Science Education

Much debate has surrounded the topic of science education as of late, mostly when examining how gender affects education and subsequently overall professional life trajectory. The argument centers around whether or not girls are given as much attention and motivation as boys when partaking in science education as well as math courses.  Traditionally, young girls were steered more towards administrative and clerical roles, while boys were prepared for skilled and managerial roles.  Subsequently, there was an historical gap in how well prepared each gender was in terms of math and science education beyond that of a brief cursory glance at basic arithmetic and science. However, as culture, marketplace and gender attitudes continue to evolve, some feel that these delineating lines still exist in our educational system but take on a more subversive, covert nature. 

The old school of pedagogical thought seemed to focus more heavily on the humanities for girls( i.e., reading, writing, social studies) while concentrating on the hard sciences for boys. This argument calls into question gender roles in educational institutions as well as in the professional sector, and therefore the greater community. Some purport that steering girls more towards science education will fill this gap and provide the future economy a greater pool of skilled candidates to choose from, comprised of both men and women. Conversely, however, others feel that this only perpetuates gender discrimination in education and will only serve to worsen the problem. 

Charter schools as well as those in the public sector are taking different steps to remedy this problem and better prepare the next generation of girls for the skilled technological jobs that the global marketplace increasingly demands.  For example, young girls are being encouraged to incorporate more science education into their overall curriculum in the hope of fostering an appreciation for math and science centered topics while dismantling a gender stereotype.  Conversely, boys are becoming better versed in the humanities and encouraged to become teachers, writers and playwrights.