Some find "separate, but equal" learning best

At the very same time lawmakers are considering whether Illinois should remove from state law any differences based on gender by passing the Equal Rights Amendment, just down the road, Springfield's Jefferson Middle School is finding their kids excel when learning differences between genders are accentuated. 

Educators are finding there may be good reasons to have "separate, but equal," educational experiences because girls and boys learn differently.  The State Journal Register reports:

In the classroom, girls ...

• Manage work well. Setting time limits for them isn’t as necessary, and higher-level organizing skills are learned easier.
• Master a concept better if it is introduced with more context and practical background information that is relevant to them.
• Will avoid assignments if they think they will make mistakes, so examples are important.
• Prefer group discussion and teamwork more than individual success and competition.
• Enjoy teachers with softer voices and rooms with brighter lighting and colors.
• Will “dumb down” for boys and let them take charge.

In the classroom, boys ...

• Don’t require as many examples and are more interested in how a concept works. It’s more important to solve a problem than understand it.
• Thrive on individual achievement and competition.
• Require time limits and basic organizational tips.
• Benefit from hands-on tasks and moving around the class.
• Aren’t afraid of mistakes if they are not criticized.
• Often must establish leader-follower hierarchies before team projects can move forward.

Link: SJ-R.COM - Students' grades higher in single-sex classes.