Considered are advantages of summer science programs limited to young high school women. Same sex courses are seen to eliminate unconscious gender bias in instruction and counter tendencies for female students to be less involved in science, mathematics, and computer activities. Four specific programs are briefly described. (DB)

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational institutions that receive federal financial assistance. This digest focuses on the theme of single-sex education. Articles featured in this issue include: (1) "Single-Sex Education" (Diane S. Pollard); (2) "A Legal Framework for Single-Sex…

Examines data collected from a girls-only physics class in a public coeducational high school. Interview and observation data from this class, as well as from coeducational physics classes taught by the same teacher, illustrate that the girls in the single-sex class made substantial gains in both academic achievement and in perceptions of…

Describes a study that examined gender differences and the process of Internet-assisted inquiry in a single-sex, technology-enhanced environment. Results indicate that female students in a single-sex environment display similar behaviors as male students do when engaging in technology-enhanced activities. Discusses student attitudes and…

A collaborative model based on feminist pedagogy was used to assess gender-specific programs for juvenile female offenders. Criteria for the provision of emotional and physical safety and cultural appropriateness were used to identify areas for improvement, especially in terms of discourse, consensus, and equity in voice. (SK)

A summer math class for gifted girls (grades 5-9) was established and conducted by a female instructor for 3 weeks. The class involved take-home work, puzzles, problem solving, and computer work. Parents and students were satisfied with the enrichment class, but questions remained concerning such an approach's legality, the advisability of…

Points out the sex differences in enrollment in computer science courses and less experience among females with computers. Discusses female confidence in computer use in single sex classrooms, and indicates the increasing confidence level and more risk taking among female students. Describes components of a successful program and the importance of…

The gender agenda in many North American, Western European, and Australasian countries has undergone a "boy turn" in the past decade amid growing concerns about boys' apparent "underachievement" relative to girls. One aspect of this turn has been the resurrection of interest in single-sex classes in coeducational public state…

Discusses the need for women-only outdoor programs as an alternative to mixed programs, socialization and stereotyping of gender roles and behavior in society, and barriers to outdoor participation for women. Describes some women-only outdoor programs and their benefits and disadvantages. Provides recommendations concerning program design and…

Little is known about the intrinsic characteristics that distinguish single- and mixed-sex classrooms at the secondary level. To address this gap in knowledge, 19 Grade 11 students who were in a mixed-sex Physics 10 (during Grade 10) and a single-sex Physics 20 (during Grade 11) class were asked to compare the two environments. Twenty-four Grade…

A survey of 154 women who are professionals in technology education asked what can be done to improve the enrollment and retention of females in technology education in secondary schools. Suggestions include redefining the curriculum, educating guidance counselors, changing scheduling and requirements, trying single-sex classes, and establishing…

In a three-year study, female students from all-female computer science (CS) classes were compared to male and female students from mixed-gender CS classes. Participants were 250 students enrolled in an elective Grade 11 CS course. The study provides some initial empirical evidence supporting the positive effects of all-female classes in CS at the…

Education and employment experiences were compared for women in mixed-gender (n=27) and same-sex (n=73) management certificate programs. Although both groups enhanced knowledge, income, and career advancement, same-sex classes were associated with greater gains in management level, income, and critical awareness of gendered occupational…

Despite scoring lower on the mathematics Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-M) prior to taking an advanced placement calculus course, female students (n=85) scored as well as males (n=51) on the Advanced Placement BC level calculus test. Predictors of AP scores were: first, scores on the Calculus Readiness Test; second, scores on the SAT-M; and…

This article provides options and a rationale for expanding gender-grouping considerations to include single-gender, coed, and combination strategies for instruction in secondary physical education classes. This rationale is based on empirical evidence that suggests that female students are denied equal opportunity to achieve learning goals during…