Study From UK on Reading Closes A Gender Gap

New study from UK on reading shows:

"The difficulty level of books read by boys in the report is no longer generally lower than girls’. Across the Years, there are four cases where boys’ difficulty is greater than girls, three cases where girls’ difficulty is greater than boys and two cases where it is equal. We can no longer claim that boys read at a lower level of difficulty than girls so overall under-achievement must be caused by other factors. Turning to Average Percentage Correct (APC), this also shows signs of rising. In three (early) Years, APC is well above 85%. In a further three (middle) Years, APC falls below 85% only in one or two cases. In each of a further three (upper) Years, APC falls below 85% in five cases out of 20. However, in general this represents an improvement over last year. Again, it may well be that teachers are guiding students more effectively in the book and quizzing choices."

Boys only book club in NC

Sometimes it is just the environment that makes an opportunity available or makes it more likely that participants will take advantage of opportunities!

Barnett and Rivers Argue Against Single Gender Again

Another article against single gender. Seems that every month there is another article from similar people against single gender. The critique includes the traditional "no differences" argument, but also starts using some study information too.

In the politicized perspectives, what gets lost is the idea of differentiating instruction and allowing gender to be another piece of the puzzle. No, not the silver bullet. But part of an answer.

Gendered Preferences from AP Courses

A study shows that there are gender differences within the preference of taking AP courses (http://apreport.collegeboard.org/). It is another example of how gender does play a role in the education process. This isn't about biological differences here, it is about finding a way to make content interesting and accessible to both boys and girls at a more even rate ... Isn't it?
But this idea of boys and girls having different interests isn't new. With this AP study we just know that it is far reaching. This may lead someone to at least consider the debate regarding some gendered aspects to teaching and learning.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2012/02/girls_like_biology_boys_like_p.html?cmp=ENL-CM-MOSTPOP

Gender Differences in Addiction

A short article about a study on Areas of the brain that react differently, especially with the issue of stress with women. From the summary,
"The results showed that when women were confronted with stressful situations, there was high activity in the part of the brain associated with craving and addiction. But for men, activity in that particular region of the brain was heightened more when they were presented with cues associated with drugs."
This can certainly impact treatment plans for men and women; can it also be insightful perhaps for educators? Are there stressful situations within schools and classrooms? Might this lead to different reactions for boys and girls? Might there be triggers boys that lead to ritual behaviors that are unwanted (or even wanted)?

This Is Not the Way to Start a Single Gender Program

If you are starting a single gender program, take a look at this article to know what not to do. Be sure to involve and have he support of your school board. Also, remember, the idea that boys and girls learn differently is NOT a reason for single gender, but a reason to differentiate. Do your homework.
http://heraldindependent.com/view/full_story/17341922/article-Board-taken-off-guard-by-single-gender-classes?instance=secondary_stories_left_column

Failure and Girls

Targeting failure and risk with girls. Doesn't mention gender differences, but is focused on girls.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16879336