Education Experts on Gender Gap

I believe changing teacher training to address what we know about the differences in learning styles of boys and girls is second only to excellent parenting in the development of boys (and girls). I also believe that these differences must be documented through research (not ideology or dogma), and the educational responses will require innovation and evaluation. The data I study are perfectly clear: We have done an outstanding job of educating girls and a very poor job of educating our boys.

I disagree with the AAUW that the education gap exists only among minority males. The education attainment gap between men and women in higher education is a global phenomenon - it is greater in many European (Scandinavian) countries than it is in the U.S. In the U.S. the gender gap in bachelor's degrees awarded is greatest in Maine, [one of] the whitest state[s] in the U.S. In the U.S. men are about 51 percent of the college-age population (because there are more male babies born than female babies). But when it comes to bachelor's degree awards at the end of the education pipeline white men earn 43.5 percent of the degrees awarded to whites, compared to 33.8 percent among blacks, 38.9 percent among Hispanics, 44.7 percent among Asians and 38.4 percent among American Indians.

The evidence on the gender gap across income levels and class is mixed in higher education. One data set for one year indicates there is no difference. Another data set across 36 years shows more women than men in higher education at the highest family income levels in most years. The preponderance of the evidence suggests (not conclusively) that there is a gender gap between boys and girls from high income families as well (above $100,000 per year) that favors girls.

Although AAUW's Where the Girls Are report does not address teacher training, this is an important educational concern. A key recommendation for the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind legislation is to expand programs that improve teacher training and retention and make sure that every class has a highly qualified teacher. This strategy improves educational outcomes for all children. AAUW also believes that programs should be established to train guidance counselors to help prepare students and their families for the realities and rigors of college.

Expanding after-school programs can also enrich the school experience and improve educational outcomes. Only 11 percent of the nation's K-12 youth are in after-school programs even though the demand for such programs is great. The parents of 30 percent of children not currently engaged in after-school programs report they would enroll their child if an after-school program were available. See AAUW's position paper on No Child Left Behind for more information.