I have had a lot of conversations, recently, about the merits of single sex education in a co-ed setting. As the teacher of a year 5/6 boys class, I am completely sold on the idea and have seen a lot of evidence to support single sex education for boys. While undertaking some professional reading recently, I came across some statistics that stunned me from a report compiled by the Pell Institute. These really outline why it's important that we look at all options to make school a more successful place for boys.
• For every 100 girls suspended from public elementary and secondary schools, 250 boys are suspended. For every 100 girls expelled, 335 boys are expelled.
• For every 100 girls diagnosed with a learning disability, 276 boys are so diagnosed.
• For every 100 girls diagnosed with emotional disturbance, 324 boys are so diagnosed.
• For every 100 girls aged 15-19 who commit suicide, 549 boys in the same range kill themselves.
• For every 100 women aged 20-24 who commit suicide, 624 men of the same age kill themselves.
• For every 100 girls aged 15-17 in correctional facilities, there are 837 boys behind bars.
• For every 100 women aged 18-21 in correctional facilities, there are 1,430 men behind bars.
• For every 100 women enrolled in college, there are 77 men enrolled.
• For every 100 women who earn a bachelors degree there are 67 men who earn that same degree.
• For every 100 women who earn a masters degree, there are 62 men who earn that same degree.
These statistics are confronting. What can we do better to help our boys succeed?
Jarrod Lamshed
3 comments:
Great question! As the mother of two boys, ages 9 and 13, I feel like I can somewhat answer your question. What I have found to be successful, is helping them to know that they are valuable; not just because they are a good athelete, or because they are smart, but because they are a living, breathing, human being. When boys feel secure about who they are, they are more likely to respond in a positive way, instead of reacting negatively. How do we do this? By being positive ourselves. Encourage them, even when they don't fully succeed. Find something positive to say, and build them up while at the same time providing guidance on how to do things differently. If all a child hears is negative, he will believe only the negative.
http://mundeniedm310fall2009.blogspot.com/
I am fortunate to have a 2 year old girl and three more girls on the way. Still, I would have to say keep being involved in their lives. Everyone needs someone who thinks they are the best thing since sliced bread.
Absolutely amazing! And only 29 of the 157 students in EDM310 this semester are males. Future teachers! Where are the boys?
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