Research shows that students perform better, especially in math and science, when placed in gender-based classes. Darlington fourth-graders have had the opportunity to test this theory for the last three years.
For a few weeks each spring, students separate into gender-based classes for reading, allowing them the opportunity to study different novels. They also separate for science.
“It is interesting that Greene County Schools in east central Georgia has recently implemented single-gender academic classes throughout their entire school system,” said fourth-grade teacher Flo Anthony. “Although that is not in the Lower School’s future, it has definitely made for a great experience in our fourth grade.”
The girls are reading “Lily’s Crossing” by Patricia Reilly Giff, which focuses on a young girl during World War II. The boys are reading “Sign of the Beaver” by Elizabeth George Speare, a story about a young boy left alone to take care of his family’s cabin in the wilderness.
“Both protagonists are about the same age and gender as our students,” Anthony said. “Each faces a number of difficult challenges along the course of the story. As the characters develop, the students are finding that they have more and more in common with them.”
Students have responded positively to the split. “In an all-girl class, I feel less pressured,” said Lillie Bradshaw. “The other girls have an open mind, which makes me feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts.”
Rachel Jacobs enjoys working with the girls from the other fourth-grade class. “We get to be in class with our friends from Mrs. Anthony’s class,” she said.
Sally Jones is happy to be reading a book that is appealing to girls. “I like being able to get together and read a girly book,” she said.
The boys had similar responses. “I enjoy reading a book that is just about boys,” said Ivy Brandon.
Classmate Vraj Patel said he is much more comfortable talking in front of his peers in the single-gender reading class. “I feel better discussing the novel and sharing my point of view,” he said.
