Although single-sex schools have been around for a very long time, the US Department of Education did not formally determine their legality until 2006. Since then, they have continually grown in popularity. In this revised and expanded second edition, 11 veteran educators continue the debate on both the efficacy and the value of single-sex education. Beyond the statistical data from Africa and the US, the authors offer case studies, student interviews, and well-aimed comments on the evidence of effectiveness on student achievement. Contributors consider topics from the early history of single-sex classes in the US to current findings and their implications in the final chapters; from religious, social, and cultural contexts for gender segregation to the legal questions and cases that have dogged this topic; and from a careful examination of the cognitive and developmental differences in genders to issues of bullying and category-specific behavioral problems. Spielhagen has done an admirable job of compiling an array of articulate and interesting voices. The ten surprising conclusions in chapter 14, plus the recommendations offered there, are worth the price of the book and are must reads on this topic. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers, upper-division undergraduate students, and above.

Choice Reviews

Military academies, Catholic schools, and fancy prep schools have all successfully run single-sex schools: So why not public schools too? This valuable book explores fully and richly the issues, methods, and effects on kids of going to school with their own gender—and how it works. Valuable stuff!!

Bruce S. Cooper, PhD, emeritus professor and vice chair, Division of Administration, Policy and Urban Education, Fordham University

Here is a book that offers a necessary and objective assessment of an approach that is gaining increased interest among parents and educators nationwide. Free of ideology, it cautiously adds to the knowledge base of what single-sex classes potentially can offer girls and boys while raising questions that need to be further explored.

Rosemary Salomone, Kenneth Wang Professor of Law, St. John's University, author of Same, Different, Equal: Rethinking,Single-Sex Schooling

This excellent edited volume is a must-have resource for any educator interested in single-sex classes and education. This focused, balanced book is a must-read comprehensive introduction to the nuances, complexities and successes of single-sex classes!

Sally M. Reis Ph.D, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Administration; Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor; University Teaching Fellow, University of Connecticut