The underlying reason boys get worse grades and attend higher education in declining percentages is because boys have different biological and neurological characteristics than girls. This means that:
Generations learn differently. Boys learn differently than girls, and today’s boys also learn differently than previous generations of students.
Boys are actually ahead. Because of their neurology, boys are actually ahead in leading society into the new economic age of the 21st century.
Boys are punished for late homework. GPAs are lower because of behavior unrelated to learning and knowledge. Smart boys turn in homework late, and this is also explained by the boys’ hard wiring.
The Immediate Solution
The immediate solution is that late homework not be penalized. Behavior unrelated to learning and knowledge should not be included in GPA.
Parents will acquire new understanding about their sons that make sense.
Teachers will get practical techniques to help boys learn.
Schools and colleges have the evidence to change policies and procedures.
Media will have a story to help millions of parents.
The authors thank the American School Board Journal, Doug Carroll of the Arizona Republic and the BBC’s Education writer Mike Baker for coverage of their preliminary work. The BBC calls Coates and Draves’ work “Fascinating.”
Ask Julie
Parents, teachers (anyone!) email your question or experience to Julie Coates at coates@lern.org
We are not trained counselors. We are educators and parents, and can respond to your questions.
What to do:
Read the report thoroughly to understand this important issue. The answers are summarized on page 6.
Tell others about this issue and the answers.
Send the authors any data you have about the issue.
Follow up action:
Parents, see our free tips in the left hand column. Teachers, see our free tips for teachers in the left hand column. Schools and colleges should contact the authors about seminars for faculty and administrators. Media contact the authors for an interview.
Parents, see our free tips in the left hand column.
