Why boys and girls still don’t have an equal chance at school

by Marilyn Achiron

Editor, Directorate for Education and Skills

So: girls are now widely recognised as better students than boys and as more likely to earn a university-level degree than boys. Gender equality in education is achieved!

Hang on. What happened to the boys? And what about all those high-achieving girls who still shy away from further studies in mathematics and science, and who arch an eyebrow in disbelief when someone suggests a career in engineering or scientific research?

If you want to know why real gender equality in education still eludes us, take a look at The ABC of Gender Equality in Education: Aptitude, Behaviour, Confidence.An analysis of PISA data reveals how student performance is affected by such “intangibles” as behaviour in and outside of school, and self-confidence, and how, in turn, students’ behaviour and confidence can be influenced by parents’ and teachers’ attitudes and expectations.

So, no, we’re not there yet; but this book offers practical ways for teachers, parents and students, themselves, to shrink the gender gap in education outcomes even further – so that girls and boys have an equal chance of fulfilling their potential, both in school and beyond.

Links: 

OECD Press release: Early gender gaps drive career choices and employment opportunities, says OECD

Download the book: The ABC of Gender Equality in Education: Aptitude, Behaviour, Confidence

OECD Gender Portal
Download the summary: PISA in Focus No. 49 What lies behind gender inequality in education?

Join a public webinar  on 5 March, 17:00 CET with Andreas Schleicher, Director of the OECD Education and Skills Directorate, and Francesca Borgonovi, Education Analyst.  Password to register OECDEDU.
Follow on twitter #OECDPISA.

Further reading:

A closer look at gender gaps in education and beyond by Stefan Kapferer, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD 
Girls do better than boys despite inequality, The Telegraph 

Girls Get Good Grades But Still Need Help. As For Boys ... SOS!, NPR news
Academic Science Isn’t Sexist, New York Times
Infographic: ©OECD