Donovan Muldrow talks with Dr. Jim Rex. Dr. Jim Rex, State Department of Education Superintendent, visited Killian Elementary School’s Single–Gender Academies on Friday, November 20. Killian is recognized by the State Department as an award winning single–gender school.

According to students’, parents’, and teachers’ surveys, single–gender classes have increased students’ self–confidence and class participation. Parents noted the classes increased their children’s sense of independence and academic productivity. Students enjoy being a part of the single–gender classes and feel less peer pressure, increased self confidence, interest in trying new ways of learning, and ease at making friends. Most notably students participate in class more and build a family environment and focus more on academic productivity.

The teachers notice a large increase in boys’ participation and self–confidence more in single–gender than in regular classes. Dysha Taylor, Killian’s 2 Academies (K2A) lead teacher, said, “The K2A single– gender program focuses on the innate learning styles of girls and boys. We want to equip our students with the tools they need to be successful.”

According to Dr. Rex, “The students learn exactly the same content, the same knowledge, the same skills, and take the same tests. The only thing this does is give teachers the option to adjust their instruction to make it more likely girls or boys understand the content.”