Two-thirds of students in South Carolina’s single-gender education programs think the optional classes have improved their performance and attitude, according to a new survey.
About 7,000 students participated in the annual survey, released last week, along with parents and teachers. Many of the adults who responded reported that they saw increases in students’ self-confidence, classroom participation, and motivation.
Nearly 125 South Carolina public schools offer boys-only and girls-only classes. That is the highest number in the nation, but it is down from a high of 215 schools two years ago. State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, who will be leaving that post at the end of the year, said budget cuts are causing more schools to cut the option despite its popularity.
