Single-gender classes expand throughout county and state

The fifth-graders in two East Aiken Elementary School of the Arts classes were separated only by an open doorway - the girls with teacher Missy Hughes, the boys with Robin Bouye.

The boys were seated in a traditional structure of desks facing the front. The girls' desks faced each other, but the girls weren't in them.

For about 20 minutes, they had divided into small groups of two or three, sprawled informally on the floor or leaning against walls as they worked on an assignment.

Single-gender classes have expanded significantly throughout South Carolina, and several schools in Aiken County have introduced the concept on a relatively small scale in some grades.

The State Department of Education recently released a survey, indicating that such classes are having a positive impact on academics and attitudes among the students.

Hughes and Bouye switch between the boys' and girls' classes during the day. The other fifth-grade teachers, Jenny Taylor and Matt Poulton, teach both single-gender and mixed classes.

"There are a lot fewer distractions," Hughes said of the single-gender format. "Usually boys will try to entertain the girls and vice versa. We've had fewer disciplinary referrals and better test scores."

In a State Department press release, officials said 7,000 students are in South Carolina's single-gender programs. About 1,120 parents and 760 teachers responded to the survey. About two-thirds of the students said the classroom structure has been beneficial.

Parents and teachers felt single-gender had resulted in improved self-confidence, motivation and effort put into the kids' school work. Parents do have the opportunity to opt their children out of the program, if they wish.

"We've said all along that when it comes to learning, one size does not fit all," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Jim Rex. "These results show that the single-gender option works for a lot of students and their families."

But state budget cuts have reduced participation in that initiative, Rex said. The number of schools where single-gender is offered has dropped to 125 schools statewide, down from 214 two years ago.

Still, East Aiken teacher Mary Robinson would like to add fourth-grade to the program, although she doesn't know if that will happen next fall.

"I'm very happy with the results," she said. "Last year, the all-girls' class knocked the top out of everything. There was never a behavior problem in the whole class, and the girls worked together as a team. The boys also showed improvement in academics and behavior."

All eight of Schofield Middle School's sixth-grade teachers teach at least one single-gender class during the day, said Principal Jackie Barnwell. It's her first year at Schofield, and she's excited about the possibilities.

"The girls tend to be less willing to speak out in mixed groups," she said. "In single-gender classes, they get more engaged. The boys are able to have more high-level interactive lessons."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.