Students learn divided by gender

GARRETT, Ind., (WANE) --- - Going to school with peers the same age is the norm, but what about learning with only members of your same gender? That's what dozens of students at Garrett Middle School are getting used to now thanks to a pilot program that separates eight grade language arts classes by sex.

Teachers Canden Dunn and Bob Lapadot took on the challenge of the gender based classes at the beginning of the school year. Together, they each teach three classes of all boys or all girls.

Just nine weeks into the program, both are seeing firsthand how different the learning styles can be.

"The boys have to get up and if I can make a change in my lessons to incorporate that in somehow, I'm willing to do that," said Dunn.

To adapt her classes, Dunn uses more activities and competitions to capture and keep the attention of her male students. She says the goal is a more active approach to learning that boys tend to prefer.

Next door, Lapadot's all female class follows a much different format. The atmosphere is more relaxed and subdued. Lapadot says the focus is geared toward multi-tasking and classroom discussion.

"It gives them a good chance to ask questions and make their own connections so they get a better idea of what they're reading," Lapadot told NewsChannel 15. "Just their ability to concentrate. The boys need different things."

Students seem to be on board with the divided class plan. A survey found only 25 percent didn't like the format. Others are learning to get used to it.

"We get to do different things that are more geared toward girls and it's a lot of fun," said eighth grader Sydney Robbins.

"We don't try and like be cool around the girls, just be ourselves," added classmate Karsten Cooper. "I think that it makes it easier for us to learn and have more fun."

The teachers are seeing benefits that far outweigh any negatives, like keeping boyfriends away from their girlfriends for one class period. There's been a big improvement in attitudes and academics. Lapadot points out the need for discipline is also down.

He says, "This definitely gives them the opportunity because it eliminates so many barriers, and so many things they've been afraid to do because of having the other gender in their classes."

Garrett Middle School Principal Linda DePew says the response from parents and other school officials has been wonderful.

"All of the feedback we've gotten so far is very positive. Questions have been asked, are we going to expand it, and that's what we're hoping to do," said DePew.

DePew says the school would like to expand the gender based classes into other grades and extend it to other subjects like math.

Huntington Middle School and Wawasee Middle School in Syracuse also have extensive gender based class programs currently operating.