Academic Achievement: Gender Differences in Education
Boys Are More Likely to Repeat Kindergarten than Girls
Research shows that for every 100 girls who repeat kindergarten, about 145 boys do the same. This early retention can create challenges. Boys who repeat often face behavioral issues and struggle with literacy skills compared to their classmates. By the end of 1st grade, those who were retained still perform below their peers.
Girls Excel in Literacy Skills
In elementary school, girls consistently outperform boys in reading and writing. On average, 3rd-grade girls score roughly half a grade level higher than boys, and by 8th grade, girls are nearly a full grade ahead. This trend is supported by a study that analyzed data from 10,000 school districts across the U.S.
The Math Achievement Gap is Narrowing
Historically, boys held the edge in math, but that gap is closing. Over the last three decades, girls have made significant progress in math performance. Despite some setbacks during the pandemic, studies indicate that girls are advancing quickly enough to catch up to boys in math by the time they reach high school.
High School Enrollment in Advanced Courses
Girls are not only more likely to take advanced courses in high school but also tend to achieve higher GPAs. In one study, 51% of graduating female students had GPAs above 3.0, compared to 36% of their male counterparts. Girls are also more likely to land in the top tier of their class rankings.
Check out this related article: Empowering Minoritized Students: Proven Strategies for Ensuring Their Safety in Schools
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