Category Archives: School Life

Creating Schools Where Black Boys—and All Students—Succeed



Powered by RedCircle What if supporting Black boys could transform education for all students? David Kirkland, founder & CEO of forwardED, believes it can—and research backs him up. In this episode, David challenges educators to put a deliberate focus on Black boys, not just to address persistent disparities in academic achievement and discipline, but because … Continue reading Creating Schools Where Black Boys—and All Students—Succeed


Uplifting Black Boys Benefits All Students



Powered by RedCircle Black boys remain the most vulnerable student population in U.S. schools.  That’s why David Kirkland, founder & CEO of forwardED, is asking educators to “put a deliberate focus on Black boys” this year – to uplift Black boys, of course, but also because research shows that addressing the needs of our most … Continue reading Uplifting Black Boys Benefits All Students


Back to School w a 5th Grade Teacher



Powered by RedCircle It’s back-to-school time!  What does this time of year look like for you & your family? Does your son dread back-to-school? Do you? Or, do you welcome that start of a new school year? Rob Vaughn, a 5th grade teacher, is one of the (too) few male elementary school teachers in the … Continue reading Back to School w a 5th Grade Teacher


Do Schools Create “Problem Boys?”



Powered by RedCircle Boys don’t do as well in school as girls. On the whole, they earn lower grades and more disciplinary referrals. You will typically find more boys in detention than at the top of the class. Are boys the problem? Is there something about masculinity, something about male biology that contributes to these … Continue reading Do Schools Create “Problem Boys?”


Gifted & Twice-Exceptional (2E) Boys



Powered by RedCircle Gifted & twice-exceptional boys often struggle in school, despite their intelligence & talents. In fact, boys who are gifted or twice-exceptional (which means they are gifted & have a learning disability) are considered “problem kids.” Teachers (and other adults) may make boredom as lack of focus, or assume that poor grades indicate … Continue reading Gifted & Twice-Exceptional (2E) Boys


Middle School: Misunderstood or Magic?



Powered by RedCircle Is middle school misunderstood — or magic? For most of us — and many of our kids — middle school is a pretty miserable time. But that’s largely because most educators and parents misunderstand middle schoolers & these critical years. “This is a very pervasive story, that middle school is terrible. But … Continue reading Middle School: Misunderstood or Magic?


Needed: Boy-Friendly Schools



Powered by RedCircle Most schools today aren’t boy-friendly.  That’s one (big!) reason why boys lag behind girls academically. And why so many boys hate going to school. Tyler, a 16-year-old Texas boy, started struggling in middle school. Recess was no more. Classes were 90 minutes long. So, “he found it really hard to sit still … Continue reading Needed: Boy-Friendly Schools


Set Boys Up for School Success



Powered by RedCircle How can boys experience school success?  Parents and educators frequently ask, “How do we help boys thrive in school?” A question we rarely ask is, What can boys do to set themselves up for school success? What can we do to help boys successfully navigate school? “It’s really essential that we, as parents … Continue reading Set Boys Up for School Success


Color Blindness in Boys



Powered by RedCircle Color blindness affects a lot of boys. In fact, 1 in 12 males are color blind. They perceive color differently than most humans. Some see shades of tan instead of vivid reds and greens. Some see life in black, white, and grey. Many don’t realize that they see things differently than their … Continue reading Color Blindness in Boys


Boys in School Task Force



Powered by RedCircle Division 51 of the American Psychological Association launched a Task Force on Boys in School in 2020. Finally! Boys do worse in school, on average, than girls. Boys are more likely to be disciplined, suspended, or expelled than girls — even when their behavior is similar. They’re also less likely to graduate or go … Continue reading Boys in School Task Force