HLS 10RS-943 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2010
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 81
BY REPRESENTATIVE HARDY
SCHOOLS: Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study the
advantages and disadvantages of requiring certain schools to provide single-gender
classes for students
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To urge and request the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study the2
advantages and disadvantages of requiring low-performing public schools to offer3
single-gender classes for students and to report its findings and recommendations to4
the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education prior5
to the 2011 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.6
WHEREAS, the National Association for Single Sex Public Education reports that7
as of February 2010, there are over five hundred public schools in the United States offering8
single-sex educational opportunities; and9
WHEREAS, in Louisiana, several public schools have begun offering single-gender10
classes in attempts to enhance learning opportunities for students; and11
WHEREAS, according to research, the cognitive, behavioral, or social development12
of boys and girls is so diverse that separating the genders in an educational setting allows13
for more accommodating instruction; and14
WHEREAS, experts assert that single-gender classes have resulted in a decrease in15
student disruptions and behavioral distractions, and teachers are finding that such classes are16
easier to manage and control; and17
WHEREAS, in schools where single-gender classes are offered, school officials have18
found that in such settings, boys and girls are more free to explore their own interests and19 HLS 10RS-943 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 81
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abilities, hormonal distractions and peer pressure are reduced, grade point averages improve,1
and there are fewer classroom problems and more focus on academic performance; and2
WHEREAS, because boys and girls are so diverse, offering single-gender classes can3
provide such students with unique educational opportunities that address such diversities and4
help them develop to their full potential; and5
WHEREAS, school leaders throughout the state and nation are experimenting with6
these types of classes as a way to save failing and struggling public schools and students in7
hopes that such students will be able to focus and engage more effectively when separated8
from the other gender; and9
WHEREAS, low-performing schools need proven strategies to help improve the10
educational atmosphere and students' attitudes toward learning and to create successful11
expectations for students; implementing single-gender classes can help toward improving12
a school's efficiency and effectiveness in teaching all students to learn, producing successful13
outcomes, and broadening educational opportunities for students; and14
WHEREAS, overall, leaders predict that all schools, especially low-performing15
schools, may benefit from single-gender classes.16
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby17
urge and request the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study the18
advantages and disadvantages of requiring low-performing public schools to offer single-19
gender classes for students and to submit a written report of its findings and20
recommendations to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on21
Education prior to the 2011 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.22
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting such study the board shall23
consider such factors as proper training for teachers, adequate preparation for students and24
faculty, educational outreach to parents, best practices in single-gender education strategies,25
and applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations. 26
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted27
to the president of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state28
superintendent of education.29 HLS 10RS-943 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 81
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Hardy HCR No. 81
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study the advantages
and disadvantages of requiring low-performing public schools to offer single-gender classes
for students and to report its findings and recommendations to the House and Senate
education committees prior to the 2011 R.S.