I definitely agree with your second point about the need for structured freedom.

But I heartily disagree with your first and third. Reguardless of the “feel-good” points that are made, the statistics show that boys have suffered which is at odds with both the title and conclusion of the article.

It has not stopped. Just 2 weeks ago, I was listening to “All things considered” on NPR and Noah Adams had 2 female guests on who repeated the often-quoted wisdom that has been the ralying cry for pushing girls to the forefront in educational opportunities (girls do better in all-girl classes, boys and girls put smart girls down, etc…). This ralying cry has had an impact – 33% more girls get into college than boys. Education transates into opportunity and income.

What the author should have said was “Enough! It’s time to give boys equal opportunities.”

Thanks for your comment.

I’m not so sure that you and the author of the article are that far apart with the significant exception that his conclusion is that the pendulum has swung back to a more equitable position recently.

My citing the article was based on my belief that all adolescents need more challenges and “structured freedom” like what the author experienced at Falling Creek.

I just spent the past few weeks sailing on a tall ship with a coed group of at-risk, underserved 13 and 14 year olds and can attest that gender really did not play a factor in the group’s ability to come together as a effective team. Leadership was exercised and shared by both boys and girls throughout the program. If you had sailed with us, I am sure you would be more optimistic about our youth.