If The Intent is Meant for Good, Take The Risk

As an avid reader of educational

practices, I came across countless

studies in which single- gender settings

propelled academic achievement. While

the research proved this true, many school

systems, schools, and Principals were

reluctant to take the calculated risk.

Throughout your career as a Principal,

some risks have to be taken, if the

intent is meant for good. Confession- 5

I decided to take the risk as it

related to single-gender classes. My

supervisor told me that this could mean

continued tenure as a Principal or open

the opportunity for a quick demotion.

I reviewed the research, set my

team in place and implemented single

gender in 5th grade. One Girl’s Class,

One Boy’s Class, and One Mixed Gender

Class. I consulted the teachers and only

asked them to do their best.

At the conclusion of the school

year, the all girls class scored 100%

proficiency in Reading, English Language

Arts, and 92% in Mathematics. The

all boys class, 96% Reading, English

Language Arts, and 88% in Mathematics.

Both groups out scored the mixed group

by over 15%.

Remember, at this point in your

career, nobody wants to be wrong and/

or to blame. You will have supervisors

who can guide you, but remember they

have to protect their jobs as well. So

when you have the gut feeling, and your

intent is of good, go ahead and take the

risk.

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