The issue of discrimination in schools has historically been discussed in terms of race, yet in Wisconsin, the conversation has shifted to one focused on gender. A bill sponsored by Rep. Scott Jensen, R-Brookfield, would allow public school boards and charter schools to open single-sex schools. He contends the bill is not intended to force school districts to establish single-sex schools, but instead simply to give them the option. Parents who do not wish to enroll their children in such schools will not have to. Rep. Jensen’s bill would allow lower and middle-class families to take advantage of single-sex education without having to pay steep tuition prices for private schools. In addition, Rep. Jensen hopes single-gender schools will successfully cater to children with behavioral issues. Herein lies the debate: do single-sex schools simply discriminate along gender lines, or are there benefits to single-sex academic environments?
Those who oppose single-sex public education believe children will become somewhat socially retarded. The real world, they say, is not a single-sex environment, and those attending an all-girl institution will revert back to having low self-esteem when they enter college or employment. Similarly, boys who have discipline issues that can be better controlled in a single-sex environment will subsequently act out upon entering a co-educational environment. Ron Schwarz, associate principal of Middleton High School, acknowledged that he discourages Rep. Jensen’s bill: “Co-ed is the way to go. It’s just how society is.”
Certainly single-sex education is not for everyone, which Mr. Jensen acknowledges. Steve Knudson, a member of Rep. Jensen’s staff, said constituents should be aware that Jensen’s bill is “yet another educational opportunity, not a mandate.” He added schools would be allowed to use this bill in order to help those who would benefit from single-sex schools. If passed, this bill would give those who want their children in single-sex schools a way to better combat certain behavioral problems school-aged children face. For example, it is contended girls are more likely to raise their hands and speak out in a classroom without the stress of criticism from boys, and that girls are more confident exploring science and math in an all-girl environment. It is important to acknowledge not all girls find it easy to actively participate when boys are present, especially during the awkward adolescent years.
Many wonder how a bill like this will be received and whether or not it is constitutional. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel explained new rules have been implemented with the adoption of President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act in the United States educational system that allow public single-sex schools. Provided the courses and schools are equal in quality, the provisions set forth by President Bush do, in fact, permit such a bill.
Having experienced co-educational and single-sex schools, I understand the increased enrollment in private single-sex schools. Mr. Knudson also notes a significant increase in the past eight years in the number of public single-sex schools and courses offered throughout the country. Eight years ago, there were only four. There are now 154, including two single-sex schools in Milwaukee alone. The bottom line is Rep. Jensen’s bill can only be a good thing: it essentially gives parents another choice in their children’s education.
Emily Friedman ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in journalism and legal studies.
