Last Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education announced that public school will have more freedom to teach boys and girls separately. The new rules will make it easier to create single-gender classes or schools. Until now, boys- or girls- only classes were allowed in limited cases, such as physical education classes. About 240 public schools already offer single-gender education.
Schools can now opt for single-gender classes anytime officials think it will boost student performance or expand the curriculum. Districts will also have the option to open an entire school for boys or girls without having to provide one for opposite sex. In either case, there must be a mixed class or school that provides the same resources.
Some students suggest that single-gender education may help some students learn better. But civil rights and women's rights groups have criticized the new lesson plan. They say it threatens the gains made since Title IX--a law prohibiting gender discrimination--was passed in 1972.
Supporters say that separate classes give boys and girls more freedom to explore their interests. Officials expect the number of same-sex schools to climb after the rules take effect on November 24.