A tremendous amount of important academic research is being conducted on boys’ well-being, including educational outcomes. Below are some summaries and links to such research that may help our stakeholders better understand the issues affecting the well-being and success of our boys.
Boys and Education
Title: APA Task Force on Boys in School Fact Sheet on Boys and Learning Disabilities
Publication: Society for the Psychological Studies of Men and Masculinities
Authors: Fact sheet developed by Lea A. Theodore, Ph.D., Joseph D. Nelson, Ph.D., and Andrew P. Smiler, PhD. with support from Task Force and Advisory Committee members
Link: https://www.division51.net/boystf-learning-disabilities-fact-sheet
Summary: “What do we all need to know about BOYS and learning disabilities IN SCHOOLS? A “Thing to Know” is that boys are diagnosed with and receive support for learning disabilities at significantly higher rates than girls. Boys without support, and even those with support, often fall behind and deficits become larger over time. When boys repeatedly struggle to learn, they may “check out” or become disruptive (which can impact boys of color even more extensively).”
Boys’ Mental Health
Title: 2022 Kids Count® Data Book: State Trends In Child Well-Being
Publication: Annie E. Casey Foundation
Authors: Lisa M. Hamilton et al.
Link: https://www.aecf.org/resources/2022-kids-count-data-book
Summary: “The 33rd edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® Data Book describes how children in America are in the midst of a mental health crisis, struggling with anxiety and depression at unprecedented levels. This year’s publication continues to present national and state data across four domains — economic well-being, education, health and family and community — and ranks states in overall child well-being. The report includes pre-pandemic figures as well as more recent statistics, and shares the latest information of its kind available.“
Anti-Boy Bias in the Criminal Justice System
Title: Commercial Sexual Exploitation Victims Treated as Offenders: Examining the Gendered Risk Factors of Incarcerated Youth Charged with Prostitution
Publication: Victims & Offenders Journal
Authors: Calli M. Cain
Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15564886.2022.2151538
Summary: “The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics and risk factors (e.g., victimization histories, drug/alcohol use, gang involvement, home type) of justice-involved youth charged with prostitution in the United States. Given that males and females have different pathways to crime/arrest, this study will also test for gender differences in these risk factors using a nationally representative sample of incarcerated youth (Survey of Youth in Residential Placement; Sedlak, 2003). Results indicate this population of incarcerated youth have several risk factors, including extensive victimization experiences during childhood, and that these experiences vary by gender. I conclude with the implications of this research and give several policy and future research recommendation.“
TBI Comment: A key element of this study is that 75% of youth incarcerated for being involved with prostitution are male. An informative article on the research is located on phys.org.in
High Achieving Boys – Fact Sheet
Title: The Task Force on Boys in School: High Achieving Boys – Fact Sheet
Publication: Society For the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities
Authors: Ioakim Boutakidis, Benterah C. Morton, & Andrew P. Smiler with support from Task
Force and Advisory Committee members
Link: http://www.division51.net/taskforce-on-boys-in-school
Summary: “Although many boys do well in school, data has consistently shown that girls, on average, outperform boys on nearly every academic outcome.1 High-achieving boys have increasingly become outliers in a system that does not serve their needs nor promote healthy development. Understanding the factors that help boys succeed allows us to continue supporting these high achievers, identify potential sources of support for boys not doing as well, and encourages a better understanding of the full range of boys’ school experiences and aptitudes.“
TBI Comment: Boys have been consistently falling behind girls at all levels of education, so focusing on the ways to help boys achieve is critical to the success of boys in education and beyond.
Exploring Boys’ (Mis)Behavior – Fact Sheet
Title: The Task Force on Boys in School: Exploring Boys’ (Mis)Behavior – Fact Sheet
Publication: Society For the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities
Authors: Christopher S. Reigeluth, PhD with support from Task Force and Advisory Committee members
Link: https://www.division51.net/boystf-managing-boys-behavior-fact-sheet
Summary: “Boys and Behavior. Starting in elementary school and persisting through high school, boys as a group exhibit higher levels of ‘externalizing’ behavioral difficulties such as fighting, aggression, yelling, inattention, and impulsivity. While these behaviors are frequently the result of a boy feeling sad, insecure, hurt, or restless, they can lead to many boys being labeled ‘a bad kid.'”
TBI Comment: Boys are suspended from school at higher rates that girls, hampering their educational growth; knowing how to work with boys’ behaviors and learning styles will help boys do better in school.