Girls tend to come to the classroom with less exposure to computers and believe that they are less adept at using technology. Further, only 17 percent of Advanced Placement test takers in computer science are girls. Congress could dismantle the virtual ceiling now before it becomes a real-life barrier to girls' futures with the inclusion of provisions within the ESEA that compensate for different learning styles and different exposures to technology for girls. Provisions could also be incorporated within the ESEA that will help make schools safer by reducing the incidence of sexual harassment and abuse. Four out of five students report that they have been the target of sexual harassment during their school lives.
Sexual harassment can cause academic problems for girls.
Research shows that girls who are sexually harassed pay less attention in class or don't want to attend school. It is only through voter education and raising the awareness of women on the importance of critical issues that will have a lasting affect on them and their communities that we will be able to promote public policy based on gender fairness, equity, and diversity in 2000 and beyond.