The effort to provide an equitable education to all students has led to extensive research on the effects of racial and ethnic differences, and of gender, on access, learning, and achievement. It has also led to great debate about which student population has been most shortchanged, with the argument about gender inequities perhaps most fierce. The impact of ethnicity on gender differences had been only minimally considered by researchers, however, until the Educational Testing Service (ETS) began looking at the topic several years ago, first with a study on test taking (Willingham & Cole, 1997) and now with a report on a variety of education and employment measures (Coley, 2001).
The ETS publications, while demonstrating generally that there are "more similarities than variations in gender differences among racial/ethnic groups" (Coley, 2001, p. 3) present statistics showing some interesting twists in the way the differences are manifested. They also raise some questions about educational equity that transcend the issue of gender fairness. Thus, as part of an ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education series consisting of facts about specific student groups, this digest presents highlights from the education findings in Richard Coley's Differences in the Gender Gap: Comparisons Across Racial/Ethnic Groups in Education and Work.
Through the Global Gender Gap Report series, the
World Economic Forum has been quantifying the magnitude of gender-based disparities and tracking their progress over time. By providing a comprehensive framework for benchmarking global gender gaps, the Report reveals those countries that are role models in dividing their resources equitably between women and men, regardless of the overall level of those resources. The Report is used by
numerous universities, schools, researchers, media entities, businesses, governments and individuals as a tool for their work.
Girls in science and other STEM subjects - technology, engineering, and mathematics - are underrepresented compared to boys despite the progress made in the 40 years since Title IX was signed into law.
"Since its passage in 1972, Title IX has spawned many changes. More girls than ever are playing sports. Doors have opened for them to take advanced math and science courses. Pregnant and parenting students have more educational opportunities. But most experts and educators say-and the data confirm-that gender equality has yet to be achieved. In this collection, Education Week examines the landmark federal law's history, progress, and remaining barriers. "
New studies find that female students are performing better in school than their male counterparts. Are the boys falling behind, or are the girls just excelling? What is causing the trend? Host Patty Satalia and a group of experts discuss these questions.