I first wrote about the underperformance of boys back in 2015. Dual-enrolled students at my high school did well in general, but on average, girls' GPAs in college were 1.05 points higher than boys', even though they did the same on standardized tests going in. Fast forward to today, and the problem still exists:
“Many social scientists agree that contemporary American men are mired in malaise, even as they disagree about the causes. In academic performance, boys are well behind girls in elementary school, high school, and college, where the sex ratio is approaching two female undergraduates for every one male. (It was an even split at the start of the nineteen-eighties.)”
Addressing academic differences between boys and girls in our current culture is a complex and delicate task. We're navigating a social landscape where conversations around gender equality and toxic masculinity are ongoing, and any efforts to support boys specifically may be met with skepticism or resistance. Yet, it’s essential to address this challenge, understanding that the purpose of school is to lift everyone up and create equal opportunities for success.
Solutions should emphasize supporting all students and creating a safe space for candid conversations about their experiences. By placing a strong emphasis on learning and growth, and listening to each student’s individual needs, we can begin to understand the issue of boys performing worse than girls in school. Then, by encouraging open dialogue among educators, parents, and students, we can collaboratively work on strategies that are adapted to meet a variety of learning needs. By doing this, we are likely to help boys succeed and make learning more inclusive and equitable for everyone.