Public schools are about to get freedom to teach boys and girls separately. This could be one of the biggest shakeups to coed classrooms in three decades. The Education Department plans to alter its enforcement of Title IX, the benchmark anti-discrimmination law, to make it more accessible for school districts to offer single-sex courses.
Since 1975, single-sex classes have been limited, such as gym class. The proposed regulations announced Wednesday would loosen those restrictions. These changes won't be immediate, and will affect elementary and secondary education but not colleges.
This move would allow school administrations to expand parents' choices, whether that means an English class, grade level or an entire same-sex school.
Schools must continue to treat boys and girls equally. They will be required to offer a single-sex version and coed version of the same class. But true equality would warrant one class for each sex.
Advocates say single-sex schooling improves student achievement, attendance rates and there are fewer discipline problems. They also claim these classes will provide "diversity" of choices and meet the needs of students.
There is no concrete evidence showing single-sex learning enhances the educational process, and it doesn't get students prepared for the integrated professional environment. Coeducation is the norm in America's public schools.
The new federal plan will be a colossal blow to equal education opportunity.
Department officials say there will be no easing of protection against sexual discrimination.
The final decision will be made within the next few months. School and government officials should take a close look at this plan before determining if it will positively affect the educational environment.
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