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South Australian teachers, students and experts talk about boys'
education
Boys are often blamed for disruptive behaviour or having a bad attitude.
Some have low self-esteem, difficulty communicating with others and display
problems at school. Some boys are experiencing learning difficulties and
the literacy gap between boys and girls is increasing. So, what is the
problem facing boys and what can be done to help?
On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the House of Representatives Education
Committee will conduct public hearings and a school forum in Adelaide.
The Committee will talk to people from the SA Department of Education,
independent schools, university faculties of education, school principals,
teachers and students. Topics include the nature and extent of boys'
educational problems, how boys' difficulties relate to broader social
and economic change and which boys are most affected.
Tuesday 20/3/01 - Public Hearings & School forum:
- 10:30 am - 11:15am
Broadmeadows Primary School
Heywood Street, Elizabeth North
- 1:50 pm - 4:15pm
Trinity College, Gawler
(includes school forum)
Alexander Avenue, Evanston South
Wednesday 21/3/01 - Public Hearings
- 9:00 am - 5:00pm
Commonwealth Centre Conference Room 3, Level 1
55 Currie Street, Adelaide
The House Education Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry
into the education of boys focussing on the social, cultural and educational
factors affecting boys.
Mrs Kay Elson, Committee Chair, said the issues in boys' education
are complex and interconnected and there is not a quick fix that will
meet the needs of all the boys who are not achieving to their potential.
"The Committee is examining boys' education and the related issues
very carefully and it will not overlook the ways social disadvantage
and other factors affect boys' ability to achieve at school." Mrs Elson
said, "Boys are the major focus of this inquiry but it is impossible
to examine issues about boys' education without examining issues which
affect all primary and high school students. Education is not a see-saw
between boys and girls and measures to assist boys who are not achieving
their best will indirectly benefit all students by making schools calmer
and safer places to learn."
For more details on the Adelaide public hearings, as well as background
information on the inquiry, visit: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/eewr
For media comment contact Mrs Kay Elson MP, Chair of the House
Education Committee, on 07 3807 6340
For background information contact the Committee Secretariat on (02)
6277 4573.
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