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Federal law prohibits sex discrimination in schools, yet inequities remain. For examples, teachers often treat boys and girls differently when it is not appropriate to do so. Other issues include limiting access or dissuading girls from participating in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses, over-representation of boys in disciplinary actions, and the impact of stereotyping on access and inclusion. Frances Guzmán, M.Ed., an IDRA education associate, discusses where gender inequities tend to show up in classrooms and how educators can make changes to ensure equity for girls and boys. Frances is interviewed by Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed., director of the IDRA Texas Parent Information and Resource Center.

Which research-based strategies curb negative trends now facing boys?

"Language plays a central role in the way human beings behave and think. The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is concerned about the critical role language plays in promoting fair treatment of women and girls, men and boys. Through careful selection of gender-fair language, NCTE members have the opportunity to influence thought and behavior both directly and indirectly. These guidelines offer suggestions for language use that will open rather than close possibilities and that speakers and writers should consider when engaged in communication activities that include: writing papers and publications preparing handouts and materials designing and delivering oral presentations speaking with students, parents, and community members working with students developing curriculum selecting texts and media exploring language use in classrooms serving on local, regional, and national committees "

Despite inroads made toward improving gender equality, children continue to be socially and academically disadvantaged due to gender inequality. This month, a special online edition of Our Children is calling attention to the ways attitudes toward gender may negatively affect girls and boys, and how schools and parents can ensure that all children reach their full potential.

Girls in science and other STEM subjects - technology, engineering, and mathematics - are underrepresented compared to boys despite the progress made in the 40 years since Title IX was signed into law.

New studies find that female students are performing better in school than their male counterparts. Are the boys falling behind, or are the girls just excelling? What is causing the trend? Host Patty Satalia and a group of experts discuss these questions.

"Should boys and girls be taught separately? Does single-sex education boost academic success? Read the arguments for and against."

I EXercise My Rights is a public service, informational campaign designed to educate the public about Title IX. Simply stated: Title IX is a law passed in 1972 that requires gender equity for boys and girls in every educational program that receives federal funding. Many people have never heard of Title IX. Most people who know about Title IX think it applies only to sports, but athletics is only one of 10 key areas addressed by the law. These areas are: Access to Higher Education, Career Education, Education for Pregnant and Parenting Students, Employment, Learning Environment, Math and Science, Sexual Harassment, Standardized Testing and Technology. Since Title IX was passed 35 years ago, it has been the subject of over 20 proposed amendments, reviews, Supreme Court cases and other political actions. That's why we call it a living, breathing law. It is puzzling why there have been so many attempts to change Title IX since the intent of the law (gender equity) has not been met. Thousands of schools across the country are not in compliance with the law. This website explains the regulations in easy-to-understand language and uses real case studies as examples. In addition, it provides ways to find out about Title IX in your local community, links to many governmental and educational organizations for more detailed information and an easy-to-use e-mail system whereby you can contact the Secretary of Education in Washington, D.C. about Title IX.

"The American Civil Liberties Union recently began sending out "cease and desist" letters to individual schools and districts to halt single-sex programs that the legal advocacy group suggests may violate federal and state laws."