Equity & Diversity Blog

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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: boys.

Equity & Diversity Opinion Do Black Children Need Black Teachers?
That's the conclusion of Syracuse professor Boyce Watkins, writing in NewsOne for Black America. Watkins cites the example of the white Patterson, N.J., teacher who was fired for posting this on Facebook: "I am not a teacher. I am a warden for future criminals.?
Richard Whitmire, August 31, 2011
•
1 min read
Science Opinion Our 'Patriarchal' Society Drives Science and Math Gender Differences?
That's the conclusion of this study which looks at "spacial abilities," the ability to mentally rotate objects -- a talent connected to engineering prowess. This article suggests that this is the issue that got former Harvard President Lawrence Summers in so much trouble when he speculated about the thin talent pool of female scientists.
Richard Whitmire, August 29, 2011
•
1 min read
Equity & Diversity Opinion 'Skimpy Equality'
Interesting Lisa Belkin essay in the Times about women dominating campuses academically while acting socially submissive. She focuses on Princeton, however, which like many of the Ivies has a 50-50 gender mix. When campuses go beyond 60-40 is when the gender imbalances drives the social/sexual norm in unhealthy directions.
Richard Whitmire, August 29, 2011
•
1 min read
School Choice & Charters Opinion No Differences Between Girls and Boys?
That's the conclusion of a new book, The Truth About Girls and Boys, written by 'boy troubles' skeptics Caryl Rivers and Rosalind Barnett.
Richard Whitmire, August 28, 2011
•
1 min read
Science Opinion Drawing More Women Into Programming
Washington Post commentary offering advice.
Richard Whitmire, August 28, 2011
•
1 min read
Education Opinion Campus Sex
Always a compelling topic, and one that may be labeling more males as sexual predators, argues this author in Philadelphia Magazine.
Richard Whitmire, August 26, 2011
•
1 min read
Reading & Literacy Opinion Manning Up on Reading
Suzanne Fields takes on the literacy gap.
Richard Whitmire, August 26, 2011
•
1 min read
Federal Opinion British Girls Move Ahead Despite Test Changes
Interesting insight behind the recent test results there, which showed a broadening academic gender gap. The national test had been reconfigured in ways that should have helped boys -- but didn't.
Richard Whitmire, August 26, 2011
•
1 min read
School Choice & Charters Opinion Single Sex Working in Pittsburgh
Westinghouse High School in one of Pittsburgh's toughest neighborhoods. Some classes are co-ed.
Richard Whitmire, August 25, 2011
•
1 min read
Science Opinion Lack of Women in STEM Hurts Competitiveness
That's the conclusion of this Commerce Department report. Most interesting: the numbers show the gap is not closing.
Richard Whitmire, August 25, 2011
•
1 min read
School Choice & Charters Opinion Toledo Boys Academy Succeeding
A year ago, the MLK Academy for Boys was nearly shut down.
Richard Whitmire, August 25, 2011
•
1 min read
Federal Opinion 'Scratching Their Heads' Over Widening Gender Gaps
That's the case in Britain, as girls push even further ahead on national tests.
Richard Whitmire, August 25, 2011
•
1 min read
Education Opinion Boys: 'Discussing' Problems a Waste of Time
Pretty amusing piece, actually. Parents of boys will nod their heads in agreement.
Richard Whitmire, August 23, 2011
•
1 min read
School Choice & Charters Opinion Wisconsin Delays on Boys School
Investigating possible discrimination against girls.
Richard Whitmire, August 23, 2011
•
1 min read
Load More ▼