Some D.C. area schools are experimenting with separation, where girls and boys attend the same school but are seperated during classes.  Some traditional educators may question the value of such extreme measures, but reportedly, the results are self-evident.  Click here to read more about it.  As a public school educator for many years, I have observed some of the challenges that are associated with trying to educate boys and girls in the same room.  However, I have also observed many positive results of combined classes.

Boys and girls are different.  While I know that is stating the obvious, sometimes I think it is a critical piece of information that educators and administrators overlook.  Because of the major differences between boys and girls, teachers must structure their lessons to either group or somewhere in the middle.  These experimental schools in D.C. and other parts of the country eliminate this problem by creating an environment where, at least, the gender variable is removed. 

The results, for younger children especially, are pretty strong; showing improvement in test scores and other areas.  I wonder what the results are for older students.  Are the scores dramatically different?  Are social issues taken in to consideration?  As a mother, I would just as soon keep my children seperated from the opposite sex until they are ready for marriage.  However, I know that this isn't possible and, in fact, it may be detrimental.  Does separation in the classroom, like the old saying goes 'make the heart grow fonder'?  By keeping the students separated are we encouraging behavior outside of the classroom that is more risky?