Unless they carefully prepare for paid work, they are more likely than males to be limited to low-paying jobs that provide little opportunity for advancement, or they are more likely to be poor and dependent on social service programs. They are likely to share responsibilities in the home for meals, household management, and caring for children. Sharing work inside and outside the home offers males the opportunity to assume greater career risks, to work in areas that once were stereotyped as appropriate only for females, to enjoy children, to share economic responsibilities, and to develop a partnership with a spouse. Female and male students should investigate a wide range of opportunities available and should prepare for careers. It is their right to receive fair consideration and treatment in school and in employment.
School administrators can promote equity in several ways.
Develop policies, procedures, and guidelines that specifically plan for equity. Establish objectives, activities, and a timeline for activities that increase nontraditional enrollments and staffing patterns. Analyze enrollment and staffing data for gender and by course to identify trends and possible intervention points. Provide inservice programs on equity issues for all staff. Offer bias-free classroom technique suggestions in teacher evaluations, especially in courses where enrollments are predominantly male or female.