Sexism in education : reality and response

This discussion of sexist practices in classrooms throughout the country focuses on the concept of performance-based teacher education as one approach to the elimination of sex bias. Research indicates that female students undergo a loss of acadgaic ability and sense of self-esteem as they progress through school. Male students also respond to sexist practices in education. This paper identifies and delineates competencies to be included in programs of teacher education in an effort to eliminate classroom bias. Suggested cogpetencies fall into four categories: (1) awareness, (2) clarification, (3) classroom behaviors, and (4) professional and societal behaviors. Competencies must be designed to confront and eliminate such debilitating practices as sex bias or they will not be worth the modules into which they are incorporated.