A study to determine that if by establishing an equity awareness baseline that programs and activities can be identified to reduce levels of gender bias at the Westampton Township Middle School

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a gender bias-free environment for students at the Westampton Township Middle School utilizing an action research survey model in order to establish a staff and student equity awareness baseline. Using this baseline, resources will be identified and committed to programs and activities to address and reduce levels of identified gender bias. To establish the baseline, surveys were developed. One survey was developed for staff and another for students. Thirty-nine of forty-two teachers participated in the staff survey. Three hundred out of three hundred and six 6th, 7th and 8th grade students participated in the student survey. Additionally, selected teachers and students were also interviewed. An analysis of teacher and student responses was done by using a Paired t Test to determine if there was any correlation between the responses. Further analysis revealed that a substantial number of both teachers and students perceived that gender bias does occur. The percentage of students for this perception was significantly higher then the perception of teachers. The baseline information gathered was utilized to report recommendations to commit potential resources and programs to foster gender bias awareness