Gender Equity

Do you think the problem of gender bias has been overblown?  Is there any merit to the argument that boys lose out as much as girls do, just in different ways, in schools today?  How do you want to approach the issue of gender in your own schools and districts?  How is the issue of gender bias (or lack thereof) illustrated at the David School (from the Country Boys video)?

       Gender bias has been an issue in America for many years.  Historically, women have been less likely to do well in school, go to college, or hold positions of authority.  Women have been oppressed in other areas as well, including equal rights held by all (voting rights, property rights, etc.).  The issue of the education of girls has been on the forefront of school policy since the 1960's and even more so in the early 1980's-'90's.  Adjustments have been made.  Research has been conducted.  The results today are that women are out performing men in almost every aspect of schooling.  I do not feel that the problem of gender bias has been overblown.  This has been a real issue in our society.  I do feel however, that the tides have changed.  Female students have worked hard to overcome deficits, and teachers have worked hard to make up for any short change that may have taken place.
      Male students today may seem to have an advantage, but I feel that is due to the makeup of school personnel.  Typically in elementary schools more women are teachers than men.  As the child gets older, more males start to emerge as the teacher of record.  This is not always the case, but more male teachers work in secondary schools for the most part.  Female students may be quick to argue that these teachers favor the males.  On some level maybe they do.  As a male teacher, it is much easier to connect with a male student than a female student.  This is primarily due to complications that could arise if you do establish a teaching relationship with a female.  This may not seem fair, but it is a reality many males might not speak of.  No professional wants to put himself in a situation that could be misconstrued as inappropriate.  This may not be the excuse, but perhaps it is an explanation of some of the 'advantage' males students appear to have.
      In my own school, an elementary school, I have come to some realizations on gender equity.  The school predominately employees female teachers (43 to 2 males).  As an administrator, I deal quite a bit with discipline, and have found some interesting numbers that I will try to explain.  Of all the office referrals written this past year, 89% were male students.  Only 11% of every child sent to the office was a female.  Does this mean that males are the only trouble makers in my school?  Perhaps, but the explanation I feel is more like the example of the male high school teacher favoring boys.  Female teachers at the elementary level, maybe even on a sub-conscious level, feel more comfortable disciplining female students.  The boys are often in trouble for being to rowdy or causing distractions.  When asked if female students do the same, my teachers agreed that they do, but are more easily re-directed by the teacher.  I have no hard evidence to prove my theory, but it is an interesting point none the less.
      At the David school, it doesn't matter what gender you are.  Everyone is treated the same, and afforded the same opportunities as everyone else.  The idea is to save the child and prepare them for the future.  Gender does not play a critical role in my opinion.  Not just in the David school, but in all schools, males and females should be taught the same.  Differences in pedagogy may take place based on individualized instruction, but the anatomy of the child should make no difference to what they are taught.  The standards for the state of Texas are very clear.  They do not distinguish that males should learn one thing and females learn another.  
     Women have overcome a great deal in the history of this country.  Many opportunities that were not available to them (unfairly I might add), are now offered to all.  In other countries today women are not given the opportunity to be so free.  This is a sad and totally different story than the one I have been speaking of, but a reality unfortunately.  The gap is closing in my opinion.  The lines are shifting and most would agree that they have even been erased.  We must continue to do our jobs and guide children of all backgrounds and genders to learn at their highest potentials.