Gender Equity: Still Knocking at the Classroom Door

David Sadker

Educational Leadership, Vol 56 April 1999

The article address the underlying gender inequality that occurs in the classroom. The author asks vital questions. Is gender equity still a problem? Is it more "political correctness" than educational effectiveness? The article shines light on the fact the classroom maybe full of gender biases from a male and female standpoint. In addition, Sadker acknowledges that most teachers do not have an understanding or clear picture of what gender inequality looks like in the classroom.

I thought the article was very intriguing. I strongly agree with the claim that Sadker makes about the false sense of gender equality. Yes women have come along way, but we still face an up hill battle with gender inequality. Until women are offered high level positions, make the same amount of money as men, and truly treated equality we still have a battle. It has prompted me to look in my own classroom for unintentional gender biases. After reading the article I was able to reflect on my own teaching strategies and pinpoint where I could be unfair to my students based on their gender. It is important to reflect to make sure to make an effort to be as fair as possible whether it be based on race, class, or gender.