Single-gender programs earn high praise

Mary Bramlett Elementary fifth grade teachers Erik Gerstenacker and Tracy Jones are shown with principal Audrey McClary. The school was recognized as a model single-gender education program in South Carolina. Ewing Middle School and Mary Bramlett Elementary were recognized by the state Thursday for creating successful single-gender education programs.

The two county schools are among 11 statewide to receive state awards for single-gender education programs.

The two schools submitted written applications to the state several months ago. They received visits from state educators during which interviews were done with parents, students and teachers on the effectiveness of instruction in single-gender classes.

Mary Bramlett Elementary started its single-gender program in 2007 with one class of boys and one of girls. Fifth grade teachers Erik Gerstenacker, a former U.S. Marine, and Tracy Jones have taught the classes this year.

Mary Bramlett Elementary Principal Audrey McClary indicated the school will look at offering single-gender classes in other grades next school year.

"The teachers have been able to design their instruction around the individual student and the different ways in which boys and girls learn," McClary said. "The behavior is so much better. Students aren't as concerned about who has the best clothes and tennis shoes and other social issues. They are taking more pride all around in their academics."

About 90 schools statewide currently offer all-boys and all-girls classes as part of efforts to improve student achievement. An additional 100 schools in South Carolina plan to start single-gender classes next school year.

Ewing Middle turned to single-gender education in October of 2006 following a summer study around the book, "Failure is Not An Option." School administrators and teachers decided to offer boys-only and girls-only classes for students who had done poorly on the state Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test.

These students have taken extended English and math classes.

Parents have noted students in single-gender classes who were getting Ds and Fs are now on the A & B honor rolls.

"All the credit should go to the teachers," Ewing Middle Principal Dr. Denise Wooten said. "Our teachers have done an outstanding job of working with these students."