Single-gender classes and student uniforms could be coming statewide to some of the state's most struggling schools, the chair of a key House education committee said Tuesday. "I do believe we’re going to try to take a stab at some language" for legislation, said Rep. David Simmons, who chairs the Committee on 21st Century Competitiveness. "Something has to be done to improve D and F schools. What we’re doing now is not enough."

Simmons' comments came after his committee heard a presentation on single-gender classes from a Volusia County principal and a presentation on school uniforms from an official in Polk County, which has had a far-reaching uniform policy for more than a decade.

Woodward Avenue Elementary is one of a handful of schools statewide (along with a couple of schools in Pinellas) that has, with parental permission, separated boys from girls in an effort to boost student achievement. Now in its third year, the experiment at Woodward has resulted in higher test scores, particularly for boys, who initially lagged far behind the girls in reading and writing.

Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence in Polk County shows uniforms have resulted in lower disciplinary rates and less gang activity. But, warned that district’s general counsel, expect a legal and public relations fight if the Legislature passes a policy with any kind of statewide scope. In Polk, more than 650 people showed up at initial hearing on uniforms - most of them opposed to the idea - and a lawsuit based on free-speech issues dragged on until 2000. (The district won.)

Simmons said more specifics on both ideas will be ready within two to three weeks.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter