A recent chart in The New York Times illustrates the economic disadvantages facing boys and men, particularly those without college degrees, in today’s service-oriented economy. The article notes that as the U.S. economy has shifted away from manufacturing jobs and toward knowledge-based work, many men, particularly white men without higher education, now earn significantly less READ MORE
Author: William Draves
The Crisis Facing Boys in Education: The Domino Effect of Bad Grading and its Devastating Consequences
In recent years, a disturbing trend has surfaced in both K-12 education and higher learning institutions, pointing to systemic issues that disproportionately affect boys. While many factors contribute to this crisis, recent studies have uncovered one of the leading culprits: inaccurate grading practices. Boys, who have historically been more vulnerable to these grading discrepancies, are now READ MORE
Young Heroes: Boys and Young Men Making a Positive Impact
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in negative news, but there’s something refreshing about seeking out positive stories, especially those involving boys and young men. Every so often, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate their acts of courage, kindness, and selflessness. That’s why I’ve made a habit of looking for heartwarming READ MORE
Mentors Always Help
The importance of mentors for boys and young men cannot be overstated. While mentors are not the panacea for the myriad challenges facing young males, they invariably provide significant benefits. The sheer scale of the need—20 million mentors—is daunting, and there is a lack of quantitative evidence directly linking mentorship to academic success or college READ MORE
In Honor of Black Fathers
Father’s Day often slips by with little fanfare, overshadowed by Mother’s Day and the summer’s burgeoning distractions. This year, as usual, the mass media’s recognition of Father’s Day was tepid, with scant acknowledgment of a particularly vital demographic: Black fathers. The profound influence these fathers have on their children, especially their daughters, is a narrative READ MORE
Boys and Girls: The Fundamental Difference
The differences between male and female brains have been a subject of scientific inquiry for many years, and these differences have significant implications for learning skills. Understanding these distinctions is essential, particularly in the context of educational advocacy and development. Here, we delve into the three biological disparities that influence how boys and girls learn. READ MORE
Why College is Crucial for Boys and Young Men: What One University is Doing to Encourage Earning a 4-year Degree
The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) and Wilmington University have launched a groundbreaking initiative: the Smart Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP Path™) for the Vocational Workforce. This program offers individuals in select registered apprenticeship programs the chance to earn up to 42 college credits towards a bachelor’s degree at Wilmington University. This is a step in READ MORE
America’s Chip Factory Crisis: The Need for More Male Engineers
As massive semiconductor factories rise in the desert around Phoenix, the United States faces a critical challenge: a severe shortage of engineers to staff these facilities. President Biden’s ambitious plan to revive American semiconductor manufacturing, supported by $53 billion in funding, is at risk because of this workforce gap. Industry leaders are already indicating that READ MORE
Colleges Closing for Lack of Boys: A Looming Crisis in Higher Education
In a recent report by the Washington Post, the alarming rate at which colleges are closing has been brought to light: one college per week. This disturbing trend has seen the closure of many institutions, including the historically innovative Goddard College in Vermont. Even public institutions are not immune, as evidenced by the precarious situation READ MORE
LERN Report: How Wisconsin Schools Shortchange Boys
LERN’s report, How Wisconsin Schools Shortchange Boys, is now available. You can read the full paper below or download it in PDF format here: “How Wisconsin Schools Shortchange Boys“ Julie Coates and Williams Draves, LERN Executive Summary1. Boys in Wisconsin high schools are equally intelligent as girls.2. Boys test overall at the same level as READ MORE