By Michael Benjamin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wrvo/local-wrvo-944699.mp3
Syracuse, NY – Dr. Leonard Sax is the founder and executive director of the National Association for Single Sex Public Education.
He says single sex schools can serve to reduce disciplinary problems and improve grades, because there are different ways of teaching boys and girls.
That's not to say either sex learns better - or differently - than the other.
"There is not a cognitive difference between boys and girls," says Dr. Sax, "there's a motivational difference. What boys and girls want to do differs, but their ability to do it does not differ."
Sax says single sex systems work best when teachers are trained in how best to motivate boys and girls to learn.
As Syracuse considers whether or not to allow single sex education, Dr. Sax says any plan to allow it should include a training plan for teachers.
Without teacher training, Dr. Sax says the results of switching to a single sex system can be disastrous.