Title

1993-94 Calculus-Based Physics/Mechanics Study: Statement

Authors

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

1994

Abstract

In February 1994, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) was featured in USA Weekend and on NBC-TV's Dateline in reports on gender equity in education. The reports centered on the work of David and Myra Sadker, professors of education at American University. The Sadkers' new book, Failing at Fairness: How America's Schools Cheat Girls, was published in February

The February 4-6 USA Weekend, the nationwide weekend newspaper insert, cited IMSA in a cover story by the Sadkers. Three IMSA students were pictured on the cover. The Dateline report by anchorwoman Jane Pauley aired February 8.

Both reports featured IMSA's calculus-based physics/mechanics course, one section of which was all girls for the fall semester of the 1993-94 school year. The all-girls section was part of the first phase of a year-long study designed to learn more about how student-teacher, student-student, and student-content interaction influence learning. Three coed sections of the same course also were offered. Girls had the option of enrolling in the single-gender section or a coed section. Thirteen girls enrolled in the single-gender section first semester, and a total of 11 enrolled in the coed sections. Course content, expectations and exams were the same for all sections. However, by design the learning environment in the all-girls section was different.

Recommended Citation

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, "1993-94 Calculus-Based Physics/Mechanics Study: Statement" (1994). Documents. 8.
https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/docs_1990_2000/8