Recommendations for the Implementation of Title IX at Charleston High School

On June 23, 1972, the Congress passed Title IX of the Education Amendments. Under Title IX No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . . This law affects virtually every institution of education in the country. Elementary schools should be in compliance with Title IX this year, 1977. Secondary schools have until July 21, 1978, to fully comply. Many administrators and teachers are reluctant to implement Title IX into their curriculum. Changes which undermine deep seated values, philosophies and related practices, are not easily switched. This may be a fear of a new situation or refusal to admit that there have been discriminatory practices. The problems in the enactment of Title IX are many and varied. It means re-scheduling boys\u27 and girls\u27 physical education classes for coeducational activities. Evaluation standards must be restructured if a standard is used that results in excessive hardship for one sex. Sex designations are to be removed from budgets and activity areas. Teacher roles may have to be changed so that implementation of Title IX progresses smoothly. Classes should be scheduled on a coeducational basis and should comply with grouping and evaluative criteria stipulated by Title IX. Definite policies for attendance taking, supplies and uniforms required, locker assignments and locks, class time allotment, showering procedures, excuses from physical education, and student conduct should apply to both sexes. The curriculum at the Freshman and Sophomore level should consist mostly of team sports and vigorous physical activities as characteristics of this age level indicate a need for varied and group activities. The activities at the Junior and Senior level should emphasize sports that can be carried over into later life (life time sports)