State of Boys in Southeast Washington, DC

3 times more elementary school boys are suspended than girls.

2 times more boys are in special education than girls.

76% of elementary school boys do not read on grade level.

84% of elementary school boys do not compute on grade level.

Boys and young men attending public school in Washington, DC's Wards 7 and 8 are in the midst of an educational crisis. An uncommon public school designed to support a boy's unique learning needs ensures that he can compete, achieve, and contribute in the college of his choice. Septima Clark Public Charter School is that uncommon school.

The Benefits of Boys Education

Does single-sex education work for boys?

You will occasionally hear people claim that single sex education is “good for girls, but not for boys.” In fact, recent research has demonstrated that single gender classrooms benefit boys—particularly for subjects such as reading, writing, art, and music. Single-gender education is a significant factor in establishing a school culture that raises achievement.

Other benefits for boys include:

• Increased interest in school and learning.
• Significantly fewer fights, bullying, and suspensions.
• More interest in foreign languages, art, drama, and music.
• Positive relationships with teachers and peers.
• Dramatic improvement on standardized test scores.

The academic challenges facing boys in Southeast Washington, DC are significant. Septima Clark PCS is a crucial option for parents seeking a better educational opportunity for their sons. A single sex school, organized around the best educational practices of high performing urban charter schools in the country, is a vital step to transform the legacy of systemic educational failure for African American boys. Failure to provide a superb education for those who most need it continues to devastate and oppress families and communities.
 

Resources and Links 

Since 2004 interest in boys' education has surged in the United States.  Below are some domestic and international links to resources and information about boys' education.  If other resources are available, please send them along to info@scpcs.org.

• National Association for Single Sex Public Education www.nasspe.org for more information on single sex education.
• Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color www.coseboc.org. 
• Australian Government Boys's Education Lighthouse Schools website is an excellent resource for classroom practices http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/school_education/policy_initiatives_reviews/key_issues/boys_education/bels.htm

• South Carolina Department of Education Single-Gender Initiatives http://ed.sc.gov/sgi