Listen, Can You HearTheir Voices?: Analysis of the Representation of Women in the St. James (Minnesota) High School Curriculum

Presenter Information

Sharon Dexheimer, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 204

Start Date

24-4-2007 10:30 AM

End Date

24-4-2007 12:30 PM

Student's Major

Gender and Women's Studies

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Jocelyn Fenton Stitt

Mentor's Department

Gender and Women's Studies

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

Current state legislation does not specifically mandate the teaching of women's history in high school curriculum. The Minnesota Department of Education allows for each school district to develop its own curriculum and thus the standards are written at a more general level. To discern student awareness of the representation of women, 9-12 graders at St. James High School were asked about famous women in five areas: sports, history, arts, science/math and literature. The students were also asked about their interests in the same five areas as elective course offerings. Teachers of grades 9-12 were asked about current curriculum and the inclusion of women's contributions. Teachers were also asked about their interest in teaching the same five courses listed on the student survey. Additionally, an interview was conducted with the high school principal who is responsible for curriculum development. This study's research indicated there is an interest, both by students and staff, to supplement or develop new materials to increase the representation of women in the present high school curriculum.