Gender Differences in Student Achievement and in Rates of Participation in the School Sector, 1986-1997: A Summary Report

to recent concerns about the educational outcomes of male students in New Zealand. The report concluded that while there are areas where particular concern for male students is warranted, for example, their participation and achievement in English, and levels of suspensions from school, the data presented suggest that any differences in the relative participation and performance of males and females in the school sector are not new. Furthermore, given the considerable differences within each of the groups boys and girls, the more pertinent question to ask with respect to gender is which boys and which girls are not reaching their potential. While gender clearly is important in students school experiences it is important to recognise how gender intersects with other aspects of identity, such as ethnicity, in the school environment. Both male and female students display particular areas where their schooling experiences could be enhanced, and support should in the first instance be directed to those boys and girls who would most benefit