The U.S. Department of Education is giving school districts more options in the classroom.

A proposed amendment to Title IX would expand flexibility in providing same-sex classrooms in elementary and secondary public schools.

Ken Marcus of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights said such an amendment provides more flexibility for educators and more choices for parents.

Regulations for Title IX prohibit discrimination based on gender. Title IX also is known for requiring gender equality in school sports.

“The proposed regulations would make it easier to provide same-sex classes as long as they are treating girls and boys equally,” Marcus said.

Mary Hawley, DeKalb High School assistant principal for Curriculum and Instruction, said the school doesn’t offer single-gender courses.

“As at most high schools, a few specialized classes do see higher enrollment of boys or girls,” Hawley said. “For example, our engine mechanics class generally attracts more boys, while our child-care programs attract more girls.”

Supporters of same-sex education think it improves students’ academic outcomes. There are many reasons why some support same-sex education.

“There are proponents of single-gender schooling who argue that schools for girls allow young women to reach higher levels of achievement in mathematics and science,” Hawley said. “In general, their support for single-gender schooling is rooted in the belief that young women are more likely to feel empowered in classrooms where they are not competing with young men for attention of teachers and access to equipment or facilities.”

Supporters think girls can assume greater leadership roles when boys aren’t present, and boys can develop greater focus when girls aren’t present, Marcus said.

If a public school decides to add same-gender classes, parents would have the option of enrolling their children.

“The classes would have to be voluntary,” Marcus said.

Hawley said DeKalb High School doesn’t plan to add same-sex classes.

“I would have concerns about offering single-gender courses at DeKalb High School, being a public school,” Hawley said. “I hope that we are providing an education climate in which all students feel able to reach their fullest potential.”

Some officials think education should adapt to students’ needs.

“The main point is that education is not one size fits all; parents should have a right to make choices,” Marcus said.