Is there sex bias in your classroom?  Answer these questions:
 

Is interaction similar with females and males with regard to:

•      the frequency with which they are called on
•      the frequency with which they are praised
•      the kinds of behaviors for which they are praised
•      the kinds of behaviors for which they are punished
•      the kinds of disciplinary measures used

Is language free of sex bias with regard to:

•      use of masculine terminology to refer to all people
•      use or acceptance of derogatory terminology to refer to members of one sex (ex. "chicks")
•      word order which consistently places males first (he or she, boys and girls, etc)

Is nonverbal interaction with boys and girls similar with regard to:

•      maintaining eye contact with them
•      maintaining close proximity with them
•      smiling (or other positive nonverbal behavior) at them

Are females and males treated the same with regard to:

•      standards of dress and appearance
•      the application of classroom rules and privileges

*If you answered 'no' to five or more of these questions, it is possible that the classroom has a problem with gender inequity.

What you can do to solve this problem