The South Carolina Department of Education released a report Tuesday, which summarized the results of surveys given to students, parents and teachers participating in single sex public education.
According to the annual report,
Roughly 7,000 students, 1,120 parents, and 760 teachers from 119 different elementary, middle, and high schools around the state completed the surveys. Some of these schools started with single-gender classes in August 2009, while others have had greater experience with them.
Reuters reports the state has the highest number of schools offering single sex classes in the nation.
The surveys asked questions regarding students' self-confidence, participation in class and enjoyment of schoolwork.
Overall, results were positive toward the impact of single gender classes.
Some results from the report:
• 65 percent of students indicated that the classes increased their academic success and attitudes toward learning.
• 75 percent of students said that the classes improved their self-confidence.
• 80 percent of parents said that single sex classes were a factor in improving their childrens' performance in school.
Educators also felt that they saw improvements in the classroom because of single gender classes:
Teachers of female students gave "increase" answers at a higher percentage level (response averages ranging from 84 to 97 percent) than teachers of males averages ranging from 71 to 89 percent).