The Gender Gap between Boys and Girls Achievement: A Look at Boys’ Perceptions and Their Experiences in Reading at the Elementary and High School Level

How boys were performing academically in the area of literacy, how they perceived themselves as learners, and how they viewed teachers with whom they worked. The study included boys in Western Maine at the elementary and secondary levels. Boys at both levels perceived themselves as competent readers, which was a discrepancy when the standardized test scores were reviewed. Boys at both levels indicated they wanted to learn in a caring, active, and respectful classroom. Educators need to look for ways to engage boys in literacy learning that provides choice, independence, and respectful feedback