We've all heard the saying, "Boys will be boys," and now some schools have decided that instead of discouraging rough and rowdy behavior, they will embrace the natural inclinations instead.
At Benjamin S. Carson's B.E.S.T. Academy, an all-boys middle school in Atlanta, "students are encouraged to shout answers to questions, get up from their desks during class, and yes, stand on chairs when needed," the AJC reported.
There are at least another 344 schools in the U.S.A that have similar single-sex classrooms.
"Mostly targeted at the tough, touchy middle school years, educators, parents and students say the programs help cut down on the boy-meets-girl distractions that interfere with schoolwork when budding teenagers begin to, ahem, notice each other, and the self-conscious inhibitions that can limit classroom participation."
At the sex-separated B.E.S.T. Academy, everyone wears a uniform: girls wear pink and brown, and the boys suit up in white and grey.
"Sometimes, they'll share extracurricular activities, such as dances and field trips. But no matter the campus they attend, their goals will be the same: to go to college."
Single Gender Ed
Where Boys Can Be Boys
Trend Themes
1. Single-sex Education - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new teaching methods and curriculum specifically designed to address the unique learning styles and needs of boys and girls separately.
2. Gender-focused School Programs - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create specialized programs and support systems for single-sex schools that provide a safe and inclusive environment for students to thrive.
3. Reducing Distractions in Education - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement strategies and technologies to minimize distractions and improve focus in both single-sex and co-educational classrooms.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and implement innovative educational methods and resources for single-sex schools.
2. Apparel - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop gender-specific school uniforms and apparel that promote inclusivity and individuality.
3. Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create educational technology tools and platforms that enhance learning experiences and engagement in single-sex classrooms.