High School Graduation Rates Lower for Boys than Girls, Reporting Lifelong Consequences

Gender gap remains unaddressed, with boys more likely to face educational suspensions and mental health challenges, and fewer male students graduating in 2021 than female students for unclear reasons.

• Boys are less likely to graduate high school than girls, despite having access to the same classes and programs; the reasons for this disparity aren't clear.
• Several factors contribute to this gender gap: boys are more likely to face suspensions and other disciplinary actions, and they are less likely to seek help when dealing with mental health issues.
• Despite an initial ease in finding jobs, male students who drop out of high school earn less over their lifetimes and are more likely to end up in jail.
• Boys are often referred to special education at higher rates than girls in early grades and are suspended more frequently, which can disrupt on-time graduation.
• Some schools, like those in Yonkers, New York, are addressing the gender gap by raising graduation rates for boys through initiatives such as mentoring programs.

3 Articles

Fortune Washington Post Associated Press