Argumentative Essay: Are Single-Sex Schools Beneficial

Biologically both sexes develop differently as they go through puberty; this is a fact most people agree on yet it is heavily debated whether the sexes learn differently. There are many single-sex schools all over the world and more are being created every year, yet some historical schools are combing into Co-ed facilities. These establishments are both being applauded for a unique way of education, yet condemned for promoting controversial ideas about sex and gender. People's mixed understanding of the approach these schools run on, often saying it creates unequal and biased learning while promoting one gender above another. One fact people often don't account for is that this is just an opportunity for those who would learn better in a different environment while offering another avenue for both sexes where they have equal opportunity. Single-sex schooling is a safe space for development, and a better educational environment, all while providing more opportunities for students to grow.

Laws around schooling and ensuring students are equal in not only the outside world but in an educational establishment have and still are being made. The No Child Left Behind Act, signed in 2002, prevents the favoring of funding to any specific school while allowing more innovative programs to take place as long as they comply with the existing laws (Mathews). Thus no special funding will be given to an all-male school rather than an all-female school. In Iowa’s Civil Rights Act, they write that it prohibits educational institutions from having a prejudice based on race, sex, sexuality, or gender identity(Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965). Organizations also have opinions and concerns about single-sex schooling, specifically the National Women's Organization saying single-sex schooling encourages stereotypes(Mathews). This is claimed based on a traditional school's education thinking that they will promote sexist values to their students. These are all things to consider when exploring these classrooms and schools, as well as the reputation and their beliefs.  

There are various effects parents and teachers see socially when children are in different settings. An issue plaguing young women is self-consciousness about their physical appearance and how they are seen. Usually, this is a response to criticism from peers, but single-sex schools have fewer girls having these problems. Single-sex spaces have lower rates of bullying and suicide, especially compared to their Co-ed counterparts(Bridge). While most read about different benefits, often boys are left out of the discussion, Single-sex schooling also is shown to have benefits for young men. Studies state that developmentally boys are not on the same level as their female counterparts until later in their teen years, leading to show ADHD-like symptoms(Novotney). However, in the meantime, they are made to conform to a middle ground where they are immature, causing an erratic school atmosphere. In a school with many uncontrollable boys in Co-ed classrooms, they switched to single-sex to see if it made a difference. Effects of the switch were seen very quickly as the superintendent noticed fewer students going to the office(Sax). This leads to a stronger focus on educating the sexes in a way that works with their biological chemistry offering a deeper, more beneficial way to learn.

Alternative schools can take the initiative to create lessons their students can fully experience allowing flexibility. Often Co-ed Schools score lower than single-sex schools this is attributed to their unique environment. Without appearing a particular way to the opposite sex, for example, it's reported female students can feel safer and more relaxed. Due to the more subdued atmosphere, students of both sexes say they feel more focused on their studies(Bridge). As well as the atmosphere, single-sex schools can escape the gender bias that can come naturally due to stereotypes. An example of this is when teachers unconsciously pick male students in specific classes that are seen as masculine, such as math and sciences. This leads to higher scores and participation from students if they feel they have an equal chance of being picked. In certain all-girls schools, they offer many stem subjects where they encourage more females into the science field, meaning their girls earn higher scores in those fields where boys dominate(Kobin). Some think scores showcase students' dedication to their education, and single-sex schools achieve a higher national average test score(Bridge). Along with educational advantages, single-sex education offers families opportunities for those who want more options.

Rather than funding only one type of school, providing more options gives different children more choices where they can thrive in other environments. Co-ed and Same-sex both have private and public schooling options for mobility and ease of families. Where one student can find comfort in only being around their sex, another can explore other possibilities(Bridge). These schools don't differentiate based on capital. In Texas, they discovered that 46% of low-income families in the lowest percentage...96% comprised of low-income families in the highest, in their same-sex schools(Mathews). It's seen in Co-ed schools, that boys are more likely to be selected for various roles throughout the school such as captain or president. Causing girls to feel discouraged from even trying to obtain any positions in school or even later in life. However, with only having one sex, Girls can be granted leadership positions, creating more opportunities to be involved in their school(Kobin). On the other hand, some think that confidence can't transfer in the workplace thinking, and these schools can socially damage their children.

Without interaction with the opposite sex, educators and parents alike fear for the social lives and eventually the romantic life of students. One study following boys who had gone to single-sex schools and classrooms says they have a more increased divorce rate. Not engaging with girls at an early age has been documented to impact relationships later in life(Novotney). While there is no equivalent study with their female counterparts, it is shown that women have more tension when interacting with the opposite sex. Women in college reported stress and fear when in Co-ed colleges and workplaces dominated by men. This can be a bigger problem if more schools choose to become single-sex. As well as limited interaction if more women or girls decided to go to single-sex schools, co-ed schools have an uneven population of students(Peck). With more boys in the Co-ed schools, girls are a minority, suffering some of the effects talked about earlier.

As well as having problems later, single-sex schools can be problematic. Often in mixed and single-sex schools education can be twisted in the favor of whoever is teaching it(Peck). As such, students may think of the other sex as inferior if they don't have an unbiased education. Although the environment is about learning, it can demonize girls' bodies claiming they are distractions hence a need for single-sex schools and classrooms. With students not fully realizing it, they can make their own biases. Even with genetic differences and biological data the same type of education for some kids may not be what all of them need. Making an umbrella statement isolates outliers that can fall through the cracks of the system(Ribeiro). While the system can change with new ideas it is not entirely modernized. Single-sex schools were the initial blueprint of education not because they were beneficial but because of prejudice. The system is aged and outdated, some claim(Peck). However, that still does not affect the advantages of the education they provide students.

Rather than only having single-sex schools, people should give others the option to choose what they believe is best. To know if it is beneficial to ask questions about priorities. Development and self-exploration could be a priority over grades and specialties, this is something that should be known when choosing any school. Educational value is what most people look for when choosing schools so in this way it is beneficial. In seven sample schools, 60% of seniors passed at least 1 AP exam in single-sex schools located in Texas(Mathews). This is attributed to how special College prep classes can be as early as the 6th grade where students can be given more opportunities to grow with their learning level(Kobin). Along with their known achievements with grades, same-sex schools do provide many resources and socially have benefits. Having many social opportunities, with lower risks of bullying and lower teen pregnancy is another draw to single-sex schools(Mathews). But what is most important is that anyone has the opportunity to make a decision that fits them best. Due to those statistics, those schools are beneficial.

Something to be noted is that newer schools can change to be even better. While looking over these effects, good and bad, the idea is not to replace Co-ed schools altogether but give children a chance to make decisions for themselves, allowing them to develop. By raising funds to help start alternative education, donating, and even actively speaking about the opinion of same-sex schools, people can create more. Alternative schooling is excellent for social development and higher academic scoring, all while giving parents opportunities for their children's schooling. Voters need to do is make both facilities have equal opportunities for both sexes to make sure one is not favored to ensure any bias.