Recent Changes

How Gender Plays a Role in Literacy Development:
INTRODUCTION
to an impactfulimpacting academic environment.
STATISTICS
The United States Department of Education website offers comparable gender statistics. For many years, research in the area of gender’s role in literacy development indicated a large achievement gap with respect to math and sciences, and reading and writing. Females have historically scored much higher than males in reading and writing. This hasn’t changed much at all. Currently, females are scoring much higher than males in the area of reading and writing. Statistics show that this gap is relatively unchanged over the past thirty years. (United States Department of Education)
and science. (United States Department of Education) In analyzing
The statistics indicate that the education system has done an excellent job in leveling the playing field with regard to academic achievement in math and sciences. Over the last thirty years, females have increased their scores, but also are more commonly seen enrolling in collegiate major programs that facilitate their careers in fields that were historically reserved for males. This is great news, and this shift could largely be impacted by the societal push for greater equality.
With regard to males and their scores in reading and writing, the statistics convey far less optimism in results. Not only have males not closed the achievement gap with females in English studies, but they have in many states fallen even further behind in the last thirty years. (United States Department of Education) Why? Is this an acceptance, inherent in our system, that reading and writing is reserved for females? Socially, saying that “Boys will be boys, they’re just not going to be into reading and writing the way girls are,” seems to have a shred of academically sexist impact, when compared to saying "Girls are naturally poor at math and sciences."
SOCIAL & BIOLOGICAL CAUSATION
Gender provides the opportunity for difference in the realm of education, but for what reasons? And what sort of differences are these? Boys and girls learn at varied levels, and their pace is vastly different among that diversity alone, not to mention all that exists within each respective gender. The reason for this gender gap is two fold: social and biological.
27 Oct.).
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Socially, many believe 29 Oct.).
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SPONSORS OF CHANGE
We have looked at social and biological factors that seem to influence this learning gap, but who is influencing change? Educators and researchers are placing much of their energy into identifying and understanding the literacy gap. Their questions are spurring a dash to uncover universal solutions which have thus far been sparse and surmised.

SOCIAL & BIOLOGICAL CAUSATION
Gender provides the opportunity for difference in the realm of education, but for what reasons? And what sort of differences are these? Boys and girls learn at varied levels, and their pace is vastly different among that diversity alone, not to mention all that exists within each respective gender. The reason for this gender gap is two fold: social and biological.
their humanoid counterparts.
Socially,counterparts (Morgan, Linda. "How Gender Affects Learning." - ParentMap. N.p., 30 Aug. 2007. Web. 27 Oct.).
Socially, many believe stoic and nonchalant.
Fromnonchalant (Jacobson, Malia. "Are Boys Being Left Behind?" - ParentMap. N.p., 31 May 2015. Web. 29 Oct.).
From a biological to do so.so ("How Gender Affects Learning").
SPONSORS OF CHANGE
We have looked at social and biological factors that seem to influence this learning gap, but who is influencing change? Educators and researchers are placing much of their energy into identifying and understanding the literacy gap. Their questions are spurring a dash to uncover universal solutions which have thus far been sparse and surmised.
"Boys' Reading Commission." National Literacy Trust, 2 July 2012. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.
Gurian, Michael, and Kathy Stevens. "10 Essential Strategies for Teaching Boys Effectively." ASCD Epress 6.4 (2010). Web. 17 Nov. 2015.<http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol6/604-gurian.aspx>.
Jacobson, Malia. "Are Boys Being Left Behind?" - ParentMap. N.p., 31 May 2015. Web. 29 Oct.
Morgan, Linda. "How Gender Affects Learning." - ParentMap. N.p., 30 Aug. 2007. Web. 27 Oct.
Taylor, Donna Lester. "“Not Just Boring Stories”: Reconsidering the Gender Gap for Boys." Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 48.4 (2004): 290-98. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
United States Department of Education. "Statistics" 2015 ed. Web. 21 October 2015 <http://www.ed.gov>

Taylor, Donna Lester. "“Not Just Boring Stories”: Reconsidering the Gender Gap for Boys." Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 48.4 (2004): 290-98. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
This article helped to explain the different solutions in which teachers can help to close literacy gaps between boys and girls. It talked about the learning differences between the genders and why it is important for teachers to be aware of these differences.
www.used.gov The UnitedUnited States Department of Education WebsiteEducation. "Statistics" 2015 ed. Web. 21 October 2015 <http://www.ed.gov>
This website was utilized to compile statistics that compare the academic achievements, at least with regard to standardized scores of both males and females separately. These statistics were incorporated to provide a visual demonstration of the gender gap. Though comparative data between males and females is telling, it's important to note the differences, and successes of some state's diminished achievement gaps and their overall performance.

9.37.56 AM.png} All Statistics for the above chart were gathered via the United States Department of Education Website

9.37.06 AM.png} All Statistics in the above chart were gathered via the United States Department of Education Website

In conclusion, after the extensive research our group has compiled, we are excited about the future challenges we will face in our classrooms, and feel better prepared to overcome obstacles with regard to gender and literacy development. This project has given us each more confidence in finding and taking positive action towards problems that may arise in our classroom settings. We have learned how to research and study the possible inconsistencies identified in our classrooms. Our hope is to use this ability as a tool to educate ourselves, and others, about developing potential solutions. There may be convincing data to argue that this trend will continue biologically, but in no way should we accept this into our society as a crippling norm. Therefore, it has became our goal as future educators to take a close look at these issues that relate to gender in order to aid in closing the literacy gap and enriching the lives of all our future students.
Works Cited
"Who We Are." ASCD. Association for Supervision and Curiculum Development, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.
"Boys' Reading Commission." National Literacy Trust, 2 July 2012. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.
Gurian, Michael, and Kathy Stevens. "10 Essential Strategies for Teaching Boys Effectively." ASCD Epress 6.4 (2010). Web. 17 Nov. 2015.<http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol6/604-gurian.aspx>.
Taylor, Donna Lester. "“Not Just Boring Stories”: Reconsidering the Gender Gap for Boys." Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 48.4 (2004): 290-98. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
United States Department of Education. "Statistics" 2015 ed. Web. 21 October 2015 <http://www.ed.gov>
"Who We Are." ASCD. Association for Supervision and Curiculum Development, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.

Gurian, Michael, and Kathy Stevens. "10 Essential Strategies for Teaching Boys Effectively." ASCD Epress 6.4 (2010). Web. 17 Nov. 2015.<http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol6/604-gurian.aspx>.
Taylor, Donna Lester. "“Not Just Boring Stories”: Reconsidering the Gender Gap for Boys." Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 48.4 (2004): 290-98. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
October 2015 <http://www.ed.gov>

The achievement gap between male and female students with respect to reading and writing is significant. We have learned that the issue of males underachieving in English is a global issue, not one simply restricted to the United States' educational system. Societal constructs, academic focus, and biological development are creating a learning gap in which male students are falling far below female students. What's alarming is that the biological aspects, coupled with certain cultural aspects, are not limited to any one culture. this Given the fact that this growing trend has taken place in the last century, with the rise of feminist movement, change may not be altogether out of reach. Therefore, educators need to identify and work to solve this issue. Accepting predictable academic outcomes for both males and females based on expectations of what has been done in the past is not conducive to an impactful academic environment.
STATISTICS
Department of Education Website)Education)
However, research Department of Education Website)Education)
The statistics indicate that the education system has done an excellent job in leveling the playing field with regard to academic achievement in math and sciences. Over the last thirty years, females have increased their scores, but also are more commonly seen enrolling in collegiate major programs that facilitate their careers in fields that were historically reserved for males. This is great news, and this shift could largely be impacted by the societal push for greater equality.
Department of Education Website)Education) Why? Is
SOCIAL & BIOLOGICAL CAUSATION
Gender provides the opportunity for difference in the realm of education, but for what reasons? And what sort of differences are these? Boys and girls learn at varied levels, and their pace is vastly different among that diversity alone, not to mention all that exists within each respective gender. The reason for this gender gap is two fold: social and biological.
Gurian, Michael, and Kathy Stevens. "10 Essential Strategies for Teaching Boys Effectively." ASCD Epress 6.4 (2010). Web. 17 Nov. 2015.<http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol6/604-gurian.aspx>.
Taylor, Donna Lester. "“Not Just Boring Stories”: Reconsidering the Gender Gap for Boys." Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy 48.4 (2004): 290-98. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
United States Department of Education. "Statistics" 2015 ed. Web. 21 October 2015

We have looked at social and biological factors that seem to influence this learning gap, but who is influencing change? Educators and researchers are placing much of their energy into identifying and understanding the literacy gap. Their questions are spurring a dash to uncover universal solutions which have thus far been sparse and surmised.
One group that has not only identified the issue, but is working to teach educators how to reach young men is the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. The ASCD was founded in 1943 as an international advocacy group. While the group operates with very broad educational goals, they have lately opened a focus for male literacy. The ASCD is reaching out to educators to support the, and teach them how to train the next generation of male scholars. They have made suggestions on how to engage and inspire male students based on books written by Michael Gurian and Kathy Stevens (10 Essential Strategies for Teaching Boys). This article is one of many that demonstrate how the ASCD is working to help keep educators informed about possible solutions to male literacy gaps.
over 138 countries.countries ("Who We Are", ASCD).
This group represents one of many, but it illustrates how collaborative advocates are making a move to reach every student, teacher, and administrator. The ASCD is fighting for global academic reform. They are coaxing educational systems to prize every student's literacy as well as encouraging a break away from traditional teaching methods by providing easy access through technology.
SOLUTIONS

In conclusion, after the extensive research our group has compiled, we are excited about the future challenges we will face in our classrooms, and feel better prepared to overcome obstacles with regard to gender and literacy development. This project has given us each more confidence in finding and taking positive action towards problems that may arise in our classroom settings. We have learned how to research and study the possible inconsistencies identified in our classrooms. Our hope is to use this ability as a tool to educate ourselves, and others, about developing potential solutions. There may be convincing data to argue that this trend will continue biologically, but in no way should we accept this into our society as a crippling norm. Therefore, it has became our goal as future educators to take a close look at these issues that relate to gender in order to aid in closing the literacy gap and enriching the lives of all our future students.
Works Cited
"Who We Are." ASCD. Association for Supervision and Curiculum Development, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.
"Boys' Reading Commission." National Literacy Trust, 2 July 2012. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.
Gurian, Michael, and Kathy Stevens. "10 Essential Strategies for Teaching Boys Effectively." ASCD Epress 6.4 (2010). Web. 17 Nov. 2015.<http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol6/604-gurian.aspx>.