Equity from a Sex Fairness Perspective. Research and Development Series No. 214F.

Overview & Synopsis

Legal provisions for sex equity are found in Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Although occupational opportunities for women expanded beyond the traditionally sex-segregated occupations during the World War II era, in the seventies legislators decided to require further changes. State vocational education sex equity coordinators have been challenged to accomplish their federally regulated tasks within the conservative confines of state educational agencies. They have worked to develop a multi-dimensional definition of sex equity, technical assistance systems, philosophies regarding sex equity's importance in vocational education, and support networks. Needs assessments have been conducted to identify groups without full access to vocational education. Variables contributing to a sex-equitable teaching-learning system with vocational education as a student option include general education system commitment, vocational educator's concepts of equity, role of counselors in career decision making, and attitudes of business, community, and students. Strategies coordinators have found successful include incentive grants, inservice education, career education, and materials development. Local education agencies are recommended to accent and reward sex equitable actions, and accentuate sex equity in all areas of the vocational education delivery system. (YLB)