications? Reasons why? The use of manipulatives has always been listed as important learning tools, so that is nothing new. But to see that there might be something gender based with results could mean that educators should consider incorporating more manipulatives as needed for understanding. Sure. Could you even go so far as to say that you will have single gender groupings to provide the needed support and use specific strategies to support your students? http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2012/06/although_girls_trail_boys_in.html?cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS2

Article by Dr Sax on Girls, Knees, and Gender Differences
http://m.psychologytoday.com/blog/sax-sex/201206/girls-knees-and-gender-confusion

Sex Differences in Suicide from Canada

Large study of adolescents from Canada found differences in number of suicides as well as form of suicide. http://journal.cpha.ca/index.php/cjph/article/view/3187

Title IX Commentary

A good commentary on Title IX and the needs that still remain. http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/06/13/35graves.h31.html?tkn=YVNF50NuNfP%2BIBZ04Op%2FlqTIHE7ffYbybJBZ&cmp=ENL-EU-VIEWS1

STEM and Girls, again

Excellemt article with data from Ed Week. Looks at national and international data. http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2012/06/evidence_persists_of_stem_achi.html?cmp=ENL-CM-NEWS2 Again, it says that there is an achievement gap that is gender based and that gender must be considered to make achievements. They stress the socialization factors. We need though to be willing to actually teach differently or. Ore broadly to encompass the needs of boys and girls, to address the data. And, we need to look at the data for gaps with language arts and boys.

Conference on sex differences Http://www.newswise.com/articles/swhr-sponsors-first-ever-us-international-sex-differences-conference

Abstract on Differences for Addiction

Another study on addiction differences and the authors cite the neural differences are part of the mix. Again, if other professions are considering the impact of differences, then education should too. Not as an absolute. http://www.bsd-journal.com/content/3/1/14/abstract From the abstract: In this review we propose that there are sex differences in where and how men and women enter onto the path that can lead to addiction. Males are more likely than females to engage in risky behaviors that include experimenting with drugs of abuse, and in susceptible individuals, they are drawn into the spiral that can eventually lead to addiction. Women and girls are more likely to begin taking drugs as self-medication to reduce stress or alleviate depression. For this reason women enter into the downward spiral further along the path to addiction, and so transition to addiction more rapidly. We propose that this sex difference is due, at least in part, to sex differences in the organization of the neural systems responsible for motivation and addiction. Additionally, we suggest that sex differences in these systems and their functioning are accentuated with addiction. In the current review we discuss historical, cultural, social and biological bases for sex differences in addiction with an emphasis on sex differences in the neurotransmitter systems that are implicated.

EdWeek Blog on ACLU Campaign
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2012/06/aclu_to_districts_cease_and_de.html?cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS2

New Campaign Against Single-Gender Education

The ACLU has launched a new campaign against single-gender education.  This one is called, "Teach Kid, Not Stereotypes."  Further, they are approaching several Departments of Education (state level) to investigate, if not intervene, with schools with single-gender programs.  Other Departments of Education have received, according to news articles, freedom of information requests, and the ACLU is determining what step to take next.

Indeed, programs that do not follow the federal guidelines should be fixed or ended.  This is why an understanding of single-gender programs is so important (and why I wrote my book on creating programs - A Gendered Choice by Corwin Press).

Those involved with single-gender need to know what forces are working against them and be prepared to argue their case.

Gendered issues still remain within classrooms and education.  A discussion about differentiated instruction, gendered achievement gaps, and overall classroom practice should still have gender as part of the conversation.

See the links here for information:

ACLU link to Teach Kids Not Stereotypes:  http://www.aclu.org/womens-rights/aclu-launches-teach-kids-not-stereotypes-campaign-against-single-sex-classes-rooted

Link to Article about Contacting State Departments of Education:  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/23/us-usa-aclu-classroom-idUSBRE84M01020120523

Gender, Risk, Emotion, Mental Illness

This might be an older study, but it popped up again today.  Links issues of gender, risk, emotion, and mental illness.
http://www.fyibehealthy.com/2012/06/01/risk-for-mental-illness-varies-by-gender/

Gendered Impact from Watching TV

A study (of 400) shows that there are different impacts from watching TV according to race and gender.  Continued socialization?
http://m.torontosun.com/2012/05/30/tv-bad-for-kids-self-esteem-unless-theyre-white-boys-study

A Gendered Program to Assist Girls in India

A clear gendered need as well as a gendered program to meet the need.
http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2012/05/21/free-bicycles-help-keep-indian-girls-in-school

A New STEM and Girls Study ... stereotypes don't work

An interesting read about how complex the issue of gender really is. You can't just dress something up in pink and think that girls will like it. Quality teaching and connections are key.

A New Book Dealing with the Issue of Gender

Book on gender, not necessary with education.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/paul-seabright/gender-issues_b_1479326.html

Single-Gender Education in Arizona

Description about a single-gender program in Arizona.
http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/04/27/20120427gililland-single-gender-classes-engage-pupils.html

Single-Gender Education in AASA

Current article from AASA on single gender education
http://www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=23124

Voice of America Editorial about Educating Girls

Takng gender into consideration is important!

GendEr Neutrality or Non-Existence in Sweden

A new for word in Sweden for gender Sweden.

Burnout by Gender

Looking at educational issues from different lenses is critical.  This article looks at boys.  Taking a gendered look does NOT mean that other factors are not important, rather, it is seeing if there are salient issues.
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/inside-school-research/2012/04/why_do_boys_burn_out.html?cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS2

Business World Looking at Gender Differences

Interesting differences with business.  Perhaps this is a continuation of stereotypical factors and socialization.  But, multiple fields are starting to examine or at least considered gendered "data" as a way to better understand important practices and behaviors.  Educators should do the same to better understand what is happening within their classroom, school and district.
http://m.smartplanet.com/blog/business-brains/female-entrepreneurs-more-likely-to-think-social/23330

Neuroimaging and Gender Difference - Vitual Issue

An incredible number of recent studies on gender differences in all sorts of areas, including children:

I. Studies using blood flow based measure

Sex differences in the medial temporal lobe during encoding and recognition of pseudowords and abstract designs


Gender differences in partial-volume corrected brain perfusion using brain MRI in healthy children

The role of the prefrontal cortex in controlling gender-stereotypical associations: A TMS investigation

Boys do it the right way: Sex-dependent amygdala lateralization during face processing in adolescents

Hemisphere- and gender-related differences in small-world brain networks: A resting-state functional MRI study

The role of the prefrontal cortex in controlling gender-stereotypical associations: A TMS investigation

II. Studies dealing with anatomical structures

Regional variation, hemispheric asymmetries and gender differences in pericortical white

A critical re-examination of sexual dimorphism in the corpus callosum microstructure

Men and women are different: Diffusion tensor imaging reveals sexual dimorphism in the microstructure of the thalamus, corpus callosum and cingulum

Beyond age and gender: Relationships between cortical and subcortical brain volume and cognitive-motor abilities in school-age children

Age- and gender-related changes in the normal human brain using hybrid diffusion imaging (HYDI)

The link between callosal thickness and intelligence in healthy children and

Genetics of white matter development: A DTI study of 705 twins and their siblings aged 12 to 29

.

Medicine and Gender Gaps

The medical community seems to be very comfortable with embracing gendered data and possible gendered treatments, "This landmark study shows that gender-specific dosing is desperately needed in modern medicine" ... Hopefully educators will take gender seriously soon.

Stress and Gender Differences

Looking at biological factors and potential differences of stress is important for educators.  We have known for a long time that persistent stress is bad for students (and all people!)  But there may be different tendencies (not absolutes) that educators need to consider in regards to rules and consequences, different forms of assessment, beginning and ending classroom procedures to name a few.  What are your thoughts?
http://m.psychologytoday.com/blog/games-primates-play/201203/gender-differences-in-responses-stress-it-boils-down-single-gene

STEM Gaps in College

Another STEM gap ... now in college. School providing multiple "initiatives"
http://www.thetowerlight.com/2012/03/university-finds-gender-gap-in-stem-majors/

Social Conditioning ... Enforced Stereotyping?

Social conditioning gone too far? Note: this is from China.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/epaper/2012-02/29/content_14721157.htm

Stress, Risk, and Gender Differences

Another article about the impact of stress.
http://www.thestar.com/mobile/living/article/1139171--stress-changes-the-way-men-and-women-assess-risk

Study From UK on Reading Closes A Gender Gap

New study from UK on reading shows:

"The difficulty level of books read by boys in the report is no longer generally lower than girls’. Across the Years, there are four cases where boys’ difficulty is greater than girls, three cases where girls’ difficulty is greater than boys and two cases where it is equal. We can no longer claim that boys read at a lower level of difficulty than girls so overall under-achievement must be caused by other factors. Turning to Average Percentage Correct (APC), this also shows signs of rising. In three (early) Years, APC is well above 85%. In a further three (middle) Years, APC falls below 85% only in one or two cases. In each of a further three (upper) Years, APC falls below 85% in five cases out of 20. However, in general this represents an improvement over last year. Again, it may well be that teachers are guiding students more effectively in the book and quizzing choices."

Boys only book club in NC

Sometimes it is just the environment that makes an opportunity available or makes it more likely that participants will take advantage of opportunities!

Barnett and Rivers Argue Against Single Gender Again

Another article against single gender. Seems that every month there is another article from similar people against single gender. The critique includes the traditional "no differences" argument, but also starts using some study information too.

In the politicized perspectives, what gets lost is the idea of differentiating instruction and allowing gender to be another piece of the puzzle. No, not the silver bullet. But part of an answer.

Gendered Preferences from AP Courses

A study shows that there are gender differences within the preference of taking AP courses (http://apreport.collegeboard.org/). It is another example of how gender does play a role in the education process. This isn't about biological differences here, it is about finding a way to make content interesting and accessible to both boys and girls at a more even rate ... Isn't it?
But this idea of boys and girls having different interests isn't new. With this AP study we just know that it is far reaching. This may lead someone to at least consider the debate regarding some gendered aspects to teaching and learning.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2012/02/girls_like_biology_boys_like_p.html?cmp=ENL-CM-MOSTPOP

Gender Differences in Addiction

A short article about a study on Areas of the brain that react differently, especially with the issue of stress with women. From the summary,
"The results showed that when women were confronted with stressful situations, there was high activity in the part of the brain associated with craving and addiction. But for men, activity in that particular region of the brain was heightened more when they were presented with cues associated with drugs."
This can certainly impact treatment plans for men and women; can it also be insightful perhaps for educators? Are there stressful situations within schools and classrooms? Might this lead to different reactions for boys and girls? Might there be triggers boys that lead to ritual behaviors that are unwanted (or even wanted)?

This Is Not the Way to Start a Single Gender Program

If you are starting a single gender program, take a look at this article to know what not to do. Be sure to involve and have he support of your school board. Also, remember, the idea that boys and girls learn differently is NOT a reason for single gender, but a reason to differentiate. Do your homework.
http://heraldindependent.com/view/full_story/17341922/article-Board-taken-off-guard-by-single-gender-classes?instance=secondary_stories_left_column

Failure and Girls

Targeting failure and risk with girls. Doesn't mention gender differences, but is focused on girls.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16879336

New Single Gender Bill Proposed for State of Washington

Read the bill. It basically matches the federal changes of 2006.

Study on Memory

An article discusses gender differences in emotional memory. The bottom line for this study is that women remember pleasant images and men repulsive images. Asnwith any report, don't just change your lesson plans too quickly, but consider while you teach and watch your students. At minimum, there should always be differentiated content, I this case visuals to support remembering ideas.

Single gender in Connecticut

Single gender in Connecticut
http://m.norwichbulletin.com/norwich/pm_29425/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=wd992vjp

Expansion of Single Gender in New Jersey

A small snipit that states that the district will expand single gender classes, see the second to last paragraph. It is interesting to note that there is growth despite efforts across the cou try to stop them.

USA Today Article on Recession and Recovery by Gender

We have heard about the mancession and now the hecovery, but take a look at the paragraph in the middle about wages for women in New York and jobs of the future! Is this other field giving a nodto biologicisl gender differences or the power of media influences?

Education Week Article on Single Gender Education

An article that looks at a study from Trinidad. The article includes comments from several people (including myself). An important part is the responses by the ACLU and their activity.

Boston Globe Editorial on Single-Gender Classes

Editorial from Boston Globe on single gender classes
http://articles.boston.com/2012-01-22/editorials/30649991_1_classrooms-boys-and-girls-gender-stereotypes

Math Achievement Differences Might Not Be From Stereotype Threat

Articles pointing to a study that claims stereotypes do not explain diff in math performance!

The study has not been released yet.

Two links
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2012/01/a_new_study_casts_doubt.html?cmp=ENL-CM-NEWS2

http://chronicle.com/article/Stereotypes-Do-Not-Explain/130377/

Finland as a Model

This article from Education Week hails the Finland model of education. Indeed there are great achievements. In terms of gender, on PISA the girls scored on average in the top range and the boys did as well. But, Finland also showed the greatest gap between the average scores of boys and girls in reading. Yes, something good is happening there demonstrated by the high scores for both boys and girls. There is still room for growth given the gap.

Differences in After School Activities

A study shows differences in participation in after school activities.

http://www.wiareport.com/2012/01/university-of-michigan-study-finds-gender-differences-in-participation-in-extracurricular-activities/

Study on Gender Differences in Personality

A very interesting study that argues for a different way to understand gender differences. They claim that there might be small individual specific differences, but when put together these small differences translate into large differences. From their abstract, "The idea that there are only minor differences between the personality profiles of males and females should be rejected as based on inadequate methodology."

At the link, you will find the article as well as comments, including on my Hyde (and a response from the authors.)

After school programs for girls and STEM
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/01/05/15stem.h31.html?cmp=ENL-EU-SUBCNT

Thoughts on Gendered Marketing

Sam Sommers has a post hear on marketing, gender, and the idea of boys v. Girls. It is a great read because it raises it raises important points. The key, I think, is that gender is a part of what we do. He enter the discussion about biological gender differences a bit. As educators we should use the idea or knowledge of gender differences to limit students, but provide opportunities. It is interesting that he cites single gender testing rooms as a way to balance test scores. Again, gender is an influential power.

Money For Presenting on Sex Differences

An award scholarship for students presenting on neuroscience of sex differences. Exciting to see that someone is supporting research.

A Gendered Look at Job Recovery

They called it the "mancession" and now men are being hired back at higher rates.

Supporting Single Gender Options in Missouri

An opinion article in support of offering single gender classes in Missouri, where the ACLU recently persuaded a local School district to cancel its classes. If the school district was in violation of the law then they should make changes and carry forward. If not, they should be allowed to offer legal choices to parents.