Is there a problem in our current public school education concerning boys? What are some of the big challenges that boys are facing in school today? Is there something that parents can do to help their struggling boys? On today's LA talk radio show: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens, David LePere, Executive Director of Cherokee Creek Boys School, joined Lon Woodbury and his co-host Liz McGhee to discuss what some of those challenges are and what parents and schools can do to help their boys that are in a "traditional education setting".
With some whopping national statistics showing the consequences of how our boys are being left behind in the current education model, David shared : 80% of high school drop outs are male, 80% of the D's and F's given out by teachers go to boys and 80% of those getting kicked out of school are males, and these are for numerous reasons: breaking the zero tolerance rule at school, disciplinary problems and acting out (or as we say- "acting like a rascal"- super boy energy) that is disruptive to the class. And to counteract this "rambunctious" energy, many boys are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed medication- with over 11 million kids on medication for this diagnosis, 90% of these medications are consumed by boys. "It's a United States phenomenon" David stated.
"How widespread is this boy problem?" Lon asked. "All boys are challenged in school, the way the classrooms are set up, the way they work and the way homework is given is designed more for the female brain. There are a disproportionate number of males in school that need help. We know that there are strong structural differences between the brains of boys and those of girls, yet public and private schools treat boys and girls as if they have the same brain. Boys are biologically wired with strong from to back connections and tend to use spatial and kinesthetic processes for learning, compartmentalize experiences and education and their play (or socialization) is quite physical. Boys who can't adapt to the 'sit still and listen' environment at traditional schools falter. Add to that the hormones and girls into the mix and these boys can get a very confused brain."
For parents of boys who are struggling in a traditional public or private school setting there are steps they can take to help their child. These are some of the ideas David and his wife came up with in working with our own "wide open" son:
Build a relationship with the teacher.
Set up appointments with them to talk about the problems your son is having and go into the meeting with the thought of trying to help the teacher and your child, rather than be defensive.
Come up with other consequences for your child, rather than taking away their recess ( they need more of that physical movement), perhaps running laps or picking up trash in the school yard.
Don't use school as a punishment
Parent's need to grow relationships with the school administration- since your child will be in school district for years
Become a part of the team to help your school- join the PTA, help with fundraisers
Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.
David LePere has been the Executive Director of Cherokee Creek Boys School since 2007 and has extensive experience working in therapeutic education since 1989.David has served as the Director of a therapeutic wilderness program, a therapeutic boarding high school and middle school and has created adventure based education camps in the USA and Russia. Believing there is value in educating the whole child, David has devoted his work to families and boys, who struggle with traditional school settings and other emotional and behavioral challenges. He and his wife are the parents of 3 school age boys themselves. A public service announcement about:
Saving Teens In Crisis Collaborative (STICC), 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 to assist families of teens struggling with substance abuse and other emotional issues, www.savingteens.org.
We are excited to announce that we have several openings for on-air sponsorship during our show on LA TALK Radio: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens. If you are interested in reserving some air time to promote your school, program or services, contact Kristie Campbell at kristie@woodbury.com or 208-267-5550
If you know somebody (including yourself) who would make a good guest on our show and might be interested,
