THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 3, 1995 TAG: 9503030039
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E9 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: TEENSPEAK
SOURCE: BY JON GLASS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
IF OFFERED A CHOICE, just for the experience, they might sign up for a class segregated by sex. But students at this week's Teenspeak at Western Branch High School said they weren't sold on the idea of public schools educating boys and girls in separate classrooms.
``You're supposed to enjoy high school. It's supposed to be the best time of your life,'' said senior Brian Cary, 17, ``You can't enjoy it if it's just a bunch of guys or just girls together.''
Single-sex schools have been the norm for private schools in this country for decades. The state General Assembly last month approved legislation that will allow local school boards to establish same-sex classes. Gov. George F. Allen supports the measure and is expected to sign it into law.
Of six Western Branch students questioned about the idea, only one, senior Jennifer Cochran, 17, seemed receptive.
``There are men colleges and women colleges, and the students they turn out are as good or sometimes better than co-ed colleges,'' Jennifer said. She cited research that shows some girls learn math and science better without boys, who often dominate discussion and the teachers' attention.
``When you have an all-female class, girls tend to help each other and they get better grades,'' Jennifer said.
Junior Kelli Hunter, 16, disagreed.
``I'm real weak in math, and it's usually a guy who helps me out with it,'' Kelli said. ``If one sex is dominating, they can help the other and help bring up the overall average of the class.''
Senior Bryan E. Soriano, 18, said the diversity created by mixed-gender classes is important and the natural competition between girls and boys is healthy.
Soriano said separating the sexes might reduce some classroom distractions such as flirting, passing notes or showing off to impress the opposite sex. But sophomore Matt Vrhovac said putting only boys in a class could be a disaster.
``I admit guys do create a lot of distractions, but imagine what it would be like if it was single sex - you'd have guys yelling and screaming up and down the hall,'' said Matt, 15.
Despite their misgivings, all of the students except Matt said they would be willing to try a single-sex class. But they were clear that it would have to be their choice, not something forced on them.
``I would definitely try it out,'' Jennifer said. ``That's the only way to determine whether it's right for me.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos
It's not beneficial, really. The sexes are so different that we
learn from each other.
Bryan E. Soriano, 18, senior
I don't think they should be separated.
Brian Cary, 17, senior
by CNB