Gender

Gender refers to the social aspects of being male or female. Gender equity refers to actions and assumptions leading to equal opportunities and expectations for all children. While Title IX banned sex discrimination in schools and, therefore, eliminated obvious barriers, girls and boys may have different experiences in school because of more subtle factors. Boys are more likely to repeat a grade, to be disciplined or expelled, and to drop out of school. Females are less likely to receive mentoring or special education services. Biology and culture contribute to these dissimilar pathways. An understanding of these influences is necessary to maximize education and choices for all children.