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Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Workplace Relations

Inquiry into the education of boys
Media release, 29 November 2000

Social Workers talk about boys

Boys can often be blamed for disruptive behaviour and having a bad attitude. Some have low self-esteem, have difficulties 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?

At Thursday's public hearing, the House of Representatives Education Committee will hear from the Australian Association of Social Workers who will explain how social issues affect boys' learning.

  • Public Event: House of Representatives Education Committee The education of boys Inquiry Australian Association of Social Workers
  • Where: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House
  • When: Thursday 30 November, 9 am - 9.45 am

The House Education Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into the education of boys focussing on the social, cultural and educational factors affecting boys.

Dr Brendan Nelson, Committee Chair, said the challenges surrounding the education of boys need to be brought out into the open and discussed as frankly as possible.

"The Committee, through this inquiry, wants to understand the problems and look at what may be done in early to middle schooling that can help and benefit boys," Dr Nelson said. "Social workers have direct experience of boys and boys' families who live with hardship. They have identified a number of factors they believe impact on boys. They also suggest that a review of teacher education is vital and that the teaching of human values in schools should be introduced and promoted. They have also highlighted the importance of appropriate male role models for boys. These suggestions are consistent with the views of many educators and academics." For more details on this Thursday's public hearing in Canberra, as well as background information on the inquiry, visit: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/eewr

For media comment contact Dr Brendan Nelson MP, Chair of the House Education Committee, on 0418 123 438 or 02 6277 4433.

For background information contact the Committee Secretariat on (02) 6277 4573.


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