House of Representatives Education Committee discuss boys' education
Att: National TV, Radio & Print Media
STORY ON: Thursday 5 April 2001
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?
At this Thursday's public hearing the House of Representatives Education
Committee will discuss boys' education generally and whether current
gender equity policies in education are appropriate to meet boys' needs.
Mr Richard Fletcher is Manager of the Men and Boys Program at the University
of Newcastle. He has presented seminars to schools across Australia
raising awareness about boys' educational and health issues.
- Public hearing: House of Representatives Education Committee
The education of boys inquiry
Mr Richard Fletcher
- Where: Committee room 1R3, Parliament House
- When: Thursday 5 April, 9:00am - 9:45am
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 there was a question mark over
whether the current policy framework adequately addressed the needs
of some boys in schools.
"Much of the current policy framework dealing with boys' and girls'
issues in education has evolved from the policies and strategies developed
to help girls overcome social and economic disadvantage." Mrs Elson
said. "It is clear that many girls still require specific strategies
to address continuing disadvantage in education and employment but the
origins of girls' disadvantage are often not closely connected to the
causes of boys' under-performance. Consequently, it is necessary for
the Committee to consider whether the current policy framework is appropriately
focused on the needs of both boys and girls and whether some changes
might be required."
For 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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