Boy, oh boy

Recently, the director of an elementary and middle school asked for advice. She and her staff were excited about implementing the uniquely ME! self-esteem program for girls. She wanted a similar program to address the needs of boys.

Many administrators find it easier to identify high quality programs for girls than parallel programs for boys. We are more likely to hear about the research that points to very disturbing trends facing boys and education, particular around their failure rates. We know that there is a growing literacy gap between girls and boys, that there is mental health disparity, and that developmental differences are often overlooked or addressed inadequately. For me, the most important question is: How do we identify and implement strength-based solutions?

The Boys Advocacy and Mentoring (BAM!) boys group guidebook was the most compelling resource I found. As a companion to the girls’ program or not, it is both practical and strength-based. The inexpensive guide for educators includes the what, why and how of creating a caring school environment where connections with supportive adults and other boys are key. Why is that important? Research consistently shows that a child’s connection to a caring adult and that child’s perception of his or her school as a caring environment are the strongest protection against high-risk behavior. The BAM! groups are unique in that they are not focused on reducing a particular behavior but on helping boys become more emotionally literate and relationally competent while working with male peers.

Also useful - The Boys Project has identified creating ‘boy friendly classrooms’ as one of five mission critical issues. It offers suggestions about how parents can advocate for increasingly supportive and responsive classrooms. Teachers and families can find practical tips and compelling ideas at the Smart boys, bad grades website. They reference Michael Gurian, the co-author of The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life (2005). The book study guide of this orBoys and Girls Learn Differently (2002) would be a great way to engage a group of teachers or parents. For administrators who are drawn to these ideas, the institute offers training for schools and school districts.

A great question from a sensitive and responsive leader in education. Whether you are an educator, administrator or parent – get involved in making schools supportive of and productive for both boys and girls.