Title IX Essay -- Physical Education

In recent years, there has been a passionate debate that has gained considerable attention between same-sex physical education classes and coeducational physical education classes. Coeducation physical education classes were executed in an attempt to meet and sustain the requirements of Title IX. Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972, prohibits discrimination, exclusion of participating in, or receiving benefits of any academic program or activity, based on sex, in an educational institution receiving federal financial funds. Title IX provides integration of males and females in physical education classes; however, unfortunately, it does not guarantee equal treatment. Derry and Phillips (2004) stated in their study entitled, â€Å"Comparisons of Selected Student and Teacher Variables in All-Girl and Coeducational Physical Education Environments† that â€Å"physical education is the learning environment provided for youth in the United States to become successful in motor movement, skills, and game play†. Recent research has leading evidence to support that during coeducational academic classes and physical education classes, girls receive significantly less amounts of attention, feedback, participation opportunities and support and encouragement. Physical education classes should offer development of high levels of competence and self-esteem through a variety of physical activities, games and sports. However, research implies that coeducational physical education classes may not provide the optimal environment needed for learning certain specific skills. Furthermore, research also suggests that this environment in coeducational p hysical education classes’ changes due to one’s perception based on different developmental periods in t... ...gs. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 24(2), 149. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text database. Derry, J., & Phillips, D. (2004). Comparisons of Selected Student and Teacher Variables in All- Girls and Coeducational Physical Education Environments. Physical Educator, 61(1), 23- 34. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text database. Treanor, L., Graber, K., Housner, L., & Wiegand, R. (1998). Middle school students' perceptions of coeducational and same-sex physical education classes. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 18(1), 43-56. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text database. Derry, Julie A. (2002). Single-Sex and Coeducation Physical Education: Perspectives of Adolescent Girls and Female Physical Education Teachers - Research. Melpomene Journal, Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0LJP/is_3_21/ai_94771954/