Standardized, oversimplified conceptions of behaviors that are appropriate to males and females are called sex role stereotypes. Expectations are formed on the basis of these stereotypes. Traditional notions of sex role are changing as a result of new trends in technology, social organization, and economics. Research indicates that female students seem to indicate a loss of academic ability and self esteem as they progress through school. Schools have previously functioned to transmit traditional sex role assumptions through educational socialization. School personnel behavior, counseling and guidance, sex segregated schools, grouping, extracurricular activities, academic or classroom maintenance assignments, textbooks and instructional materials, and sex stereotyped assignments of roles in the education profession have all contributed to this kind of socialization. There are ways to combat sexism. Teachers can reduce sexism by making students aware of sex stereotypes, by clarifying students' feelings, and by instructing students to take action to change their behavior and that of society. (Author/AM)