Gender Equity in the Schools: Principles and Practices for School Psychologists

Chittooran, M.M. (Mary)
Saint Louis University, 319 Hunters Spur, 63040, Wildwood

 

Submission type

Oral only

Scheduled

Room 117, 11-07-2019, 13:30 - 15:00

Keywords

Gender Equity; Girls Education; Empowering Girls

Summary

Gender equity in the schools translates to fairness of treatment for all students, regardless of gender, age, social class, ethnic background, and disability status. Gender equity ensures that both male and female students receive the support they need to feel respected and challenged and to achieve school success. Research shows that male and female students experience significant differences favoring males, when it comes to class participation, teacher interactions, classroom functioning, test performance, and ultimately, the careers they choose and the lives they lead.

The purpose of this paper is to a) provide an overview of and rationale for addressing gender equity in the schools, b) outline key principles of gender equity, c) describe how gender inequities manifest in the classroom, and d) offer strategies to promote gender equity in school settings. These may include changes in attitudes and beliefs, pedagogy, classroom management, curriculum planning and implementation, assessment, and vocational development.  School psychologists, in collaboration with other school professionals, can work towards gender equity in the schools with a view to empowering all students, changing the trajectory of student outcomes, and ultimately, allowing both male and female students to reach their highest potential in the classroom and beyond.

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