Failing at Fairness: How American Schools Cheat Girls

copyright 1994 by Myra Sadker and David Sadker
Publisher: Touchstone, New York, NY

CD Book Group Gives Two Thumbs Up to Failing at Fairness

by M. June Thompson

Failing at Fairness: How American Schools Cheat Girls eloquently describes the results of years of research into sexism in schools. The study began as an examination of gender bias in textbooks, and evolved into a decade of painstaking classroom observation uncovering a "hidden curriculum" in classroom interaction. Authors Myra and David Sadker present a compelling tale of gender bias in education at all levels.

Taken at face value, the book more than proves the point of the subtitle: our schools cheat girls out of an education equal to that received by boys. The authors do an excellent job of pointing out some of the more subtle ways of favoring boys over girls. However, so many descriptions of incidents of sexism -- blatant, subtle, by old teachers, young teachers, male teachers, female teachers, and even by one of the Sadkers' own "trained" researchers -- are included that it can seem like overkill at times. In addition, the wealth of statistics can be overwhelming, and yes, even slightly depressing.

One of the more horrifying aspects of Failing at Fairness is the discussion about standardized tests, their historical deliberate design as culturally biased for exclusionary purposes, and the dive in the scores received by girls as they progress through their education. Current standardized test administrators claim to be more sensitive to cultural prejudices in today's tests, although minority students still score less than white students (at least on the SAT). Also, the book states quite plainly, "Regardless of ethnic or racial background, all American girls share a common bond: a gender gap in test performance that leaves them behind the boys." The prevailing opinion of the discussion group is that the tests are still exclusionary; they are not measuring achievement, but are rather reflecting the way students are taught.

The authors also spend one chapter discussing "The Miseducation of Boys," and describe gender bias as a double-edged sword. Boys are taught to be aggressive and competitive. In society today, however, males who exhibit both tender and tough qualities are perceived as more intelligent. The educational system is failing to adequately prepare boys for modern life, as well as cheating girls.

The book leaves the reader with the feeling, "What can we do about it?" Re-training teachers may help those who are unaware of how they are discriminating in the classroom, but not those who don't care. The authors discuss the positive impact parents can have on their children and schools by actively participating and working with teachers. Traditional American culture places a heavy burden on teachers, not just to educate our students, but also to be ever vigilant against bias in the classroom.

4.5 stars out of 5.