The Gender Bias in Education: A Perspective from a Former Teacher

Is there gender bias in education, particularly in grading? This is a question that often lingers in the minds of educators and parents alike. In discussing this topic with a female friend who is a teacher, I was intrigued to learn about her approach of grading girls more generously as a way of empowering women. However, the question remains: do other teachers make similar accommodations?

From My Experience

I was aware of a male student who, at 16, was deemed a "case" of schizophrenia. Despite my advice to pursue golf training, he was medicated and eventually dropped out of high school. By the time he was 36, he was living in his mother’s basement. It was a stark reminder of just how the educational system can affect a young man's life trajectory.

Being on the spectrum, I associated with students who were ‘adept’ and had the opportunity to build lasers on vibration tables in 1972 or tutor calculus as juniors. These were not the norm, and yet, they provided a glimpse into the opportunities that were often denied to less conventional students. This experience has made me deeply aware of the challenges faced by all students, including those who do not fit the traditional mold.

Challenges Faced by Male Students

The narrative from my own experience suggests a trend of male students being sidelined or medicated to fit the mold of conventional success. This raises questions about the fairness and equity in education. If we consider that male students are often labeled "troublesome" or "disposable," it becomes clear that there is a systemic issue at play.

One of my students, a bright young man with dreams of becoming an office holder in the federal government, was denied the opportunities he needed to realize his potential. His parents, in their misguided efforts to conform to societal norms, did not challenge the pronouncements of "authority." Instead, they supported a life of dependence, rather than empowering their son to pursue his dreams.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Gender Bias

While it is commendable that some teachers prefer to grade girls more generously as a way to empower them, this approach carries its own set of challenges. Tests are often poor at assessing true learning, and grading high and openly favoring girls can create an unfair advantage. In some cases, it might be more beneficial to work towards a more even-handed structural compensation for the harms of patriarchy.

Structural changes, such as more standardized assessments that are designed to be fair and unbiased, could help level the playing field. However, in the absence of such reforms, it is crucial for teachers to work piecemeal to address the injustices within the system. It's essential to recognize that the schools are often complicit in committing these injustices on a wide scale.

Conclusion: A Call for Even-handed Assessment

Education should strive to be fair and equitable for all students, regardless of gender. While I agree that female teachers like my friend are ahead of the game by grading more generously, we must recognize that this is not a sustainable long-term solution. It is time for structural changes that ensure all students are assessed fairly, with methods that truly reflect their learning and abilities.

The future of education depends on our ability to address and dismantle gender bias. It is not enough to rely on individual teachers to navigate these challenges; systemic change is necessary. Only then can we truly empower all students, regardless of gender, to reach their full potential.