Teachers' Perceptions of "smart" girls: What does it mean for developing girls and young women into leaders?

Based on two studies, one of girls and young women in middle schools and high schools (n=802) and arandom sample of their teachers (n=41), there is evidence that girls and young women are confident in theirviews of themselves as "smart" and do not see any differences in how they are treated by their peers orteachers for being "smart". The evidence from the teachers supports these perceptions and provides aglimpse at what characteristics/behaviors teachers perceive as identifying girls and young women as"smart." This evidence suggests that there is confidence among girls and young women relative to being"smart" which may well provide a basis for the development of skills which are needed to ensure girls andyoung women become leaders in our society