Media statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Boys are dropping out, turning off – so is the Minister
Discussions about the gender gap in education achievement are beginning at long last says United Future education
spokesperson Judy Turner, but the Minister is conspicuous by his absence.
“There is gap between girls and boys in education achievement. It is highly alarming, for individuals and New Zealand as
a society and country.
“But where is Steve Maharey? He and the Ministry of Education are ignoring the problem.
“But if they hope it will go away, they’re wrong.
The one thing the Minister has done for boys’ education is to form an advisory body. This has met twice in two years -
which goes to show what priority the Minister places on boys’ education.
“At every step, boys are falling behind girls in education achievement. Yesterday we learned that – surprise, surprise –
this is continuing to university level.
“It’s not good enough or true to say that males are turning to trades. Boys are dropping out and turning off education.
This is waste of potential for an entire generation and will take at least another generation to fix.
“What will it take for Steve Maharey to act?
ENDS