Gender Based Language Arts and Algebra Classes

During the 2011-12 school year, we begin our second year of piloting a program in eighth grade where math and language arts are grouped by gender. Below are some of the outcomes we hope to achieve.

1. Instruction can be adapted to meet the different learning styles of boys and girls.

2.  It provides an opportunity for students to broaden relationships and reduce the impact of cliques.

3.  Research shows that some boys tend to be a year and half behind in reading and writing. Pacing and instruction can be adapted to meet boys’ needs.

4.  In math, girls can receive direct instruction and coaching with manipulatives for increasing their spatial intelligence.

5.  In a single sex setting, girls drop their shyness and are more willing to take risks.

6. In a single sex setting, boys tend to soften their competitiveness and become more collaborative.

7. More learning can take place because there are less discipline issues, less distractions, less acting out to get the attention of the opposite sex.

Students will develop knowledge of algebraic functions and the use of the graphing calculator.

1. Solving two and three step equations.

2. Solving % equations

3. Solving and graphing inequalities

4. Solving absolute value equations

5. Graphing and writing linear equations

6. Solving systems of equations

7. Solving problems using exponential functions

8. Using radicals and exploring right triangles