The conclusion, picked up uncritically by the media, was that that gender bias in schools is destroying girls' self esteem. Several other studies, including another one by the AAUW, have since proven the original surveys to be flawed and have come to opposite conclusions. The real truth is schools are neglecting the academic and moral needs of boys and the results are alarming. The tragic string of school shootings, all perpetrated by boys, is only the most jolting manifestation of the problem. Boys are suffering in ways that affect not only their own potential, but also society as a whole.
Girls far outperform boys in school and the gap is widening.
Feminists have long decried the fact that boys do better than girls in math and science, citing as the culprit a lack of opportunity. Far more disturbing is the huge gulf between boys and girls in reading and writing. In these crucial areas, girls are on average, about eighteen months ahead of boys and the chasm appears to be growing. Boys, as a whole are less committed to school and have lower educational aspirations. The Department of Education predicts the ratio will worsen.