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The gender gap in the classroom.

Article Excerpt
Byline: C. L. Waller Daily Herald Staff Writer

Thirteen years after a national study raised concerns about girls' self-esteem in classrooms, the pendulum may be swinging in the other direction.

Some education experts and local school officials say they see evidence boys are falling behind girls in the classroom both socially and academically.

Mundelein High School is one school sounding an alarm after two consecutive years of scores showing boys failing to meet state standards.

"You can't help but worry about our young men when you see these scores," said Sally Pilcher, assistant superintendent for Mundelein High School District 120.

But just what part does gender play?

Some experts say it may be as simple as boys lagging behind girls because they mature later. Others say boys have needs that differ from their female counterparts, and teachers don't spend enough time trying to understand them.

Either way, educators say, they see growing evidence the gap exists, and it is widening.

"Over time, this can lead to a dislike of school or low academic self-esteem," said Dan Kindlon, a Wheaton native who is now a Harvard University professor of child psychology.

So real is the concern that an estimated 300 residents and...

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