An Uneven Playing Field?

1. Set Focus 
Pose this essential question: How do we create a more equal society? 

2. Read and Discuss 
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence: 

• What is Title IX? What effect did it have on girls’ participation in athletics? (Title IX is a federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools and colleges that receive federal funding. After Title IX went into effect, girls’ participation in high school athletics grew from fewer than 300,000 to almost 3.5 million today. In addition, women’s pro sports have also grown.)

• Based on the article, what is your assessment of whether and to what extent James Campbell High School violated the law? (Students’ assessments will vary but should be supported by text evidence. Students may note the disparities in access to locker rooms, playing fields, and travel.)

• In the first section, Ellen J. Staurowsky says that the lawsuit could be a wake-up call for schools that ignore the law. What does she mean? Why might she think this? (Staurowsky means that the lawsuit might cause those schools to realize that they have to start obeying the law. She probably thinks this because the lawsuit is getting a lot of attention and has some powerful organizations behind it. In the past, complaints have usually been lodged by parents and settled privately with little media attention.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity Find the Evidence. Have students use it to answer questions about the article by citing text evidence.

4. Writing Prompt
Write one paragraph identifying the multiple meanings of the article’s title and assessing the effectiveness of the title.

5. Classroom Debate
Should the Badis sisters seek damages as part of the lawsuit?

6. Quiz & Skills
Assess comprehension with the quiz.