All-girls and all-boys schools are nothing new, but two south Florida Senators are proposing gender-separate classes at public elementary schools.
State Representative Manny Diaz Jr. (R-Hialeah) and Senator Anitere Flores (R- Miami-Dade) have proposed legislation that would give incentives to school districts that designate one elementary school as a "Gender-Specific School."
HB-313 states that school would have grade-level boys' classes and grade-level girls' classes in core subject areas.
However, those students would be allowed together for other activities, such as lunch and recess.
In a statement released to Local 6, Representative Diaz said: "All of our students learn differently, we want to encourage diverse educational settings and options for all of our students and parents across Florida."
"This bill will provide students the opportunity to be educated in an atmosphere that will facilitate learning and best fit their educational needs" said Senator Flores. "As a supporter of parental choice, as well as a product of gender specific education, I know how valuable this experience can be for students."
If approved, the law would be effective as of July 1, 2014.