Why Boys Fail
This blog was written by Richard Whitmire, a former editorial writer at USA Today and past board president of the National Education Writers Association, and a frequent opinion commentator on national education issues. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: boys.
Federal
Opinion
Marriageable Mate Dilemma: Japanese Style
The Economist offers up this great profile of the dwindling marriage (and childbirth) rate in Japan, informing us that in Japan lesser educated males deemed not suitable marriage material are called "parasite singles." Some things are shared across cultures: the parasite singles live with their parents.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Liberal Skepticism on Black Male Charters
Interesting debate here. If regular public schools were doing 'right' by black males, I could see the merit in their objections. But these urban all-boys charters are turning into lifesavers for black males.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Advice: Treat African American Males as Gifted Students
That comes from Yvette Jackson, head of the National Urban Alliance, guest columnist for the Post's Valerie Strauss.
Special Education
Opinion
Gender Bias in Autism Diagnoses?
Thanks to Dan Willingham for spotting this one in ScienceDaily.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Are Girls Just Brighter Than Boys?
No, answers this British headmaster, who argues that a lack of male role models in schools causes boys to lose interest in academics.
Reading & Literacy
Opinion
Interesting Question on NAEP Scores
Now that we have some state breakdowns on NAEP data, one blog reader was able to ask this question: "Would be interesting to know why Massachusetts has a (gender) gap of eleven points, while New Hampshire boasts eighteen. Where is NH going wrong?"
Reading & Literacy
Opinion
12th Grade NAEP Scores
To summarize briefly, boys 12 points behind girls in reading (but moving up a bit) and boys three points ahead of girls in math.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
The Single-Sex Argument for Black Males
Made here in The Root. Frankly, I think these schools work more because they are high quality charters. As such, they provide badly needed escape hatches for urban families. But that's not the same as a broad solution to a huge problem.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
Single-Sex Middle Schools in Tampa
This will become a high profile experiment guaranteed to draw attention, not to mention legal challenges. Let's hope it draws some respectable research.
Reading & Literacy
Opinion
Consensus on Cause of Boy Troubles?
There are still multiple theories out there, most of which contain some truth. But the multiple theories serve as a barrier to action -- it just all seems so hopeless, especially if the causes are seen to be cultural.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Black America's 'Gender Crisis'
As this columnist points out, nobody wants to see it in these terms. And yet gender plays as big a role as race.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
Sharp Words Over Brain-Based Learning
Lise Eliot of Pink Brain, Blue Brain fame takes on Michael Gurian and co-writers over the science behind gender-based learning differences. Both pieces in Educational Leadership.