Non-Fiction Reading Response: Upfront Magazine Article

The debate "Should Boys and Girls Be Taught Separately?" there are two sides to the issue. One being 'yes', single-sex education is effective, and the other being 'no', single-sex education is not effective. Both sides are based on research, surveys, and some bias. The debate was based on there being 400 co-ed public schools already offering single-sex education.

The 'yes side' is on how there are developmental differences in boys and girls, and how that can affect how they learn. So the way their brain works can depend on their gender, and studies have shown that attitudes on subjects and participation change when they are in a single-sex class. Some parents have also seen the changes. They say there are benefits to being taught this way. The 'no side' is on how the developmental differences aren't based on gender, but on the students themselves, because every kid is different. It counters that theories and studies of boys and girls working better in single-sex education, haven't been proven with evidence. Although there are biological differences, there is no need to separate their classrooms or teaching styles.

I noticed that the whole 'yes side' was based on research that this professor found. She strongly believes that boys and girls working separately has benefitted and will benefit just as much if there were more schools that offered these classes. She believes that their gender will change what they like or dislike, and how they act or react in class or in life itself, I'm guessing. And then I noticed that practically the whole 'no side' was countering things that the 'yes side' would claim. It talked about how there is no difference between boys and girls, and the way they act, because in the end they're all kids with different personalities. And then they counter it with a source of their own.

In conclusion, I think the 'yes side' could use a little less research, and a little more elaboration, while the 'no side' could use a little less countering. I also wonder, if the debate had continued on, how would the 'yes side' rebuke all of the 'no side's counter arguments? And who would win? In my opinion, I think boys and girls don't have to be taught separately, because, well I get taught in a school with both genders, and I think we get along pretty well. I think education performance isn't based on gender, but more on how dedicated one is in their work. I believe dedication is possible in all students, no matter their sex.

Revised Reading Response

Q: How does this text address the points of view (perspectives) of other groups, especially those who usually don't get to tell their side?

The book Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos addresses perspectives of groups that usually don't get to tell their side, by showing the side of a young girl who was raised by parents that were illegal immigrants. It was a hard and difficult time for people like them. The book took place after 9/11 where being Muslim means being a suspected terrorist and dangerous.

In the book, her father was sent to jail, because he was accused of these things. For example, it said he was "being held in conjunction with an investigation of religious organizations that may be sponsoring illegal activities." (Budhos 131) This perspective shows what Muslims at this time have to go through. However Nadira (the young girl) stands up for her father when no one else could, because her family and close friends had all practically given up. Nadira wasn't ready to give up though. She used as much hidden brainpower she could gather up and freed her father. She of all people proved that he was never guilty, and that really shows how much an overlooked character can be worth in a story.

For years, their family had relied on Nadira's older sister to keep their family together. But after her father was sent away she finally starts breaking apart. She was losing all hope in everything, up to the point that she didn't believe anything she could do would work anymore, to get their rights back. Nadira was shocked, sad, and scared, because her sister never acted this way. But it had also made her become determined. She believed there was hope, and that's when we saw more on this young girl's point of view and how she had much more potential then people had let on. For example, she states, "For the first time I feel like I can run, fast." (Budhos 119) This shows how she changes from this fat girl in the background to this determined girl who wants to make change.

I think that the perspectives in this book are important to know about. I am glad that Marina addresses them in her book. Nadira is a relatable character and an inspiring one. I think that she is a great way to address these perspectives that do not usually get addressed.