Single-gender classes improving achievement
Perhaps acknowledging the differing learning styles of boys and girls, South Carolina is dividing the genders in classes at 70 of its schools, according to this AP story published by Teacher Magazine. LAUSD Superintendent David Brewer has mentioned the idea as one strategy that could show up in his reform package.
Here's an interesting tidbit...
[R]esearch shows boys don't hear as well as girls, so teachers of all-boys classes often use microphones. And because boys' attention spans tend to wander, incorporating movement in a lesson, like throwing a ball to a student when he's chosen to answer a question, can keep them focused.